The hottest Advice Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

Insomnia Advice

Thing of Things • 176 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Advice
  1. If you have occasional insomnia, believing that lying down with your eyes closed can be almost as beneficial as sleeping might help.
  2. For chronic insomnia, consider trying antidepressants or other sleeping medications under your doctor's guidance. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia is also effective.
  3. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia involves following a strict routine, including tracking sleep patterns, setting a consistent wake-up time, and avoiding napping during the day.

AUTUMN SALE 25% OFF FOREVER

The Common Reader • 531 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
📚 Literature Advice
  1. You can get a 25% discount on a subscription to The Common Reader for a limited time. This is a great chance to access quality literary content.
  2. The platform focuses on understanding classic literature and helps readers deepen their knowledge. Subscribers can participate in discussions about works like Shakespeare's plays.
  3. The paid subscription also offers access to a rich archive of essays and writings about famous literary works, encouraging readers to explore important literature while they can.

Return to the Friend Zone

Bet On It • 301 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Advice
  1. When dating, understand how you rank among people you know. This can help you see your chances realistically.
  2. Visualize how someone you find unattractive would approach dating you. This can give you perspective on your situation.
  3. Sometimes, the best choice is to accept not dating someone and move on for your own betterment.

Notes on Writing

Splitting Infinity • 138 implied HN points • 16 Dec 23
📚 Literature Advice
  1. Writing every day is crucial to improve and establish a habit.
  2. Write about topics that genuinely interest you, not what you think others want to read.
  3. Simplify your writing by omitting unnecessary words and continuously refine your work.

She's the One

Bet On It • 1036 implied HN points • 31 Jul 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Advice
  1. When choosing a partner, prioritize personality over looks.
  2. To determine if someone is the one, see if they treat you with kindness and respect.
  3. Self-improvement and constant evaluation are key in finding and maintaining a successful relationship.
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Dear High School Freshman

In My Tribe • 607 implied HN points • 16 Mar 24
🚌 Education Advice
  1. Make friends with normal, well-adjusted sophomores for connection and maturity.
  2. Keep a journal for writing practice, and tell little stories about yourself and others.
  3. Choose electives based on good teachers and classmates, prioritize people over subject matter.

How Not to Write

Polymathic Being • 63 implied HN points • 24 Aug 25
📚 Literature Advice
  1. Don't worry about finding a specific niche when you start writing. It's better to explore different topics you're curious about and let your unique voice develop naturally.
  2. Outlining isn't necessary for everyone. Sometimes, just diving in and writing can lead to unexpected and exciting discoveries in your story.
  3. You don't have to write every day to be a good writer. Find a rhythm that works for you, like writing in short bursts when inspiration strikes instead of forcing a strict schedule.

The Grass is Always Snowier

Worcester Sucks and I Love It • 78 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Advice
  1. Consider helping your neighbor with snow removal, but don't feel obligated to do it all the time.
  2. If necessary, address neighbor issues like uncleared walkways by reporting to the appropriate authorities.
  3. Maintain boundaries and find alternative solutions, like clearing your own snow instead of always helping your neighbor.

Help! Should I Date Another Ex-Jehovah's Witness?

Xavi Benjamin • 39 implied HN points • 05 Apr 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Advice
  1. Consider dating both ex-JWs and those with no experience in high control religions to find what feels right for you.
  2. Dating someone with a similar religious background can bring healing through understanding shared trauma.
  3. When choosing a partner, consider factors like how you feel around them, shared values, and whether they respect your boundaries and support you.

dear bear: the secretary problem

bookbear express • 385 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Advice
  1. Effort is most useful when correctly directed. Avoid over-optimizing or under-optimizing in relationships. Appreciate what you have while recognizing when to seek more fulfillment.
  2. Understand your values and what truly matters to you in a partner. Consider daily experiences, joy, and genuine connection in assessing your relationship.
  3. Seek advice from honest friends who know you well. Remember, infinite wrong choices won't satisfy, but the right one will bring a fulfilling weight.

This Round is on You

Worcester Sucks and I Love It • 98 implied HN points • 28 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Advice
  1. The column discusses the ethical dilemma of buying alcohol for those not allowed to have it.
  2. It shares a personal story about some risky alcohol-related situations.
  3. The advice suggests inviting the person out for a drink instead of buying alcohol for them.

Do illustrators still need advice ?

On Looking • 259 implied HN points • 18 Aug 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Advice
  1. Think about the context of the advice you give - ensure it is relevant and considerate of the economic reality of individuals.
  2. Consider who needs the advice - it's crucial to question why advice is often directed at illustrators rather than at those with more power in the industry.
  3. Instead of just seeking advice, illustrators need strong communities and proper training to claim their voice and give advice to others.

Being Yourself Won't Be Enough

The Radar • 39 implied HN points • 25 Feb 24
💼 Business Advice
  1. Knowing you're in a game in job interviews is important. It's not just about qualifications, it's about understanding what evidence interviewers need.
  2. Being yourself in a job interview doesn't mean being average; it means being the best version of yourself. Show your unique stories and adapt to the situation.
  3. Make interviewers care in the first 60 seconds by hooking them with a captivating premise. Drop the script and have a genuine conversation to show your human side.

What We Can Learn from Sports

The Heart Attack Diet • 79 implied HN points • 24 Aug 23
🎾 Sports Advice
  1. Don't take weight loss advice from people who have always been in good shape or those who have never had weight issues; listen to those who have successfully gone from fat to thin.
  2. Just like in sports coaching, the best weight loss coaches are often individuals who had to work hard to achieve their own success and can relate to the challenges others face.
  3. When receiving advice for weight loss or sports, trying harder is not always the solution; focus on building the right form and understanding the essence of the guidance provided.

How to do good work and give good advice | #24

pole • 78 implied HN points • 08 Jun 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Advice
  1. Factoring, in algebra and art, involves breaking things apart to reuse useful parts elsewhere.
  2. Great work is often a remix of existing parts and following advocated principles.
  3. When giving advice, focus on asking questions, sharing stories, and providing context rather than giving direct advice.

Date on the Calendar, Where Our Food Comes From, Advice About Advice

Austin's Analects • 19 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🍲 Food & Drink Advice
  1. Having a specific date on the calendar for a goal increases the likelihood of actually achieving it.
  2. Most of the food Americans eat is produced by big corporations, which can be harmful. Support local food sources and communities for better health.
  3. When taking advice, prioritize personal stories and insights from people you admire or aspire to be like over generic advice.

A Roundup (August 2023)

polymathematics • 39 implied HN points • 13 Sep 23
🎙 Podcasts Advice
  1. Monthly roundups can help you discover great podcasts, readings, and projects you might have missed. They're a good way to find new stuff to enjoy.
  2. Listening to writers discuss their process can give you insights into how they generate and refine their ideas. It can inspire your own creativity.
  3. Staying updated with interesting people and tools can enhance your knowledge and skills in various areas. It keeps learning fresh and exciting.

Writing Hack: Retyping a Draft from Scratch

psychotechnology • 13 implied HN points • 04 Jul 25
📚 Literature Advice
  1. When a draft feels rough or disconnected, try retyping it from scratch while looking at the original. This helps improve flow and makes the writing feel more alive.
  2. It’s important to retype even good sentences instead of copy-pasting. This approach helps you reconnect with the text's rhythm and find fresh insights.
  3. If a draft doesn't excite you, it might be better to abandon it. Not every piece needs to be salvaged, and it's okay to move on when something doesn’t resonate.

Most general advice is bad: A conjecture

Philosophy bear • 92 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Advice
  1. General, non-specific advice can often lead people to extreme behaviors.
  2. Platitudinous advice might unintentionally encourage individuals to avoid questioning their actions.
  3. Many times, individuals who already lean towards a certain extreme are more likely to resonate with advice that supports that extreme.

Office Hours

Story Club with George Saunders • 83 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
📚 Literature Advice
  1. On getting an agent: Agents are essential gatekeepers in the publishing world, helping with submissions and negotiations.
  2. Agent relationships: A good agent can relieve pressure by handling business aspects, letting the writer focus on their art.
  3. Agenting advice: Prospective agents should not charge for reading work, should be transparent about edits and submissions, and communication should be open and respectful.

Every Mantra has a Counter-Mantra

Olshansky's Newsletter • 22 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Advice
  1. Every mantra has a counter-mantra, meaning there's always an opposing idea that can offer balance or a different perspective. It's important to remember this when you take advice or hear a popular saying.
  2. Mantras can be viewed as tools rather than strict rules. Just like you wouldn't use a hammer for everything, you shouldn't apply every piece of advice to every situation.
  3. Finding balance in life is not about sticking to one mantra but understanding that different situations may require different approaches or mindsets. It's all about using the right tool at the right time.

Oxford Nanopore Hits ALL TIME Low!

ASeq Newsletter • 43 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
💼 Business Advice
  1. Oxford Nanopore's share price hits all-time low due to high executive compensation.
  2. CEO of Oxford Nanopore received millions in compensation, leading to scrutiny.
  3. Suggestions for Oxford Nanopore include withdrawing certain products and reevaluating business strategies.

The Best Startup Books You've Never Heard Of

Greg’s Substack • 2 HN points • 01 Apr 24
💼 Business Advice
  1. Reading anecdotes and advice from successful entrepreneurs in the startup world helps you understand and learn from their experiences.
  2. There are lesser-known startup books that provide fantastic advice and are engaging reads for anyone interested in building or working in startups.
  3. Key insights from startup books include the importance of testing ideas quickly, the value of working with a good team, and the caution founders should have when celebrating raising money.

Adverbs Are Good

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 20 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
📚 Literature Advice
  1. Adverbs and adjectives enrich writing by adding meaning, specificity, and style. They make language vivid and compelling.
  2. Writing advice advocating for cutting adverbs to achieve brevity may not always hold true in the digital age. Lengthier, in-depth pieces can actually perform well and engage readers.
  3. Finding your own writing style is crucial. Not all writers need to adhere to a strict minimalist approach; embracing your unique voice and style can set you apart in a crowded marketplace.

Naruto's Guide to a Good Pre-Seed Deck

The Zero State • 1 HN point • 05 May 24
💼 Business Advice
  1. Focus on the flow and storytelling in your pre-seed deck to make it memorable.
  2. Ensure clarity by clearly including necessary sections in your pitch, avoiding unnecessary information.
  3. Understand that not all startup advice is foolproof, and be mindful of survivorship and availability bias while considering advice.

Two key areas to focus on to get promoted and do well in your job. Practical advice from Luca Rossi of Refactoring.

Askwhy: UX Research, Product Management, Design & Careers • 33 implied HN points • 28 Feb 23
💼 Business Advice
  1. Great engineers deeply understand tradeoffs and communicate well with others, not just master technical skills.
  2. Invest in talking with mentors and peers for high ROI in learning and growth.
  3. Effective collaboration involves continuous back and forth between engineering, product, and design, not following a linear pipeline.

Some Writing Advice

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 12 implied HN points • 23 Feb 23
🚌 Education Advice
  1. To succeed in writing, be polite but don't be afraid to be aggressive in pitching ideas and networking.
  2. Being reliable and meeting deadlines consistently is a key factor in building trust and advancing in the writing world.
  3. Embrace your uniqueness and find your voice; don't be afraid to be different in a field that often rewards conformity.

Maybe You're Not Actually Trying to Solve Your Problems?

FutureIQ • 1 implied HN point • 30 May 25
📖 Philosophy Advice
  1. We often give better advice to others than we take for ourselves. When faced with our own problems, we might ignore good solutions we would recommend to a friend.
  2. People can solve issues at work but struggle with personal challenges. Sometimes, if we applied the same skills from one area of our life to another, we'd find better outcomes.
  3. Our mindset can get stuck in a low point, causing us to miss out on solutions. It's important to remember that our capacity for action can change over time, and we should revisit problems with a fresh perspective.