The hottest Personal Growth Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Health & Wellness Topics
daniellemorrill 235 implied HN points 24 Aug 23
  1. Reflecting on personal growth and self-discovery can bring a mix of gratitude and heartache.
  2. Facing difficult decisions and adjusting expectations can be a challenging but necessary part of life.
  3. Dealing with grief, especially from unexpected losses, requires staying present and honoring emotions.
Tech and Tea 345 implied HN points 23 Dec 24
  1. Personal growth doesn't have to be extreme. It's okay to take a gentle approach, like a relaxed hike instead of climbing a mountain.
  2. Being okay with uncertainty is important. It's better to embrace not knowing what comes next and trust that clarity will come in time.
  3. Taking care of yourself should be a priority. It's good to step back from the pressure of doing everything and focus on what really matters to you.
Astral Codex Ten 275 implied HN points 12 Feb 25
  1. This is a space for people to share thoughts and engage in discussions. Everyone can pitch in and contribute their ideas.
  2. The post is intended for paid subscribers, which means it may contain exclusive content. This helps create a community among paying members.
  3. The thread encourages open communication and interaction among readers, promoting a sense of belonging.
Tech and Tea 82 implied HN points 21 Aug 25
  1. It's okay to not have a plan during big life changes. Embracing the unknown can lead to exciting new opportunities.
  2. Many people rush through uncomfortable times instead of reflecting on what they really want. Taking a pause can help clarify your true desires.
  3. Practicing self-care, like getting enough sleep and journaling, helps create a calm space to think through uncertainty and make better decisions.
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Disaffected Newsletter 619 implied HN points 13 Dec 22
  1. It's okay to limit contact with abusive parents, even if it's hard to do so. You don't owe them understanding or forgiveness.
  2. Remember that your parents' mistakes are not your responsibility. Their behavior is not a reflection of your worth.
  3. Acknowledging the truth about your childhood hurts, but it’s a necessary step towards healing and finding a better life.
Speak Up 216 implied HN points 07 Mar 23
  1. The author reflects on accepting the present and letting go of past struggles.
  2. The writing discusses the challenges of growing up with mental illnesses.
  3. There is a theme of self-discovery and embracing personal growth throughout the text.
Val's Pals 216 implied HN points 29 Jun 23
  1. The importance of reflecting on past actions and goals to gain insight and make positive changes
  2. Recognizing the need for self-motivation and understanding underlying reasons for procrastination
  3. Being realistic about tasks and setting achievable expectations to reduce self-disappointment and anxiety
lettersonbeing 216 implied HN points 04 May 23
  1. The author is challenging themselves to write something new every day for a year.
  2. The goal is to write daily without expecting each piece to be amazing.
  3. Sharing the project helps with accountability and can inspire others to start their own year-long project.
Neckar’s Notes 96 implied HN points 25 Jul 25
  1. It's okay to feel anxious or lost sometimes, especially during tough times. Sitting with those feelings can help us understand ourselves better.
  2. Writing can be a powerful way to connect with our authentic selves and find truth. It's important to seek out unique voices in a world filled with similar content.
  3. Engaging with nature and thoughtful reading can help us reflect and recharge. Taking time to disconnect from distractions can lead to personal growth.
Both Are True 114 implied HN points 04 Jul 25
  1. Real leadership is about helping others achieve their dreams, even if it means letting them go. Supporting your team in their bold ventures can lead to amazing opportunities.
  2. Taking risks can lead to personal freedom and growth. Sometimes, making a brave choice means stepping away from comfort and embracing uncertainty.
  3. Being part of a supportive community can help you improve and find inspiration. Surrounding yourself with creative people encourages productivity and personal expression.
The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past 87 implied HN points 03 Aug 25
  1. Plan your career for the long term, thinking ahead 50 years. This way, you can focus on growth and avoid making hasty decisions based on short-term situations.
  2. Having a job is not the same as having meaningful work. The future will likely offer more ways to find fulfilling work beyond just traditional jobs.
  3. The people you work with are crucial to your career satisfaction. Choose roles that allow you to learn and grow from those around you, not just for higher pay.
Both Are True 245 implied HN points 11 Feb 25
  1. Distractions often keep us from finishing our ideas. When we start something, everyday things like parenting or chores can pull us away.
  2. The closer we get to completing a project, the more we might doubt its worth. It's common to think an idea isn't good enough as we work on it.
  3. Acknowledging our fears about sharing finished work is tough, but creating and putting it out there is essential. We have to be brave and share our creations, no matter the fear.
The Leadership Lab 98 implied HN points 06 Feb 24
  1. Emotional intelligence goes beyond empathy and involves being in conscious choice when dealing with emotions.
  2. Automatic responses to emotions like avoidance or attempting to 'fix' stimulus don't showcase emotional intelligence. It's about feeling and holding wisdom from emotions.
  3. To build emotional intelligence, one must feel emotions physically, match these feelings, and then choose how to respond after identifying the wisdom they offer.
The Leadership Lab 196 implied HN points 09 Mar 23
  1. Every aspect of your team's culture reflects your strengths, blind spots, and dysfunctional behaviors as a leader.
  2. Founder DNA influences how teams adopt a leader's habits and behavioral patterns, leading to organizational dysfunction.
  3. Team culture stems directly from a leader's psychological and relational patterns, affecting how employees interact and behave within the organization.
Boundless by Paul Millerd 246 implied HN points 20 Jan 25
  1. Posting online can be really rewarding, as it helps people sharpen their ideas and connect with others. It’s like brainstorming with a big group, which can boost creativity.
  2. However, it can also attract negativity as audiences grow, which can make sharing ideas feel overwhelming. It’s important to stay focused on personal goals and connections amidst the noise.
  3. The online space for sharing ideas has changed a lot, making it harder for new voices to be heard. Despite this, continuing to write and share is still a valuable endeavor, even if the environment is different.
Human Programming 12 implied HN points 08 Jan 26
  1. A tiny, consistent practice—daily journaling plus a weekly review—can serve as a practical system for improving how you live.
  2. Design the system so it reviews and updates itself; this simple self-improving feedback loop can grow and adapt over time.
  3. Sticking with a minimal system over years lets it coevolve with you, turning a small habit into robust routines and larger projects.
Both Are True 226 implied HN points 06 Feb 25
  1. Motivational videos can inspire workouts, but they may lose their impact over time. Sometimes you need something deeper, like an emotional connection to a story.
  2. True fulfillment comes from within, not from external achievements or recognition. It's important to know that your self-worth isn't defined by likes, numbers, or others' opinions.
  3. Feeling empty or seeking validation is normal. It's helpful to find healthy ways to express emotions, like writing or working out, instead of relying on outside sources for happiness.
Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet 794 implied HN points 18 Dec 23
  1. The author will be moving to a paid subscription model in 2024 to maintain quality content.
  2. The author expresses concerns about the direction Substack is taking, especially with a focus on non-fiction over fiction.
  3. 2023 was a year of significant personal developments for the author, including finding faith, appreciating art, and changing his name.
Disaffected Newsletter 339 implied HN points 08 May 23
  1. Basic decency seems to be getting worse, especially for those who claim to be oppressed. People often think they can skip courtesy because of their circumstances.
  2. Some mothers may treat their sons in ways that seem too close or inappropriate, raising questions about boundaries. It's important to consider what a child truly needs in those moments.
  3. There are different types of narcissists, and recognizing them can be helpful. It's good to learn how to spot these traits in others, especially in online interactions.
Tech and Tea 115 implied HN points 15 Jun 25
  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.
Dunnstack 137 implied HN points 06 Dec 23
  1. Reflect on the reasons behind your desire for achievement and success.
  2. Consider the impact of pursuing more on your personal life and relationships.
  3. Explore the possibility of transitioning from self-oriented goals to service-oriented priorities.
bad cattitude 90 implied HN points 13 Jul 25
  1. Chasing dreams can be tough, but it's important to keep fighting for what you want. Persistence is key to achieving your goals.
  2. Life often teaches us hard truths about ourselves and the people around us. These realizations can lead to personal growth.
  3. Sharing experiences, like memes or stories, can help connect with others and lighten the mood. Humor can be a great way to cope with challenges.
Neckar’s Notes 120 implied HN points 28 May 25
  1. It's important to connect with nature, especially trees. Spending time with them can bring peace and insight into life.
  2. Trees symbolize strength and trust. They teach us to be grounded and embrace life's changes with grace.
  3. Walking through life involves movement and exploration, but we can learn a lot by simply being still and listening to the world around us.
The Reclamation Era 99 implied HN points 22 Jan 24
  1. Getting a diagnosis for ADHD can bring relief and validation, showing that your brain works differently rather than you being lazy or incompetent. This understanding helps many people feel more at ease with themselves.
  2. ADHD affects how people prioritize tasks, with those diagnosed often struggling to engage in tasks they find uninteresting, unlike typical brains that focus on what needs to be done.
  3. Talking about ADHD openly among peers can foster support and understanding, benefiting not just the individual but also their relationships, especially in parenting.
Both Are True 223 implied HN points 31 Jan 25
  1. It's normal to feel anxious while waiting for a response from someone. The uncertainty can make your mind race, imagining different scenarios.
  2. Even though anxiety can feel overwhelming, it's important to remind yourself that things are probably okay. It's just a part of life to face new worries.
  3. Realizing that anxiety may always be there can help you cope with it. Accepting it might make it feel less daunting.
Erifili 159 implied HN points 03 Nov 23
  1. Everyone has some level of creativity within them, it's just a matter of prioritizing and nurturing it.
  2. Engaging in creative expression, like writing or art, is crucial for personal growth, self-awareness, and emotional catharsis.
  3. Being intentional about making time for creative expression is essential for overall wellbeing, self-discovery, and personal fulfillment.
Erifili 179 implied HN points 06 Oct 23
  1. Journaling helps in processing life and practicing mindfulness by slowing down and being present, leading to better emotional and life processing.
  2. Writing regularly improves thinking skills and self-awareness by forcing clear articulation of thoughts and providing a tool for self-reflection and personal growth.
  3. Journaling aids in problem-solving and decision-making, preserves life experiences and memories, and creates a connection between past and present selves, allowing for continuous personal development.
Both Are True 111 implied HN points 10 Jun 25
  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.
lettersonbeing 176 implied HN points 10 Jun 23
  1. The author reflects on feeling stuck and uninspired, but not depressed.
  2. The childhood imagery of quicksand is used as a metaphor for struggles like depression.
  3. The author compares their current feeling of being stuck to repeatedly losing their shoes in the muck.
aliveness 176 implied HN points 22 Jul 23
  1. The importance of being aware of how we hold our energy and presence
  2. Moving from inward mode (red arrows) to outward mode (blue arrows) can lead to relief and a sense of freedom
  3. Balancing receptivity with expressing and allowing feelings, energies, and sensations to flow in and out
Innovation Nation 176 implied HN points 03 Aug 23
  1. Jim Bradford was a great and influential man at Owen.
  2. Even though George Patterson Sibble struggled in business school, Jim pushed him to excel.
  3. Jim was one of the many mentors who saw George's potential and helped him achieve perfection.
Cosmos 79 implied HN points 16 Feb 24
  1. The most important step in creativity is to simply get started.
  2. Creativity should not be limited to a select few - it's about being inspired and taking action.
  3. To enhance creativity, prioritize learning, commit to doing, and create for yourself without overthinking.
Both Are True 102 implied HN points 17 Jun 25
  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.