Stream of Consciousness

Stream of Consciousness explores personal growth, motivation, and the subtle art of living through a mix of philosophical musings and practical advice. It emphasizes embracing challenges, the importance of perspective, and the benefits of structure while highlighting how choices and mindfulness in small habits can lead to profound changes.

Personal Development Philosophy Practical Advice Mindfulness Motivation Productivity Creativity

The hottest Substack posts of Stream of Consciousness

And their main takeaways

alright alright alright

59 implied HN points • 09 Dec 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Writing Music
  1. The author reflects on the initial fears and doubts they had about starting a newsletter and how they overcame them by embracing new writing opportunities.
  2. The author discusses the importance of physical training and how it can lead to a sense of capability and confidence.
  3. The author shares their love for words and the power of concise vocabulary to convey rich meanings.

1 simple habit to be more persuasive

1 HN point • 23 Feb 24
💼 Business Marketing Behavioral Economics Sales Persuasion
  1. Offering only one option reduces the perceived value of that option. Comparing it to alternatives makes it more appealing.
  2. When presenting a product, service, or idea, always contrast it with other options to enhance its desirability.
  3. The decoy effect showcases how introducing a less desirable third option can shift preferences towards a more expensive choice, highlighting the power of comparison.

three articles I enjoyed this week

0 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Meditation Productivity Personal Development
  1. Efficient meditation can be achieved by practicing broad awareness, rather than a forced focus on a single object.
  2. Waiting for optimal conditions may not always be the best strategy for starting projects; being proactive and taking action is often more beneficial.
  3. Developing high agency, or the ability to be resourceful and proactive, can make life more exciting and challenges more enjoyable.
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perspective

0 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Perspective Parable Music History Philosophy
  1. The value of things can change drastically based on how we perceive them, as shown by the example of an old MacBook and a famous story linked to it.
  2. Actors like Paul Giamatti sometimes struggle to portray themselves authentically, showing the importance of changing perspectives to feel more comfortable.
  3. The Chinese parable about a farmer losing his horse highlights the idea that events aren't inherently good or bad, but our interpretation determines how we view them.

productive wandering

0 implied HN points • 29 Dec 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Productivity Self-Improvement
  1. Wandering can be a powerful tool for creative problem-solving, often overlooked in adulthood
  2. Successful individuals like Jeff Bezos and James Dyson embrace 'lateral thinking' and not having all the answers
  3. Asking 'dumb' questions and exploring various answers without judgment can lead to innovative solutions and deeper understanding

when you're stuck, work on something else

0 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Wellness Mental health Self-care Physical health
  1. When stuck, try working on something else - it can help unlock solutions by giving your brain a break and allowing ideas to develop in the background.
  2. Taking a break from a problem can lead to breakthroughs - it's like letting your subconscious work on the issue while your conscious mind focuses elsewhere.
  3. Don't force progress - sometimes persistence means stepping away from a challenge and coming back to it later, letting your mind work in the background.

the salt trap

0 implied HN points • 23 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Success Reflection Well-being Contentment
  1. Success can sometimes become a trap, leading us to situations where what we have can actually limit us.
  2. The story of the baboon in the salt trap illustrates how clinging too tightly to success can prevent us from seeking fulfillment and true well-being.
  3. It's important to reassess what we value and be willing to walk away from situations that no longer align with our well-being and happiness.

my gourmet coffee routine

0 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🍲 Food & Drink Coffee Brewing Quality Ingredients Rituals
  1. Creating a consistent gourmet coffee routine involves attention to detail like water temperature, bean quality, and brewing method.
  2. Using specific tools like an Aeropress and grinder, along with precise measurements, can elevate the coffee experience.
  3. Small adjustments, like spritzing water on ground beans or using a specific mug, can make a significant difference in the final cup of coffee.

awkward starts

0 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity Inspiration Journey Expression
  1. Starting something new can be daunting, but it's important to embrace the imperfect beginnings.
  2. Even successful individuals like comedians have awkward starts and iterate to perfection.
  3. The early phases of any endeavor, whether personal or professional, are essential steps toward growth.