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")
Episodes
Motivation is a blip. It gets you rolling, but it won’t carry you across the finish line. Learn why falling in love with the process—not the outcome—is the key to lasting progress.
Are you stuck waiting for the perfect spark of motivation before you start that new project or habit? Sam breaks down why motivation alone won’t carry you through the hard parts, and why learning to love the process is the real game-changer. From marathon...
Movement builds confidence. Confidence builds momentum. Momentum gives you more confidence.
It all starts with action!
You can find more of the show's content here:
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What if the biggest thing standing between you and your dreams is the story you tell yourself every day? Sam dives into how self-limiting beliefs can keep us stuck and shares his personal journey of rewriting his narrative—from thinking he could never finish something to realizing he can do hard things. Discover practical ways to challenge the stories that shrink you and embrace empowering storylines that fuel your growth.
Happy 1st of July everyone! I'm taking this week off for the holiday, will be back soon with new episodes! Please enjoy one of the most popular episodes of the show and keep on being super awesome!
This week we tackle mantras, and why I think they can totally work at helping you achieve your goals. I also talk about the importance of believing in yourself!
If today’s episode resonated, you’ll love my weekly ...
Do you find yourself always saying, “I’ll do it tomorrow”? Sam dives into the powerful realization that the motivated, ready version of you only comes into being when you start today. Learn how to overcome procrastination born of fear, set small actionable steps, and turn intentions into real progress. If you want to break free from the endless “tomorrow” loop and start becoming who you want now, this episode is for you.
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Do you ever feel like quitting because you’re not seeing progress fast enough? Sam shares a powerful metaphor about riding the same bus route from a recent book he read (4000 Weeks: Time Management for Mortals) where the first stops look the same no matter the destination to explain why patience and persistence are the keys to success. Learn how to recognize subtle wins, trust the process, and keep showing up, even when the results...
After a decade of reading countless self-help and personal development books, Sam reveals the three foundational principles that underpin them all: being present, showing up, and letting go.
Dive into how mastering these pillars can bring calm, focus, and fulfillment to your journey. Whether you’re new to self-improvement or a seasoned reader, this episode offers a fresh, practical perspective on what really matters.
Hi everyone! Taking a little mid-season break for a couple of weeks. Hope you all enjoy the unofficial beginning of summer!
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 Everest by Labrinth.
If today’s episode resonated, you’ll love my weekly newslette...
Hi everyone! Taking a little mid-season break for a couple of weeks. Hope you all enjoy the unofficial beginning of summer!
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.
If today’s episode resonated, you’ll love my weekly newsletter. Subscribe...
Have you ever paused in the middle of pursuing your dream and wondered, “What am I doing?” This week, I explore that all-too-familiar moment of self-doubt, why your brain tries so hard to keep you safe (and stuck), and how you can embrace uncertainty to push through anyway. Listen for encouragement, insight, and the gentle reminder that your dreams are always worth another try — even when it feels messy.
If today’s e...
Ever believed you were too old or stuck in your ways to learn something new? This week, I dive deep into the fascinating science of neuroplasticity — the brain’s incredible ability to adapt, grow, and rewire itself at any stage of life. Discover how embracing your brain’s natural flexibility can transform fear into confidence, struggles into strengths, and doubts into exciting possibilities.
Life happens! Due to a jury duty summons, and some friends in town, I was unable to record a new episode this week -- so I'm choosing an audience favorite on downtime, since that felt most appropriate. See you next week!
This week we discuss the importance of down time, and not scheduling every minute of your day with activity.
The song of the week of Eminem's Lose Yourself.
If today’s episode reson...
Think gratitude is just about feeling good? What if it’s actually your key to success? Discover how daily thankfulness can rewire your brain for happiness and opportunity.
This week I dive into a topic near and dear to my heart: gratitude. And specifically how I think it helps us be more successful in our endeavors, and how it helps us feel happier and more content with life.
If today’s episode resonated, you’ll ...
You’ve done hard things before, and you can do them again.
It's so easy to look past all the work we've put into our lives, and to keep moving the goal post...but if we do that all the time, we tend to strip away any and all the joy of achievement.
This week includes a small homework assignment for all of us to reflect on!
If today’s episode resonated, you’ll love my weekly newsletter. Subscribe here for fre...
Do you feel like you’ve missed your chance to pursue your dreams? In this episode, Sam shares why it’s never too late to reinvent yourself, chase your goals, and find clarity in life’s constraints. Whether you’re starting fresh at 20 or pivoting at 50, it’s time to believe you’re right on time. Tune in for the motivation to take the next step—today.
If today’s episode resonated, you’ll love my weekly newsletter. Subs...
Hi everyone! This week I'm doing a podcast episode swap with Taylor S from My First Marathon podcast (you can find it here: https://www.myfirstmarathonpodcast.com/ )
I had such a fun time talking with Taylor about my experience running the NYC marathon for the first time, and my journey with running overall. Hope you enjoy, and please be sure to check out her awesome podcast!!
a
If today’s episode resonated, you...
What happens when your motivation runs dry but your goals remain unchanged? That's the central question explored in this relatable episode of the Super Awesome You podcast, where host Sam delves into the challenging reality of pursuing long-term goals amid fluctuating motivation levels.
The truth is uncomfortable but liberating: you simply do the work anyway. Sam shares personal experiences from podcast creation to ma...
This week I sit down with Taylor S from My First Marathon Podcast, and we talk about motivation, drive, overcoming challenges during those long training blocks, and the power of words and community in helping us get over the hump.
You can find Taylor's podcast here:
https://www.myfirstmarathonpodcast.com/
As well find her on Instagram/Threads here:
Hi everyone, Sam here! As promised, this week I'm off (but will be back next week with a new exciting episode!!) so here's a favorite on the podcast, "What matters most when pursuing a goal". This was the S1 season finale if you missed it the 1st go round.
Hope you all have a super awesome week as always! See you next week!
If today’s episode resonated, you’ll love my weekly newsletter. Subscribe h...
Less than a week away from the NYC Half, and I'm reminded of my experience running the FDR highway, looking at the UN building, and feeling like I'm never actually getting closer to it. This ends up being a good segue for me to talk about progress towards long-term goals, and how difficult it can be when what you want is months/years away--and a helpful tip on how to deal with that moment to keep you on track!
P.S. Next we...
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