The hottest Personal Growth Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Health & Wellness Topics

Coleman Hughes: I Just Did Therapy in Public

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1089 implied HN points • 03 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Self-help Mental health Philosophy Communication Personal Growth
  1. There are four desires that can lead people off track: power, wealth, pleasure, and honor. Focusing too much on any of these can harm your life.
  2. Self-reflection is important, and sometimes we need to ask ourselves what we truly value. This can lead to better understanding and happiness.
  3. Therapy can be helpful for specific issues, but doing it in a group or public setting can bring different insights and challenges. It’s about connecting deeply with our thoughts and feelings.

Grandiose Narcissism, Stamina, Claremont McKenna College

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 890 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Psychology Education Social Issues Personal Growth Literature
  1. Praising kids too much can actually lead to grandiose narcissism instead of healthy self-esteem. It's better to encourage them to develop confidence in a balanced way.
  2. Many young men are not working and rely on government help. Increased screen time, especially from video games and porn, is a big part of why they're working less.
  3. Surprisingly, getting intimate with a regulated sex worker in Nevada may be safer from STIs than being with an average young woman in San Antonio.

Suzy Weiss: Admit It, Being an Adult Is Hard

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1112 implied HN points • 28 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Education Life Skills Relationships Personal Growth
  1. Many young adults feel unprepared for real life and common tasks, like cooking or handling finances. It's normal to struggle with adult responsibilities.
  2. Workshops and classes focusing on adult skills, like listening and managing relationships, are becoming popular. They help people learn what they missed out on in school.
  3. People today are facing unique challenges, like fewer kids and financial stress. Sharing experiences in community settings can provide support during tough transitions.

The alms round

Silentium • 59 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Meditation Community Support Personal Growth Mindfulness
  1. The writer is asking for support to help cover the costs of running their work, including internet and equipment, as they prepare to move to a new location.
  2. They have experienced unexpected financial strains due to the relocation and the need for a new internet setup, among other things.
  3. The writer encourages readers to consider supporting their work through subscriptions, donations, or participating in their courses, emphasizing that even small contributions are appreciated.

Open Thread: What are your most helpful ideas for difficult times?

Everything Is Amazing • 1642 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Life Advice Self-care Personal Growth Community support
  1. Most people are generally good, and if they're not, it's often because they're scared. This helps us understand and forgive others better.
  2. It's important to focus on what you stand for instead of just what you oppose. This creates a positive environment for discussion and teamwork.
  3. When you feel anxious, try doing something physically active. It can help clear your mind and improve your mood.
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Becoming prayer

Silentium • 659 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Prayer Silence Meditation Spiritual Practices Personal Growth
  1. Being in silence can help deepen our connection to prayer. It's a good way to focus and reflect on our thoughts.
  2. Taking time for quiet moments can lead to peace and clarity in our lives. It's worth making it a regular practice.
  3. Inviting silence into our daily routine can transform how we think and feel. It allows us to slow down and appreciate the moment.

Decide You Are Not Done

The American Peasant • 2914 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Art Sports Lifestyle Education Personal Growth
  1. When you want to improve a skill, don't just stop at what's easy. Keep going to push your limits, like continuing to practice a sport even if you don't enjoy it.
  2. Focusing on a specific task for longer can lead to better results. Working longer on the same project can help you learn more and improve your work.
  3. Practicing in a challenging way, instead of just going through the motions, makes a difference. Trying hard things can lead to great improvements, even if it feels frustrating at times.

When the Phone Stops Ringing

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1159 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Aging Music Art Personal Growth Resilience
  1. Living in New York and having a supportive partner has made life very fulfilling. Enjoying a successful music career is something to be grateful for.
  2. Having muscular dystrophy changed life dramatically, but it also taught important lessons about resilience and asking for help. It's a journey that forced personal growth.
  3. The wheelchair experience has made interactions with others deeper and more empathetic. It highlighted the importance of valuing what you have and understanding different perspectives.

Seven Years of Lovely LaJuan

Glenn Loury • 2579 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Relationships Marriage Personal Growth Emotional Expression Life reflections
  1. Marriage can grow and deepen over time, just like how the love shared between partners can become stronger with each passing year.
  2. It's important to cherish and appreciate your partner, recognizing the unique qualities that make them special.
  3. Commitment in a relationship means treating each other as equals and always showing love and respect.

#224: Aging out of precociousness

Maybe Baby • 1643 implied HN points • 08 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth Writing Parenting Aging Wisdom
  1. Aging means letting go of being 'wise beyond your years' and feeling more at ease with your own growth. It's nice not to feel pressured to prove anything.
  2. Experiencing life teaches valuable lessons that can't be rushed. It’s better to learn things through real experiences rather than just trying to sound knowledgeable.
  3. Admiring younger people for their talent can be fulfilling, and it's refreshing to embrace being at a different life stage without competing against them.

E is for Engaged

Trevor Klee’s Newsletter • 1343 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Marriage Relationships Social norms Identity Personal Growth
  1. Marriage offers a unique legal recognition of a relationship, which is still valued despite other ways to have companionship or support.
  2. The desire to commit to a partner is strong, especially in a world where many options are closing and people often feel scattered.
  3. Getting married symbolizes a choice to focus on one person and build a life together, rather than constantly wondering about other possibilities.

Choosing My Glasses

Holly’s Newsletter • 1428 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth Mental health Self-Expression Life experiences
  1. Negativity bias means we often focus more on bad experiences than good ones. It's important to notice when we're doing this and try to look for the positives instead.
  2. Working on overcoming negativity bias can be tough, but it starts with accepting that we have it. Sharing good moments with others can help shift our focus to the positive.
  3. Finding supportive professionals in areas like therapy or training can make a big difference. It’s nice to meet people who understand our fears and can guide us through challenging experiences.

In-person event, an interview, a personal note and a political comment

Charles Eisenstein • 6 implied HN points • 03 Mar 25
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth Storytelling Community Technology impact Political Commentary
  1. Take breaks for mental and physical health. Rest is really important to recharge and enjoy life.
  2. Many people feel torn between different political views. It's valuable to understand various perspectives without choosing sides.
  3. There's a unique gathering happening at the Omega Institute focused on a new and ancient story. It blends different financial contributions to make it accessible for everyone.

Could You Live Without a Computer? I Can.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1140 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Lifestyle Digital detox Mental health Technology impact Personal Growth
  1. Living without a computer can lead to more free time and less distraction. It feels good to focus on real life instead of being pulled into the digital world.
  2. Using technology in moderation can be really tough because devices are made to grab your attention all the time. It's better to find ways to minimize your tech use completely.
  3. Switching to a less advanced phone helped improve one's life, but it’s still a challenge to resist using computers, especially when trying to write or stay productive.

A well-lived life means wasting some time

Wondering Freely • 1468 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Mindfulness Stoicism Personal Growth
  1. It's okay to waste some time in life. Taking things slow can actually help you enjoy life more than just rushing through every moment.
  2. Living life to the fullest doesn't mean doing everything on a checklist. Sometimes, just relaxing and being yourself is more fulfilling.
  3. Feeling guilty for not being constantly productive is normal, but learning to rest and take breaks is important for your happiness.

The Surprising Pleasures of Widowhood

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1057 implied HN points • 08 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Aging Grief Relationships Personal Growth Wellness
  1. Losing a partner can bring intense feelings, but it can also lead to unexpected happiness and personal growth. Many find that life after loss can be richer than they anticipated.
  2. Being in a support group for caregivers is helpful, as it offers a safe space to share experiences and emotions with others who understand.
  3. Cherishing the good memories and communicating love at the end can bring peace during difficult times and contribute to healing afterward.

local man sends 2nd email after 1st only gets 3 responses

Both Are True • 102 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Creativity Communication Self-reflection Community Personal Growth
  1. Sometimes, when reaching out, we can feel anxious if we don't get the responses we expect. It's normal to worry about how others perceive us.
  2. Sending a follow-up message can be scary, but it can also be an opportunity to express yourself honestly. You might be surprised by how good it feels.
  3. Being open about our imperfections can help reduce feelings of shame. It's better to be genuine than to strive for a perfect image.

Starting Early

Obvious Bicycle • 854 implied HN points • 04 Jun 25
🚌 Education Learning Skills Personal Growth Motivation Development
  1. Starting early is important for mastery. Many successful people began their passion before they turned ten, showing that practice over time leads to excellence.
  2. Be prepared to struggle when learning something new. Everyone starts off as a beginner and it takes time and effort to become skilled.
  3. Time will pass regardless, so it's better to start working on your goals now. You'll grow and have something to show for it in the future.

the cure for shame is...

Both Are True • 99 implied HN points • 16 Jun 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Fitness Nutrition Self-care Personal Growth
  1. Tracking numbers can make us feel like our worth is based on data, like weight or followers. But this often leads to shame and obsession.
  2. There’s more to our value than just the metrics we obsess over. Personal experiences, feelings, and connections also matter a lot.
  3. It's important to talk about our struggles with shame and analytics because many people experience this but don’t discuss it openly.

Mental bric-a-brac

Disaffected Newsletter • 1258 implied HN points • 03 Sep 24
🎭️ Culture Mental health Personal Growth Social Commentary Cultural critique
  1. The word 'autism' has lost its meaning and can refer to many unrelated conditions or traits, making it confusing for people to understand what it really means.
  2. People can change their beliefs over time, especially about deep, personal topics, often through therapy and self-reflection.
  3. Normal, decent people might unknowingly support harmful behaviors because they assume everyone has good intentions, which makes them vulnerable to manipulation.

An essay about a failed essay about failure

The Commonplace • 622 implied HN points • 26 May 25
📚 Literature Essays Writing Humor Philosophy Personal Growth
  1. Writing about failure can be tough and might take away the joy of writing if not approached with the right mindset. It's important to not let the pressure to be clever ruin your passion.
  2. Failure is something everyone experiences, and it's okay to acknowledge it. It can teach us important lessons, especially when we learn to laugh at ourselves and the situation.
  3. Humility comes from recognizing our failures, but it should be approached carefully. It's not just about feeling small, but understanding our place in relation to others and the world.

300 words for 300 posts

Boundless by Paul Millerd • 283 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Writing Creativity Personal Growth Communication Community
  1. Having a regular writing practice helps keep creativity flowing. It's a great way to express thoughts and connect with others.
  2. Quality doesn't always need to be perfect; what's important is to keep sharing. Sometimes, just getting your ideas out is the best part of the process.
  3. Building a community around your work can lead to unexpected friendships and opportunities. Engaging with your audience is rewarding and fulfilling.

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 589 implied HN points • 30 May 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Media Lifestyle Personal Growth
  1. The importance of sticking with things even when they seem slow or dull can lead to valuable insights. Don't rush through; take your time to absorb it all.
  2. Getting enough sleep is crucial for both physical and mental health. When sleep is lacking, life can feel tougher and more challenging.
  3. Reading essays and deep articles can help us connect with our emotions and experiences. They often reveal deeper truths about being human.

When I find myself in times of trouble, mother math comes to me

The Intrinsic Perspective • 9701 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Life Advice Mental health Statistics Personal Growth Complex Systems
  1. Life has ups and downs, and problems often come in clusters. It's normal to feel overwhelmed when things go wrong.
  2. When you're at a low point, remember that life is like a rollercoaster with many twists and turns. Things often improve after tough times.
  3. Statistically, when you feel at your worst, it might actually be the moment before things start to get better. Hang in there!

Five Advanced Meditation Techniques (also, drugs)

Superb Owl • 4396 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Meditation Mental health Personal Growth Mindfulness Self-Improvement
  1. Experimenting with different meditation techniques can help if you're feeling stuck. Trying new methods like kasina or mirror gazing can bring fresh perspectives and experiences.
  2. Pain can be a powerful focus during meditation. Instead of avoiding discomfort, you can lean into it to gain better awareness and understanding of your sensations.
  3. Using substances like cannabis or psychedelics may enhance meditation experiences, but it's important to be cautious and not become overly dependent on them.

Dreaming About Going Back to the Land? I Did It.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 9993 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Lifestyle Nature Personal Growth Education Food
  1. Living on a farm brings a deep understanding of nature's realities. It's a reminder that not everything can be controlled, like waiting for hens to lay eggs.
  2. The transition from city life to a rural lifestyle can be challenging and unexpected. It often requires tough decisions, like dealing with the life and death of animals.
  3. Nature teaches valuable life lessons that many people might overlook in a digital age. Embracing these lessons can lead to personal growth and a reevaluation of what really matters in life.

The Gamble of Meeting New People

Devansh’s Newsletter • 15 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Social Interaction Relationships Art Appreciation Personal Growth Human connection
  1. Meeting new people can be tiring and often feels like a gamble. Most of the time, it doesn't lead to exciting conversations.
  2. But sometimes, you meet someone who surprises you and makes the experience worth it. Those few amazing connections are like hitting the jackpot.
  3. This thrill of meeting new people is addictive because you never know when you'll find that special, fascinating conversation that expands your world.

Celebrating wins

Ben’s Blog 🏉 🧠🧑‍💻 • 21 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🎾 Sports Athletics Competition Public Speaking Personal Growth
  1. Celebrating your wins helps boost your energy and motivation. It's important to take a moment to enjoy your achievements instead of just focusing on what to improve.
  2. Public speaking can be challenging, but overcoming that fear can lead to great personal growth and satisfaction. It feels rewarding to push through and succeed in something you once dreaded.
  3. Having a positive mindset about your journey can inspire you to keep improving. Working with a coach can help elevate your skills and spread a good message about mental health and performance.

no, they don't hate you

Both Are True • 111 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Mental health Relationships Self-reflection Personal Growth Creativity
  1. People often worry that others hate them, but they might actually be feeling the same insecurity. It's a common cycle of doubt.
  2. Instead of assuming someone dislikes you, it's better to recognize that they might be preoccupied with their own fears and feelings.
  3. Understanding that both sides might be feeling misunderstood can help break the cycle of negative thoughts and improve relationships.

A Year in Sardinia

The Analog Family • 759 implied HN points • 26 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Language Learning Cultural Exchange Travel experiences Personal Growth
  1. Living abroad without smartphones leads to real immersion in the culture and language. It helps you learn and connect deeply with your surroundings.
  2. Feeling lost and homesick is part of the process, but overcoming these feelings can lead to personal growth and lifelong friendships.
  3. Modern communication tools can make it too easy to escape discomfort instead of fully engaging with new experiences, which may hinder genuine learning.

The gifts of presence (Road Notes #1, Colorado)

Neckar’s Notes • 93 implied HN points • 08 Jun 25
🏝 Travel Adventure Nature Road trips Personal Growth Exploration
  1. Being fully present in the moment can lead to wonderful discoveries in life. Taking the time to appreciate your surroundings and just sit can reveal hidden treasures.
  2. Stepping away from a busy and narrow life can bring balance and new perspectives. Embracing open skies and spontaneous experiences can help recharge your spirit.
  3. Meaningful interactions often come from giving your full attention to others. It’s amazing how a small amount of patience and curiosity can turn simple conversations into deep connections.

Making Space When the World Feels Heavy

Tech and Tea • 115 implied HN points • 15 Jun 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Self-care Journaling Mindfulness Personal Growth
  1. Creating space for yourself is really important, especially when life feels overwhelming. It helps you stay grounded and think clearly.
  2. Having a little structure or routine can make it easier to carve out that space. Simple rituals can help you relax and let go of stress.
  3. Guided journaling or courses can provide support and accountability. They make it more likely you'll show up for yourself and find clarity on what you really want.

What I'm Thankful For

Freddie deBoer • 10643 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Thanksgiving Family Mental health Media Personal Growth Food
  1. Being thankful for loved ones is essential. Family and friends provide support in tough times.
  2. Thanksgiving is a favorite holiday because it focuses on gratitude without the stress of gift-giving. It’s a time to relax and enjoy good food and company.
  3. Mental health medications can be life-saving. They have helped many people rebuild their lives, despite some negative opinions about them.

i failed vs. i'm a failure

Both Are True • 161 implied HN points • 03 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Self-help Mental health Personal Growth Community
  1. Saying 'I failed' focuses on a specific mistake and helps you move on, while saying 'I'm a failure' makes it feel like a part of your identity and can lead to shame.
  2. The 'failure bow' is a fun way to acknowledge mistakes and celebrate them, instead of feeling bad. It's okay to cheer for yourself and others when you fail!
  3. It's important to separate your actions from your self-worth. Just because you failed at something doesn't mean you are a failure as a person.

An open letter to 56 people I know

Sasha's 'Newsletter' • 4473 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Relationships Friendship Self-reflection Personal Growth Communication
  1. It's important to recognize and appreciate the goodness in yourself, even if it's hard to see. Everyone has value, and it's essential to remind ourselves of that.
  2. Friendship can deeply impact our lives, providing support during tough times and helping us grow. A genuine connection can make us feel normal and understood.
  3. We often admire others for their unique talents and perspectives, which might inspire us to reflect on our strengths and insecurities. It's great to have people in our lives who challenge and motivate us.

The hardest thing about adulthood

Residual Thoughts • 99 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth Career Choices Relationships Life philosophy Self-reflection
  1. As adults, it's often harder to know what we truly want rather than just getting it. This can lead to feelings of being lost or unsure about our life direction.
  2. Many people struggle to balance prestige and lifestyle when choosing a career. It can be tough to figure out what matters more to you.
  3. One way to deal with uncertainty is to understand yourself better through reflection. Alternatively, you can choose something and fully commit to it, which might lead to more fulfillment.

Embracing NYC through a cold February

Soaring Twenties • 131 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Urban life Parenting Personal Growth Travel Family Dynamics
  1. Embracing your current situation can lead to personal growth. Finding beauty in everyday life, even in a cold winter, can make you appreciate your surroundings more.
  2. Dreaming of nicer places won't change your challenges. Problems don’t disappear just because you’re in a different location; what matters is how you deal with them now.
  3. Instead of wishing for a perfect scenario elsewhere, focus on making your current life fulfilling. Cherishing the little moments with loved ones can bring warmth to even the coldest days.