The hottest Personal Growth Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Health & Wellness Topics

Welcome autumn

Splattern • 39 implied HN points • 28 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth
  1. The start of autumn brings cozy dinner parties, where friends come together to share good food and company. It's nice to reconnect and celebrate friendships with a special theme like 'build a burrito.'
  2. Giving a speech at dinner parties can feel awkward, but it helps to acknowledge others and share the moment. This makes everyone feel connected and appreciated.
  3. Staying focused on goals helps create direction in life. It’s important to work hard and stay honest, just like Benjamin Franklin advised, without getting too caught up in specific job titles.

Discovering Steve

Ways of Working • 39 implied HN points • 18 May 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Personal Growth
  1. Discover the importance of seeking inspiration regularly to live a good life on your own terms.
  2. Recognize the value in not compromising on certain desires and visions.
  3. Understand that emotions have a place in business and life, and should be embraced rather than suppressed.
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I fall in love too easily

Splattern • 39 implied HN points • 30 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth
  1. The relationship dynamics can feel complicated, especially when someone holds a position of power. It’s important to talk about these feelings to feel more balanced and empowered.
  2. Noticing how friends interact can reveal unspoken feelings, like jealousy or attraction, even when dating others. Open conversations about these feelings can bring clarity.
  3. Simple moments, like sharing a meal or a special item, can create deep connections and spark joy. These shared experiences deepen friendships and reveal more about each other.

Stuffed animals and woody conks

Splattern • 39 implied HN points • 18 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth
  1. The author received a stuffed dinosaur as a prize after a 50k race, marking a personal embrace of stuffed animals after not being into them as a child. It's a fun way to reconnect with childhood memories.
  2. During a camping trip, the author helped a woman who had lost her electrolytes and car keys after swimming. This led to a light-hearted adventure for the woman and her son, showing how unexpected situations can create memorable stories.
  3. The author learned to advocate for their own needs during weekend plans, finding it easier to express wants like finishing a hike early. This skill in self-advocacy is important for personal well-being.

How to Prevent Problems with a Pre-Mortem Analysis

Adventures in Leadership Land • 39 implied HN points • 17 Mar 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Personal Growth
  1. Conduct Pre-mortem Analysis: Visualize preventable crisis to identify weak points and take preventative action.
  2. Use Mistrust Jar: Start with self-mistrust before others, preventing future problems by addressing personal weaknesses.
  3. Be Prepared: Formulate contingency plans, seek advice, maximize options, and build redundancies to handle uncertainty and avoid unwanted outcomes.

Getting Out of a Rut and What I've Learned!

Uneasy’s Substack • 2 HN points • 01 Aug 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Personal Growth
  1. Getting out of a rut can be really challenging, especially when you know what you should be doing but feel stuck. It's normal to struggle, and you're not alone in this experience.
  2. Start small by picking just three important things you want to focus on, and then choose one easy step for each. Taking lazy steps is okay; what's important is the progress.
  3. Celebrate your small wins and stick to your routine for a couple of weeks. This can help you build momentum and get back on track without feeling overwhelmed.

Red Light, Green Light

The Elbow • 19 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Personal Growth
  1. Being transparent and honest about your wants and preferences is the best way to get what you want.
  2. Avoid playing manipulative games in relationships, as they can lead to unhappiness in the long run.
  3. Giving honest signals may limit your options initially but will lead to higher quality matches in the end.

Your Net Worth is Eating Your Self-Worth

WriMoReMo • 1 implied HN point • 03 Feb 26
🏥 Health & Wellness Personal Growth
  1. Tying your self-worth to your net worth corrodes purpose and leads to constant comparison, anxiety, and a quiet emptiness.
  2. Chasing optimization for its own sake can drain the joy from goals. Make time to 'sharpen the axe'—prepare and improve processes intentionally instead of obsessively maximizing everything.
  3. Anchor your identity in intentional micro-purposes across friends, family, hobbies, and work so your life feels balanced and resilient. Clear communication and varied sources of meaning protect you from tying your value to money alone.

Charting Your Course: The Journey of Self-Discovery

Wayne's Earth • 19 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Personal Growth
  1. Embrace Seneca's philosophy: 'Find a path or make one.' This is a call to action to take charge of your journey, either by discovering existing paths or creating new ones.
  2. Explore existing paths before deciding. Just like reading reviews before trying a new restaurant, knowing what's out there can help you make informed choices.
  3. Equip yourself with the right tools for your journey. Whether gaining skills, seeking knowledge, or finding mentors, preparation is key to navigating life's challenges.

Book Review: “Thinking in Bets” by Annie Duke 4/5

Poczwardowski Notes • 19 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
📚 Literature Personal Growth
  1. Luck and randomness are significant factors in our lives and books that help in understanding this are valuable reads.
  2. Decisions should be separate from outcomes, and tools like backcasting and premortems can aid in making smarter choices.
  3. The book emphasizes the importance of considering the consequences of decisions in the short term, medium term, and long term through the 10-10-10 rule.

On Turning 30

From the Desk • 45 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth
  1. Cynicism is easy but it doesn't help. It's better to look for the good in people and situations, even when things are tough.
  2. Taking care of your body helps your mind stay healthy too. Regular exercise can really boost your mood and confidence.
  3. Friendships take real effort to maintain as adults. It's important to reach out and keep in touch, even if you're busy or far apart.

Rhythm and Rest

Anima Mundi • 20 implied HN points • 28 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth
  1. Being a good leader means knowing when to slow down and listen, not just pushing harder. It's about feeling in tune with yourself and your team.
  2. Rest is not a weakness; it's a smart part of growth. Even nature knows it's important to take breaks and not rush all the time.
  3. True progress takes time and care. Sometimes the best ideas come when you pause and allow things to settle in peace.

Falling Out Of Life

Neckar’s Notes • 249 implied HN points • 01 Apr 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Personal Growth
  1. The importance of asking challenging questions to drive personal growth and address feelings of stagnation.
  2. Recognizing the need to examine if one's work is truly important and impactful.
  3. Embracing experimentation and self-reflection as a way to deepen understanding and move forward in life.

You need to be wholesome-maxxing.

Castles in the Sky • 46 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth
  1. Being wholesome means doing happy, simple things that bring joy. It can be as easy as taking fun photos or enjoying a favorite drink.
  2. Avoiding clichés or common interests doesn’t lead to happiness; embracing them can actually make life better. Trying things that seem cheesy can be freeing and rewarding.
  3. Wholesome-maxxing is about being true to yourself and not worrying about others' judgments. It's okay to enjoy what you love, even if it seems mainstream or silly.

Celebrating wins

Ben’s Blog 🏉 🧠🧑‍💻 • 21 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🎾 Sports Personal Growth
  1. Celebrating your wins helps boost your energy and motivation. It's important to take a moment to enjoy your achievements instead of just focusing on what to improve.
  2. Public speaking can be challenging, but overcoming that fear can lead to great personal growth and satisfaction. It feels rewarding to push through and succeed in something you once dreaded.
  3. Having a positive mindset about your journey can inspire you to keep improving. Working with a coach can help elevate your skills and spread a good message about mental health and performance.

Do This and You'll Feel Better

Anxiety Addiction & Ascension • 79 implied HN points • 26 Jul 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Personal Growth
  1. Indulging in short-term pleasures like drinking or doing drugs can lead to a loss of self and a cycle of inaction and anxiety.
  2. Taking action, even after failures, disappointments, or bouts of self-loathing, can help in regaining a sense of self and feeling better.
  3. Overcoming setbacks, failures, negativity, and boredom by addressing them directly can lead to a path out of inaction and back to one's true self.

Revisiting 2024: Favorite Posts and Quotes

Neckar’s Notes • 48 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth
  1. Reflecting on past experiences helps us see how much we've accomplished, even when we feel lost. It's important to keep moving forward despite challenges.
  2. Money is more than just currency; it influences our lives in deep ways. Understanding our feelings about money can lead to meaningful insights.
  3. Mentorship plays a key role in personal growth. Being open to learning and seeking guidance can help us achieve our goals.

Thank you, Colorado

Tech Ramblings • 59 implied HN points • 14 May 23
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth
  1. The author left California because they felt unsafe and unhappy there. They witnessed many troubling events that made them realize it was time to move.
  2. They chose to move to Colorado and found everything they needed there, like friends and inspiration for their projects. It was a positive change in their life.
  3. Now they're ready to move to New York and start a new chapter but recognize that it won't be the same experience as Colorado. They hope Colorado stays special and doesn't become like California.

Ten Borrowed Years

'Sorry, can you speak up? I have Tinnitus.' • 61 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Personal Growth
  1. Life is fragile and can change in an instant. After nearly dying, it's clear that every day is a gift that shouldn’t be taken for granted.
  2. We all have a choice in how we live our lives. Instead of just going through the motions, we should actively strive to make our lives meaningful and impactful.
  3. Understanding our own mortality motivates us to live fully. It's important to remember that our actions today can create a lasting difference in the world.

Leaving Money on The Table | #250

Boundless by Paul Millerd • 147 implied HN points • 10 Dec 23
💼 Business Personal Growth
  1. Ali Abdaal discusses the dilemma between money and life enjoyment, choosing to leave money on the table.
  2. Consider the 'life path' where your needs can be met with and without money, prioritizing peace of mind and quality of life.
  3. Leaving money on the table can lead to psychological richness, meaningful relationships, and personal growth.

In praise of glorious messes

Sunday Letters • 139 implied HN points • 19 Jun 22
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth
  1. Learning something new, like playing music or coding, starts small and takes time. It's okay to be a beginner and learn one step at a time.
  2. Making mistakes is part of the learning process. Embracing those messy moments helps you improve and grow in any skill.
  3. Staying open to learning keeps your mind fresh. Allowing yourself to struggle a bit can lead to wonderful discoveries.

Getting Un-Stuck from Your Past Self

Soaring Twenties • 231 implied HN points • 19 Apr 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Personal Growth
  1. The author struggled with math in school but later found success after being away from the subject for years.
  2. Traditional educational models may not work for everyone because brains develop at different rates.
  3. It's important to give yourself time and space to grow and change, accepting that you may reach achievements you never thought possible.

Bite-Sized Self-Care Challenge Day 16

QUALITY BOSS • 19 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Personal Growth
  1. Smells can bring back memories and feelings. A scent can remind you of a special moment in your life.
  2. Aromatherapy uses scents to help improve your mood and well-being. Even if you're not sure it works, it's nice to enjoy good smells.
  3. Take time to appreciate nice scents in your life. Whether it's flowers or food, stopping to smell them can make you feel happier.

2804m above sea level

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) • 79 implied HN points • 01 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth
  1. Discussing not-knowing can be uncomfortable, especially when there are too many people involved. It’s hard to have a deep conversation with large and diverse groups.
  2. Different people have different ways of dealing with not-knowing, which can lead to confusion and discomfort during discussions. Finding common ground is important.
  3. Preparing for discomfort in new experiences, like snowboarding, can help. Sometimes, facing unknowns can lead to unexpected enjoyment and learning.

Status Limbo | Theory No. 27

Working Theorys • 133 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth
  1. Status limbo is a state of ambiguity and uncertainty about your status.
  2. Entering status limbo can be voluntary or involuntary, each with its own challenges.
  3. To get status, you often have to give up status, which can lead to personal growth and exploration.

Bite-Sized Self-Care Challenge Day 11

QUALITY BOSS • 19 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Personal Growth
  1. Reading is a great way to relax and can take you to new worlds or teach you new things. Whether it's a book or an article, reading can feel like a mini-vacation for your mind.
  2. Spending just five minutes reading something you enjoy can boost your mood and stimulate your brain. It's a simple self-care practice anyone can do.
  3. Everyone has different reading preferences, so it's fun to explore different genres. Whether you like fiction, non-fiction, or poetry, there's a whole world of stories waiting for you.

How I almost quit because of $75

Leading Developers • 114 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
💼 Business Personal Growth
  1. Throughout your career, there will be moments where you consider quitting. It's important to weigh the reasons behind your feelings and analyze your options before making a decision.
  2. Sometimes, finding new challenges and growth opportunities can be discovered outside of work. Exploring different avenues and testing your skills in various areas can provide valuable experiences.
  3. Building strong relationships with colleagues and having trust in your team and the direction of your company can be key factors in deciding to stay and overcome challenges at work.

This Blog Will Last a Lifetime

polymathematics • 39 implied HN points • 07 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth
  1. Having a lifelong project, like a blog, can be very valuable. It gives you something to work on consistently throughout your life.
  2. Projects that last a long time can be more fulfilling than short-term ones. They allow you to grow and evolve along with your interests.
  3. Writing regularly helps you reflect and share your thoughts, which can be beneficial for personal growth and connection with others.

Breadcrumbs Across the Midwest

The Reclamation Era • 39 implied HN points • 24 Jul 23
🏝 Travel Personal Growth
  1. Finding familiar places from the past can bring back strong memories, even if you're not great with directions. It feels almost magical when old apartments and favorite coffee spots just appear as you wander.
  2. Experiencing places you once knew can provide comfort and a sense of peace. It's like a reminder that even the difficult times can lead to personal growth and a better self.
  3. Spending quality time with loved ones while revisiting old haunts can deepen connections. It's a chance to enjoy each other in a relaxed way, away from everyday distractions.