The Forward Theory
Confidence doesn’t come first—movement does. The Forward Theory is a podcast about building self-belief through action. Hosted by writer, runner, and mindset geek Sam Abousalbi, each episode explores the feedback loop that changed everything:
Movement → Confidence → Momentum → More Confidence → Movement. If you’re feeling stuck, stalled, or like you’re always starting over, this show will help you shift your mindset, rebuild trust in yourself, and start creating real momentum one step at a time. You don’t need to be ready. You just need to move.
(Formerly "Super Awesome You" and "Super Awesome Runner")
- Update frequency
- every 7 days
- Average duration
- 12 minutes
- Episodes
- 90
- Years Active
- 2022 - 2025
"I can do hard things" - What running my first marathon taught me about life's big challenges
Ever wondered what it takes to transform a simple decision into an extraordinary achievement? Join me, Sam, as I recount my journey of running the New York City Marathon for the first time. You'll he…
[Repost] Do you ever feel like two selves battling one another to change?
Hi all! Another repost this week as I work on new content and some exciting news coming soon! Enjoy another popular episode from the archive.
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This week we cover the feeling of having two different …
[Repost] Are you too focused on the negative things in your life?
I’ll be back real soon with a new episode, but for now here is a fan favorite / all time best episode!
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This week we cover the benefit of journaling positive experiences in your life, and how it can …
The central governor theory or "mind over matter"
This week we tackle the Central Governor theory (aka mind over matter).
If today’s episode resonated, you’ll love my weekly newsletter. Subscribe here for free:
Accepting where you are in an effort to change
Today we talk about the power of accepting where you are today an in effort to change.
If today’s episode resonated, you’ll love my weekly newsletter. Subscribe here for free:
The self-fulfilling prophecy of complaining and being negative -- and how to overcome it
In season 2, we talk about cognitive dissonance and the (negative) power of complaining -- and most importantly, how to start to beat it!
If today’s episode resonated, you’ll love my w…
Season 1 Finale! What's the *ONE* thing that matters most when pursuing a goal?
THANK YOU all for listening to the first season of Super Awesome You. It's been so rewarding to do this work, and I'm so grateful for all of you listening and commenting and sending me messages!
This …
[Mini Episode] You can do great things -- you already do!
This week is a mini episode on how you can do great things... because you already do!
Have any comments/suggestions/ideas/stories to share for season 2? Reach out @superawesomeyou on Instagram or reac…
Identifying as a shortcut to achieving your goal - identify as a winner long before you are
This week we talk about how identifying as a champion/winner/achiever long before you reach your goal is helpful to achieving your goal.
This week's song of the week is We Are The Champions by Queen.
Should you share your goal with others or keep it to yourself?
This week we tackle the question of sharing your goal or not, and if there's any benefits or research to suggest that you should.
The song of the week is "Nothing Else Matters" by Metallica
Are you taking enough "Vitamin N"? (As Kipchoge would put it)
This week's episode we talk about the importance of being an editor in your life, and saying 'no' to things (with kindness), in an effort to focus on what matters most to you.
We also spend a little b…
Are you struggling with meditation? I did too! (Here's my experience meditating for nearly 3 years)
This week I share my experience (and real struggles!) of building a meditation habit, and what I've learned in these ~3 years of meditating every day for 10 minutes a day.
In an upcoming episode, we'l…
Discipline vs motivation - what matters more?
Let's talk about motivation vs discipline and how they play together.
The song of the week is Ready, Steady, Go by Paul Oakenfold.
(I accidentally said Oakenfield, oops!)
If today’s epis…
There is no *one* path to greatness
This week we talk about greatness and the path to it -- most importantly how there is no single path to achieve it.
This week's song of the week is Devil May Cry by Apashe.
If today’s …
Do you need to change your environment to change your life?
This week we talk about habits, and changing environments, and how to break a routine.
No new song of the week this week!
If today’s episode resonated, you’ll love my weekly newsletter.…
Why it's so difficult to start things (and what to do about it) - a brief talk on activation energy
We talk about activation energy, chemical reactions, and how it relates to motivation and your goals. We also talk about catalysts and how to make things easier!
This week's song of the week is Mount …
Right here, right now -- what can you do right now to help you get closer to your goal?
This week we tackle the present moment ,and why it's important to not let yourself get locked up when you imagine the amount of work required to reach your goal.
This week's song of the week is Right …
What would your day look like if you did everything you said you were going to do? (The secret of keystone habits)
This week we start to talk about keystone habits, and the importance of setting intentions and following through.
The song of the week is Unstoppable by Drake, Santigold and Lil Wayne.
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Are you letting fear stand in the way of your success?
This week we talk about how fear can stand in our way, and what to do about it. I know I certainly drive myself crazy because I often know what I need to do to grow my business, but I am afraid to ta…
Are you addicted to your phone? (here's why, if so, and what to start to do about it)
If you're like me (and arguably most people), then you may feel addicted to your phone. I know I certainly am. Here's why we're so easily drawn to our phones from a biological point of view, and some…