The hottest Personal Growth Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Health & Wellness Topics

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

DruGroup • 339 implied HN points • 28 Apr 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Personal Growth
  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.

Open Thread: What are your most helpful ideas for difficult times?

Everything Is Amazing • 1642 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Personal Growth
  1. Most people are generally good, and if they're not, it's often because they're scared. This helps us understand and forgive others better.
  2. It's important to focus on what you stand for instead of just what you oppose. This creates a positive environment for discussion and teamwork.
  3. When you feel anxious, try doing something physically active. It can help clear your mind and improve your mood.
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2024

The Friendly Neighbors • 687 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Personal Growth
  1. Dr. Emily Smith takes quiet time in January to plan for the year.
  2. She reflects on the previous year's personal growth and achievements.
  3. In 2024, Dr. Smith plans to reduce the frequency of her posts and add more paid content.

Quitting my job to be a different person

Kenny’s Sub • 399 implied HN points • 08 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth
  1. Quitting a job doesn't automatically change who you are. It can lead to unexpected challenges and chaos instead of a smooth transformation.
  2. Having too much freedom can create a chaotic lifestyle. It's easy to let work take over and ignore other important parts of life like relationships and self-care.
  3. Facing pivotal moments in life requires intentional planning and prioritization. It's crucial to balance work with family and self-care to live a more fulfilling life.

The Self Reflection Edition

Why is this interesting? • 1870 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Personal Growth
  1. Reflecting on your past can help you understand how you've changed and what you're proud of. It's a chance to see what you've learned and what you want to leave behind.
  2. Thinking about your present helps you identify your needs and what's important in your life. It prompts you to evaluate your daily habits and relationships.
  3. Looking toward the future encourages you to think about your goals and what success means to you. It's about planning the changes you want to make and how to grow into your best self.

Grandiose Narcissism, Stamina, Claremont McKenna College

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 890 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth
  1. Praising kids too much can actually lead to grandiose narcissism instead of healthy self-esteem. It's better to encourage them to develop confidence in a balanced way.
  2. Many young men are not working and rely on government help. Increased screen time, especially from video games and porn, is a big part of why they're working less.
  3. Surprisingly, getting intimate with a regulated sex worker in Nevada may be safer from STIs than being with an average young woman in San Antonio.

feel your feelings

Mind Mine • 1336 implied HN points • 17 Feb 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Personal Growth
  1. As adults, we tend to intellectualize our feelings instead of just feeling them, which can be detrimental.
  2. Emotions are not rational; it is important to acknowledge and address them genuinely.
  3. Feeling your feelings fully is the most mature and effective way to navigate through them.

Prompts for the New Year

Austin Kleon • 3337 implied HN points • 03 Jan 23
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth
  1. Think about what you want to learn this year. Making a list can help guide your choices and goals.
  2. Reflect on the past year with a set of questions. This can help you understand your experiences and shape your future.
  3. Consider starting a 30-day challenge to build a new habit. Doing something small every day can keep you motivated and accountable.

Self-Help Tactics That Are Working For Me

Rough Diamonds • 62 implied HN points • 08 Jan 26
🏥 Health & Wellness Personal Growth
  1. Guilt often comes from fear of other people's disapproval, not from some innate low self-worth. Using graded exposure—imagining or facing mild disapproval and practicing tolerance for praise—helps that fear burn out.
  2. Vivid positive visualization is practical motor planning: mentally rehearse difficult or important moments going well to boost confidence and beat procrastination.
  3. Stop waiting for a mythical God’s‑eye verdict; set reasonable first‑person standards and do honest self‑evaluations so you can measure progress and legitimately feel proud.

How and What Are You Learning as an Adult?

Culture Study • 1756 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth
  1. Learning as an adult is important for personal growth. It helps you understand yourself and the world better.
  2. There are many ways to learn, including asking questions and engaging with others. Conversations with diverse people can offer new insights.
  3. Embracing continuous learning can lead to better relationships and a more fulfilling life. It's never too late to start learning something new.

Starting Early

Obvious Bicycle • 854 implied HN points • 04 Jun 25
🚌 Education Personal Growth
  1. Starting early is important for mastery. Many successful people began their passion before they turned ten, showing that practice over time leads to excellence.
  2. Be prepared to struggle when learning something new. Everyone starts off as a beginner and it takes time and effort to become skilled.
  3. Time will pass regardless, so it's better to start working on your goals now. You'll grow and have something to show for it in the future.

Who did you expect to be?

Disaffected Newsletter • 1418 implied HN points • 09 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth
  1. Many people find they are different from who they thought they would be when they grew up. It's common to reflect on this as we age.
  2. Mornings can bring a fresh perspective and clarity about our lives and choices. Sometimes, thoughts come to us clearly before we get distracted.
  3. It can be surprising to realize we might have become the person we would have previously judged or disliked. This can lead to interesting self-reflection.

How To Earn From Your Skills In 2024

Day One • 519 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
💼 Business Personal Growth
  1. Quality is greater than quantity when building skills. Focus on depth and excellence in one area before branching out.
  2. Practice and sharing are crucial for skill development. Don't let fear or ego hinder you from showcasing your work and seeking feedback.
  3. Transitioning to high-demand sectors like blockchain or AI requires understanding the sector's culture and history. Put in the work to adapt and excel.

Fail again. Fail Better.

Seven Senses • 1778 implied HN points • 03 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth
  1. Failures can lead to new opportunities and personal growth. They often force us to rethink our priorities and can bring us closer to the people we truly connect with.
  2. Caring too much about outside approval can hold us back. It’s important to focus on what we love to do rather than what others expect from us.
  3. Facing failure is a part of the creative process. Embracing it can lead to genuine self-expression and a stronger sense of community.

Africa Adventure Concept

Splattern • 199 implied HN points • 31 May 24
🏝 Travel Personal Growth
  1. The writer plans to run from the Indian Ocean to Kilimanjaro, inspired by Toby Tanser's journey. This run is not just a personal challenge but a way to understand the significance behind Tanser's mission.
  2. The writer reflects on his travel experiences and how they shaped his view of life. He realizes that his adventures often come with a feeling of wanting to profit from other cultures, which he now sees in a more complex light.
  3. He acknowledges the legacy of those who have run or traveled before him and aims to honor that in his own adventures. This journey to Kilimanjaro will also contribute to a new children’s hospital, connecting his personal quest to a larger cause.

New Beginnings

Splattern • 79 implied HN points • 23 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth
  1. It's important to keep trying even when things get tough. Just like running after a break, persistence makes the journey worthwhile.
  2. Community support can really help us through hard times. Finding caring people can encourage us to explore our feelings about faith and identity.
  3. Reflecting on past experiences, like family and culture, can be healing. It reminds us of our roots and the things we cherish, even when faced with conflicts.

The book that changed my life

Austin Kleon • 6074 implied HN points • 15 Mar 22
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth
  1. The book 'Steal Like an Artist' encourages creativity by showing that it's okay to borrow ideas from others. It teaches that creating something new often comes from remixing existing concepts.
  2. The author had a significant life change after writing this book, leading him to quit his job and pursue his passion full-time. This shows how following your creative journey can lead to unexpected opportunities.
  3. The book's unique style and design were influenced by personal limitations and a desire to create something that felt handmade and authentic. It reminds us that constraints can sometimes spark the most creativity.

One crucial lesson I learned travelling without money

Kenny’s Sub • 259 implied HN points • 06 May 24
🏝 Travel Personal Growth
  1. Asking for help is important when you need it. It's easier to find what you need if you reach out instead of waiting for someone to offer.
  2. Facing rejection is a normal part of asking for things. You may not get what you want on the first try, but practicing helps you get better.
  3. Feeling resentful toward others can hold you back. Instead of blaming them, take action and ask for what you need.

What I Wish I Knew When I Was In College

Castalia • 879 implied HN points • 02 Dec 23
🚌 Education Personal Growth
  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.

What's Your Latest Discovery?

Everything Is Amazing • 665 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth
  1. Everyone can make new discoveries, just like kids do. They find joy in discovering little things without feeling embarrassed.
  2. Adults often shy away from sharing their joys of discovery due to fear of looking silly or not cool. We should embrace our findings and share them.
  3. Personal discovery is exciting and can lead to immense feelings of happiness. It's great to share what we've learned with others.

Nathalie Martinek on Depression

Disaffected Newsletter • 579 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Personal Growth
  1. Nathalie Martinek provides fresh insights on depression that go beyond what's usually discussed. It's important to read different perspectives to understand it better.
  2. Sharing personal experiences can help others feel less alone in their struggles with depression. It shows that it's okay to be open about tough times.
  3. Reading about others' journeys through depression can offer comfort and guidance for those going through similar challenges. It might even help you find new ways to cope.

Principles

Nabeel S. Qureshi • 1506 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Personal Growth
  1. Don't be afraid to ask for what you want. If you can handle rejection, you can open up new opportunities for yourself.
  2. Move quickly and take action. Procrastination slows you down and can make tasks seem harder than they really are.
  3. Surround yourself with positive, energetic people. They can inspire you and help you achieve your goals.

Liber Ludens

Secretum Secretorum • 580 implied HN points • 01 Jul 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Personal Growth
  1. Life can be seen as a game rather than just a series of problems. Embracing playfulness can lead to greater joy and creativity.
  2. The journey of understanding ourselves and the world is filled with ups and downs, and love often comes with challenges. It's through these experiences that we grow.
  3. Divine intervention or unexpected help can change everything. By being kind and surprising others, we can bring more love and light into the world.

the thoughts that think me

Both Are True • 145 implied HN points • 19 Nov 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Personal Growth
  1. Most of what we think and feel happens without our awareness and still shapes our beliefs and actions.
  2. Negative, automatic thoughts can form self-fulfilling beliefs (a fixed mindset) that make it harder to do the things we want to do.
  3. Those thought patterns aren’t permanent — noticing them and adopting a growth mindset or simple awareness practices can loosen their hold and change behavior.

The Autism Horseshoe

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 4242 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Personal Growth
  1. Asperger's symptoms can manifest in various ways, impacting social interactions, communication, and behavior.
  2. Those with Aspie traits may have a passion for specific topics in life and exhibit emotional distance from others.
  3. Individuals on the autism spectrum can leverage their unique perspectives and interests to turn weaknesses into strengths, leading to success in different areas.

Dear Babies: “I was a bully”

Maybe Baby • 472 implied HN points • 30 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth
  1. Reflecting on past bullying can help people understand their regret and grow from it. It's important to acknowledge when you've hurt others and learn to be better.
  2. Bullies often regret their actions later, realizing that their behavior doesn't define who they are. Changing for the better is always possible.
  3. Talking about these experiences openly can encourage others to share their own stories, promoting healing and understanding in the community.

Stretch yourself from time to time.

Elevate • 656 implied HN points • 05 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Personal Growth
  1. Stretching yourself from time to time is crucial for growth and transformation.
  2. Acknowledge your fears and reframe negative thoughts to overcome challenges and build confidence.
  3. Start small, establish momentum, and seek feedback continuously to accelerate personal growth.

Fear, Underdogs, Hard Work and Sacrifice

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 1534 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth
  1. Social status affects how we perceive others, making successful people seem cold and friendly people seem less competent. This shows the complex nature of relationships between warmth and competency.
  2. Happy romantic relationships are very important for overall life satisfaction. When people feel good about their relationships, it greatly contributes to their happiness and sense of purpose.
  3. A mother's milk can adapt to help her baby fight infections. When a baby is sick, the mother's body produces special agents in her milk to help the baby recover.

Four Ways to Spend Your Days

What's Important? • 44 implied HN points • 24 Jan 26
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Personal Growth
  1. You can sort what you consume by how much it boosts your awareness and your ability to act, and it’s wise to steer toward content that raises both.
  2. Don’t get stuck in low-value traps like doomscrolling, one-sided hustle culture, or unintegrated spirituality—each stage has use, but the goal is to integrate lessons so they actually improve your life.
  3. Notice how information makes you feel and favor sources that give an embodied, energizing charge while aligning with your curiosity and the common good; small, aligned actions and stronger relationships amplify real change.