The hottest Life lessons Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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My Lucky Scars

The American Peasant • 1956 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Personal Stories Memoirs Life lessons Craftsmanship Anecdotes
  1. Scars can remind us of important lessons and experiences. They serve as a reminder to be careful and think twice before acting.
  2. Old tools can hold special significance, especially if they have a story behind them. Restoring a beloved tool can bring back fond memories.
  3. Life has cycles, just like repairing and using old tools. It's a reminder to cherish what matters and stay focused on what's important.

For Christmas I Got Myself A Brand New Phobia

Everything Is Amazing • 2756 implied HN points • 25 Dec 24
😂 Humor Personal Stories Anxiety Travel experiences Life lessons
  1. Panic attacks can happen to anyone, even those who usually stay calm. It's surprising when something so unexpected hits us.
  2. A fear of flying is common and can be irrational, affecting many people. Even knowing that flying is statistically safe doesn't always help.
  3. Dealing with unexpected situations, like travel mishaps, can be tough, but it can also present an opportunity for personal growth and new experiences.

Friends & Family

Spilled Coffee • 108 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Family Friendship Memories Life lessons Nostalgia
  1. Spending time with friends and family is what really matters in life. It feels like no time has passed when you see them again, no matter how long it's been.
  2. Cherish the memories you have with loved ones, as they are what you will hold onto in the end. Physical things don't last, but the moments shared do.
  3. Don't wait for special occasions or sad events to reconnect with those you care about. Make the effort to reach out and enjoy the time together while you still can.

What Surfing Has Taught Me

Remarkable People • 479 implied HN points • 21 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Sports Personal Growth Family Nature Life lessons
  1. It's never too late to start something new, like surfing. Trying new things can teach you valuable lessons about perseverance.
  2. The ocean doesn't care about who you are, so always respect it. This is a great reminder to stay aware of the bigger forces in life.
  3. To improve at a skill, like surfing, you need the right equipment. Using the right tools can make a big difference in how well you learn and succeed.
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“Do You Do Lawns Too?”

Remarkable People • 559 implied HN points • 14 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Racism Identity Self-Improvement Communication Life lessons
  1. It's important not to look for problems where there may be none. Sometimes people mean well, and we might misinterpret their intentions.
  2. Taking the high road means responding calmly and graciously instead of reacting with anger. It's usually a better choice.
  3. We should give others the benefit of the doubt. Not every comment is meant to offend, and it's good to approach situations with openness.

When your dreams slowly fade away and you feel stuck in life...

Subtle Digressions • 619 implied HN points • 27 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Self-help Life lessons Personal Growth Reflection Dreams
  1. Dreams often fade as time goes by, and people may feel stuck and lost in their lives. It's common to start off with big hopes and face self-doubt along the way.
  2. As years pass, many feel overwhelmed and see others achieving their goals while they struggle. This can lead to feelings of despair and regret about missed opportunities.
  3. One day, a spark of that old dream can reignite hope. It reminds us that it’s never too late to pursue what we truly want and to tell our own story.

What’s Missing?

Remarkable People • 759 implied HN points • 27 Jun 24
🚌 Education Motivation Life lessons Inspiration Personal Growth
  1. Asking 'What's missing?' helps you see where improvements can be made. It's a great question to avoid mistakes and think critically about any situation.
  2. Learning from experienced and remarkable people can inspire new ideas. Their stories can guide you in your own journey and help you grow.
  3. Commencement speeches often get forgotten, but focusing on one key message can make it memorable. Simplifying your takeaways can create a lasting impact.

Motivation 101 by Guy Kawasaki

Remarkable People • 519 implied HN points • 17 Jul 24
🚌 Education Motivation Personal Growth Storytelling Life lessons Self-help
  1. What really matters is that you find something that motivates you, no matter what it is. It doesn't have to be a big or noble goal; any drive can lead to success.
  2. Your personal experiences can shape what inspires you. For example, wanting a better car can be just as motivating as wanting to change the world.
  3. Don't stress too much about the nature of your motivations. What's important is that you are motivated to work hard and strive for your goals.

Breaking Free from Perfectionism

Perspectives • 5 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Self-Improvement Parenting Psychology Life lessons
  1. Perfectionism can cause a lot of anxiety and stress. It's not about doing things perfectly but about finding faults and feeling never good enough.
  2. To overcome perfectionism, it's important to embrace failure. Learning from mistakes helps you grow and builds resilience.
  3. Recovering from perfectionism means accepting that it's okay to be imperfect. It's about forgiving yourself and finding balance in life, rather than rigidly following rules.

Not Everyday Goes As Planned

Spilled Coffee • 80 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth Life lessons Resilience Storytelling Mental health
  1. Not every day goes smoothly; sometimes things go wrong unexpectedly. It's normal to feel stressed when life throws challenges your way.
  2. Even tough situations can turn out for the best. What seems like a problem can lead to better outcomes later.
  3. Life is full of twists and turns. When facing obstacles, it's important to find new paths instead of getting discouraged.

Embrace the plateau

Wednesday Wisdom • 151 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Self-discovery Life lessons Personal Growth Mastery Emotional Health
  1. The plateau in life is a normal phase where you might feel stuck, but it's also the time you really start mastering skills. Instead of rushing through it, take it as an opportunity to deepen your understanding.
  2. As you age, your energy and focus shift, making it essential to choose where you invest your effort wisely. It's okay to slow down and be strategic about your goals.
  3. Recognizing the limits of your abilities can help you embrace the plateau and focus on refining what you already know, rather than constantly seeking new challenges.

From Great to Good: When Keith Drury Felt Like a Failure

DruGroup • 339 implied HN points • 28 Apr 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Life lessons Personal Growth Family Dynamics Leadership Legacy
  1. It's okay to feel like a failure sometimes. We all go through tough times and self-doubt, but those moments can lead us to important changes.
  2. Choosing to focus on being a good person rather than seeking greatness can lead to a more fulfilling life. It's about the impact we have on others, not just our achievements.
  3. Life is not just about being famous or successful. What really matters is being faithful and good in our actions and relationships.

What I Wish I Knew When I Was In College

Castalia • 879 implied HN points • 02 Dec 23
🚌 Education Writing Tips Personal Growth Life lessons
  1. Everything around you is interesting. If you want to be a writer or creative, take notes on your life and thoughts because they can inspire your work later.
  2. You are enough just as you are. It's important to love yourself for who you are now, not who you hope to become.
  3. Success often comes from confidence. People are attracted to positive energy, so believe in yourself and keep pushing through challenges.

Managed decline

Logging the World • 418 implied HN points • 25 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Narrative Luck Life lessons Career
  1. Spurious precision in quantifying data can lead to misleading conclusions. It's important to question the validity and relevance of highly specific measurements.
  2. Success in fields like sports, work, or academia is influenced by luck and chance. It's crucial to acknowledge these factors in evaluating performance and outcomes.
  3. Random events play a significant role in everyone's career. It's essential to maintain perspective during both highs and lows, understanding the impact of chance in long-term success.

What I wish I knew earlier

JR’s Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
🚌 Education Personal Growth Decision-making Career development Life lessons Self-reflection
  1. Being passive can hurt you. It's better to take action and ask questions than to sit back and miss opportunities.
  2. Focusing on what you love is key. Don't just follow what everyone else is doing; dive deep into your passions instead.
  3. Success matters, but balance is important. Make sure your career, health, and family don't suffer for the sake of ambition.

Adding Not Subtracting: What Leaving 90% of Our Things Behind Taught Me About Life

Perspectives • 5 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Life lessons Minimalism Family Moving Psychology
  1. Leaving behind a lot of things can make you feel freer and help you understand what you truly need. It's surprising how much stuff we hold onto that we don't really use.
  2. Moving quickly forces you to focus on essentials instead of getting distracted by all your accumulated things. Sometimes, the rush can make decisions clearer.
  3. Instead of thinking about what to get rid of, it can be helpful to think about what really adds value to your life. This shift in thinking can change how you view your belongings.

Turning 40

Venture Prose • 519 implied HN points • 27 Aug 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Reflection Life lessons Values
  1. Giving by default leads to receiving gratefulness, happiness, and success.
  2. Maintaining a positive attitude even in frustrating situations can lead to better outcomes.
  3. Approaching tasks with a voluntary attitude shows energy, motivation, competitive mindset, and willingness.

Big Dumb Adventure Housekeeping Updates

Splattern • 79 implied HN points • 02 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth Travel Writing Adventure Community Engagement Life lessons
  1. The blog rebranding from Splattern to Big Dumb Adventure is complete, making it easier to share new adventures. It's an exciting fresh start!
  2. A fundraiser for building a children's cancer hospital in sub-Saharan Africa has launched, highlighting a meaningful cause to support.
  3. It's important not to stress too much about life decisions. Things will fall into place when the time is right, so focus on enjoying the journey.

Pictures From The Past

Insight Axis • 276 implied HN points • 24 Dec 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Personal Growth Reflection Life lessons
  1. Reflect on your past, but remember that time only flows forward. Your history holds the power to fuel your future potential.
  2. The pictures from your past can impact how you navigate your present and future. Be mindful of the memories you hold onto.
  3. Different types of memories like joy, regret, success, or failure can shape your thinking and behaviors. Use them as lessons to move forward.

Every Mantra has a Counter-Mantra

Olshansky's Newsletter • 22 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Life lessons Self-reflection Problem Solving 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.

Book Review: "How to Live" by Derek Sivers 5/5

Poczwardowski Notes • 118 implied HN points • 29 Dec 23
📚 Literature Book review Life lessons Reflections
  1. The book 'How to Live' by Derek Sivers presents 27 conflicting ways of living and a unique conclusion.
  2. Each chapter of the book describes a specific way of living, encouraging readers to fully immerse themselves in those approaches.
  3. Reading different perspectives can help us navigate our path and provide valuable insights for self-reflection.

Random Thoughts #11: Nothing Lasts Forever!

Spyderdoc Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Wisdom Mindfulness Life lessons Self-help
  1. Life has its ups and downs, but tough times always pass. It's important to stay calm and keep pushing forward.
  2. Hard work usually pays off, and positive thinking can help you overcome challenges. Focus on yourself and what you can control.
  3. Nothing lasts forever, so enjoy the good moments and keep a positive attitude, even when times are tough.

The prize for saying no is small

Sunday Letters • 199 implied HN points • 04 Jun 23
📖 Philosophy Optimism Cynicism Mindset Life lessons Personal Growth
  1. Being negative and cautious often leads to missed opportunities. It's better to focus on finding solutions rather than just criticizing.
  2. Feeling optimistic and excited about new ideas can be uncomfortable but is a key part of learning and growing.
  3. Choosing to think 'what if' has a lot more potential for rewards than simply saying 'why not' and being constantly cautious.