The hottest Personal Growth Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Health & Wellness Topics

if you drink enough coffee you start peeing coffee

Both Are True • 155 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth
  1. It's okay to write about simple, everyday things, like kids or pets. Those topics can hold deep meaning, even if they seem easy.
  2. Children can remind us of the joy and love in life. They let us see the world differently and embrace our own innocence.
  3. Life doesn't have to be hard or complicated. Sometimes the best ideas come from a place of relaxation and simplicity.

The Shame of Easy Work

David Spinks' Newsletter • 16 implied HN points • 02 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth
  1. It's okay to take the easy path sometimes. Writing or doing things doesn't always have to be hard for them to be valuable.
  2. People often feel proud of overcoming difficult challenges, but that doesn't mean hard work is the only way to achieve worth or happiness.
  3. Consider asking yourself how you can make things easier instead of forcing yourself to struggle. This can lead to more authentic and creative outcomes.

Tales From Dark Canyon

Weekly Wisdom • 119 implied HN points • 26 Oct 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Personal Growth
  1. The backcountry trip involved more than just hiking - it was a leadership course with elements of wilderness skills, communication, and reflective discussions.
  2. Embracing mediocrity and facing personal challenges like feeling ordinary and accepting weaknesses can lead to valuable self-discovery and growth.
  3. Self-assessments can sometimes reveal unexpected strengths and weaknesses, highlighting the importance of reflection and learning from experiences.

Your own spinach

10x your mind • 139 implied HN points • 02 Mar 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Personal Growth
  1. Drawing strength from past experiences can help navigate tough situations. Just like Popeye with his spinach, your past self can give you power to face challenges.
  2. Your own life experiences hold immense power. It's not just external motivation; it's about the resilience you've shown in difficult times.
  3. Creating a list of past tough situations you've conquered can serve as a reminder of your strength. It can be a valuable source of inspiration during current struggles.

This is 48...

Notes in the Margins • 59 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Personal Growth
  1. Transitioning careers can evoke memories of family members' similar experiences and decision-making, highlighting patterns of change and self-protection.
  2. Navigating difficult situations by holding ourselves accountable without internalizing others' negativity can lead to a renewal of self-trust and hope.
  3. Valuable lessons can be learned and shared at any age, emphasizing the continual growth and learning opportunities in life.
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What if you can't afford to be yourself? | #40

The Pole • 79 implied HN points • 29 Dec 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Personal Growth
  1. Consistency is key in activities like going to the gym for long-term benefits. Finding ways to stay motivated and committed is crucial for success.
  2. Approaching sales authentically and confidently can yield positive results. Being clear about one's needs and abilities can lead to successful interactions.
  3. Improving agency in various aspects of life involves understanding goals, exploring different paths, and actively making choices to achieve desired outcomes.

Why creativity matters

Cosmos • 59 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Personal Growth
  1. Creativity is a skill that can be learned and improved through training.
  2. Persistence in generating ideas is key - embrace failure and keep pushing forward.
  3. Embracing failures and giving yourself the opportunity to fail can lead to personal growth and expanded creativity.

July 2023 Update

Mind & Mythos • 139 implied HN points • 07 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth
  1. Turning 30 can be a big milestone, and it often brings a sense of reflection on life. It's a time that can feel both exciting and tiring.
  2. The year has been busy with writing, working, and preparing for a baby. Balancing different responsibilities can be challenging.
  3. Updates and personal growth are important, especially for paid subscribers who want to stay connected and engaged.

Least Destructive, Most Productive

Advice you don't need • 59 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth
  1. Every ending comes with a bit of damage. When we leave a job or relationship, it can hurt, and things often don't go as planned.
  2. Staying unhappy costs us more in the long run. If we avoid making a change out of fear, we might end up in a worse situation.
  3. It's important to find a way to transition that feels right for us. We should aim to minimize hurt while still taking care of ourselves.

Past self — Anchor or launchpad?

10x your mind • 119 implied HN points • 08 Jun 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Personal Growth
  1. Our past selves can either act as anchors holding us back or launchpads propelling us forward.
  2. It's common to fall into the trap of self-consistency bias, sticking to old routines even when they no longer serve us.
  3. We have the power to break free from the limitations of our past self by trying new things and embracing change.

September 2023 Update

Mind & Mythos • 119 implied HN points • 30 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth
  1. The author is starting a new work program that has been slow initially but is now gaining momentum. They express enjoyment as the program begins to take off.
  2. Starting a new job involves a lot of challenges, but the author is navigating through the busy period.
  3. The update highlights a sense of personal growth and adaptation as the author settles into their new role.

Heeding The Call To Adventure

Weekly Wisdom • 119 implied HN points • 05 Oct 23
🏝 Travel Personal Growth
  1. The importance of embracing adventure and seeking out challenges for personal growth.
  2. Travel can provide valuable lessons in autonomy, self-knowledge, and social connection.
  3. The benefits of voluntarily stepping out of one's comfort zone to discover inner strength and capabilities.

Transforming negative emotions

10x your mind • 119 implied HN points • 04 May 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Personal Growth
  1. We tend to absorb the emotions of those around us, known as Emotional Contagion. It's important to manage negative emotions for our own well-being and for those around us.
  2. When dealing with negative emotions, it's crucial to first accept and embrace them before figuring out how to handle them.
  3. Instead of conserving or transferring negative energy, the best approach is to transform it into something positive and creative. This can help us grow and evolve into better versions of ourselves.

Are 10x happiness boosts possible?

inexactscience • 19 implied HN points • 31 May 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Personal Growth
  1. You can significantly improve your happiness, possibly even by 10 times, especially if you start from a low point. Moving from a bad state to an average one can feel like a huge boost.
  2. Some people may find it hard to believe they can achieve extreme happiness, but even a small improvement, like 10%, can make a difference. It's about finding growth in your emotional state.
  3. Whether it's a 10x or 10% increase, the important thing is that personal growth is possible and it gives hope for a happier life.

Be in control

10x your mind • 119 implied HN points • 23 Mar 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Personal Growth
  1. Being in control of our lives is crucial because decisions shape our future.
  2. The 10-10-10 framework helps in decision-making by considering how you'll feel in 10 mins, 10 months, and 10 years.
  3. The power of making the right decision lies within you, as each individual has a unique mindset and perspective.

everything and nothing

NOW IS GOOD • 117 implied HN points • 02 Apr 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Personal Growth
  1. The writer explores the concepts of Keva and Kavanah in Jewish prayer.
  2. Attending a Passover Seder event leads to self-reflection and personal growth.
  3. Engaging in committed learning and familiar activities like cooking can bring a sense of fulfillment and grounding.

Socialising (also appears as "networking")

Product Composition • 117 implied HN points • 12 Mar 23
💼 Business Personal Growth
  1. Having a few important connections can be more valuable than having many followers or subscribers.
  2. There are different levels of socializing, and setting specific goals can help in networking effectively.
  3. Starting conversations with relevance, compliments, and genuine interest can lead to successful connections.

Depressing, Not Depressed

Situation Normal • 128 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Personal Growth
  1. There's a big difference between feeling depressed by what's happening around us and actually being depressed. You can be upset about the news but still feel okay inside.
  2. Taking care of your mental health is important. Things like therapy, medication, and yoga can help you feel stronger and more resilient.
  3. It's possible to face dark times and still come out okay. You can experience tough moments without letting them define how you feel about yourself.

The year of the leap

The Next Chapter • 6 implied HN points • 05 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth
  1. Took a big creative and professional leap by raising funds and making a debut short film while balancing a part-time day job and learning directing and acting skills.
  2. Chose Austin over Chicago to prioritize family and a fresh start, accepting uncertainty but committing to give the move a real shot.
  3. Focused on emotional and physical growth through therapy and EMDR to accept feedback and heal past hurts. The year also included strengthening the marriage, becoming independent at the gym, and planning better rest and tech boundaries for 2026.

dear bear: the secretary problem

bookbear express • 385 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Personal Growth
  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.

We Were Swensen

The Reclamation Era • 39 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth
  1. Nostalgia can hold a special place in our hearts, reminding us of moments when we felt free and accepted. It's important to cherish these memories as they shape who we are today.
  2. Old writing and reflections on the past can be treasures, revealing parts of ourselves that we may have forgotten. They help us understand our journey and personal growth over the years.
  3. Communities shaped by shared experiences can leave a lasting impact on our lives. These connections remind us of our true selves and the joy of belonging.

Bootstrapping a Relationship With a God You Don't Believe in

apxhard • 51 implied HN points • 23 Jul 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Personal Growth
  1. Believing in something starts with small experiments. Just like testing a business idea, you can try acting as if God is real and see what happens.
  2. You gather evidence as you try new things, like praying or being kind, which can build your belief over time. When positive outcomes happen, it makes it easier to trust and believe more.
  3. It's about making a choice to act with trust and goodness, even when it's hard. Over time, this can lead to a better outlook on life and help reduce stress and fear.

150 Lbs Lost

Inland Nobody • 400 implied HN points • 18 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Personal Growth
  1. The first step in achieving a big goal, like weight loss, is ensuring your mental well-being. You need to muster all resources, manage your willpower, and address any mental health issues.
  2. Self-love is crucial for weight loss success. Shaming oneself or others does not lead to long-term positive results. Loving yourself and finding what works for you are key components.
  3. Weight loss is a journey of trial and error. Improvement happens throughout the process, not just at the end goal. Be patient with yourself, learn from setbacks, and keep adapting.

Embracing NYC through a cold February

Soaring Twenties • 131 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth
  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.

Separation

Iterare • 58 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Personal Growth
  1. Relationships can end even with deep love and care due to challenges and hurtful experiences.
  2. As time passes, understanding in relationships may decrease due to personal discoveries and changing dynamics.
  3. Accepting and embracing personal growth, desires, and differences is crucial for a relationship's sustainability and individual well-being.

May 2023 Update

Mind & Mythos • 159 implied HN points • 05 May 23
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth
  1. The person is excited to welcome new readers after reaching 200 subscribers.
  2. They recently lost their laptop, which also means they lost some of their previous work.
  3. They are looking forward to sharing more content and connecting with their audience.

i want to be good but i am bad - help?

Both Are True • 369 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Personal Growth
  1. Humans are complex and contain a mix of traits, both positive and negative.
  2. It's possible to have moments of self-awareness and growth, even if struggling with mental health and past traumas.
  3. Accepting and acknowledging our flaws, while striving to be better, is a journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance.

The Green Bridge

10x your mind • 79 implied HN points • 30 Nov 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Personal Growth
  1. The Green Bridge in Singapore's East Coast Park is a simple, concrete bridge surrounded by lush greenery, providing a haven for cyclists and pedestrians alike.
  2. The bridge offers challenges like a steep incline for runners and a rite of passage for newbie cyclists, making each trip a special experience that fosters perseverance and personal growth.
  3. Visiting the Green Bridge serves as a reminder of optimism, resilience, and the ability to conquer challenges, symbolizing the strength to tackle life's obstacles with determination and pride.

Queen of the Castle

The Reclamation Era • 59 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth
  1. Embracing the 'queen archetype' represents a powerful phase for women in midlife, encouraging autonomy and self-empowerment. It's a time to recognize one's strength and wisdom.
  2. The transition from the traditional phases of womanhood—maiden, mother, crone—adds a new title: the 'queen', signifying a vibrant and active role during this life stage.
  3. Choosing a personal word for the year, like 'sovereignty', helps set intentions to reclaim one's life and prioritize personal voice and authority in decision-making.

What gives you hope?

Men Yell at Me • 141 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth
  1. Sharing what gives us hope can help us cope with tough times. It creates a sense of community and support.
  2. Talking about hope encourages us to focus on the positive things happening around us. This can lift our spirits and motivate us to take action.
  3. Having open discussions about hope allows us to connect with others who feel the same way. It reminds us we are not alone in facing challenges.

Invent the day

Splattern • 59 implied HN points • 13 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth
  1. Creating a morning routine can be beneficial. It can include simple activities like eating breakfast, doing yoga, and organizing your gear.
  2. Inventing solutions often requires combining creativity with technical skills. It's exciting to explore this path because it helps solve unique problems that don’t have clear answers.
  3. Building relationships can be important, as seen in the warmth shared between friends. Memories of loved ones can also bring comfort and connection during new experiences.

Pay it forward

Splattern • 59 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth
  1. Being consistent in your passions, like running, can help you overcome challenges and injuries. It's all about keeping at it, no matter what.
  2. The journey is more important than reaching a specific goal. Enjoy the people you meet and the experiences you have along the way.
  3. Paying it forward by sharing kindness and support can create a positive cycle of generosity and community.