The hottest Personal Growth Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Health & Wellness Topics

Under the Old Ginkgo

Tech and Tea • 476 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth
  1. The ginkgo tree in the backyard, despite being a nuisance with its smelly fruit, holds deep meaning and connection for the family. It represents the changing seasons and has special memories tied to it.
  2. Being 'useless' can actually mean thriving on your own terms. Instead of chasing traditional success, it's okay to embrace your unique path and focus on what really matters to you.
  3. You don’t have to scale and fit into conventional molds. Finding a small, appreciative audience for your personal gifts can be just as fulfilling as chasing big success.

Permission to burn.

Neckar’s Notes • 144 implied HN points • 14 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth
  1. Emotions are not bad; they are messengers that tell us something is going on inside us. It's okay to feel and express them.
  2. When we resist our feelings, it can cause more pain than the emotions themselves. Learning to sit with them can help us heal.
  3. Being in a quiet place can bring up our internal struggles. Sometimes, it's confronting, but it can also lead to important self-discovery.

Animal

Venture Prose • 379 implied HN points • 16 Jul 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Personal Growth
  1. Reflect on your actions and how they impact others, strive for genuine intentions in your interactions.
  2. Recognize your strengths and weaknesses in managing relationships and commitments, while maintaining your individuality.
  3. Understand your personal needs and preferences, and embrace them even if they differ from societal norms.

Shifting Gears in Brazil

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano • 157 implied HN points • 08 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth
  1. In Brazil, people tend to be closer together, both physically and emotionally. This can create a friendly, tight-knit atmosphere that might be surprising for outsiders.
  2. It's important to ask for help and accept it when offered, even in small situations. Working together as a group can turn a minor problem into a shared experience.
  3. Cultural differences can really shape how people interact, like how personal space varies. Understanding these differences helps us appreciate how people connect in different parts of the world.

I launch it, it fails, and I feel like shit

Kenny’s Sub • 179 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
💼 Business Personal Growth
  1. Treat your failures as experiments. Instead of feeling like a failure, see it as a chance to learn and improve.
  2. Try many ideas and reflect on them. The more you try, the better you get at figuring out what works and what doesn’t.
  3. Use mindfulness techniques like meditation and journaling. This helps you understand your feelings and bounce back faster after setbacks.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

What's got my attention this week #45

The Shift With Sam Baker • 99 implied HN points • 19 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth
  1. The Shift With Sam Baker newsletter offers a variety of curated content, including essays, round-ups, book clubs, and more for readers.
  2. The newsletter contains interesting links and recommendations on topics like relationships, celebrity encounters, personal reflections, and societal issues.
  3. Paid subscribers get access to exclusive posts and support the work of the newsletter creator.

what I learned this year about love and work

bookbear express • 588 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth
  1. Writing brings joy and a sense of fulfillment, and it's important to keep exploring what works best for you in this creative space.
  2. Building connections and helping others find love enriches life and can create a strong sense of community.
  3. Navigating conflicts in relationships gets easier with practice, and focusing on reducing tension can lead to more peaceful interactions.

Reinventing / Getting Unstuck On A Pathless Path | #302

Boundless by Paul Millerd • 182 implied HN points • 17 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth
  1. It's important to let go of strict labels like 'writer' or 'CEO'. Seeing yourself as a 'curious human' can free your imagination and allow for more creative exploration.
  2. Trying random and new things, especially as you approach major life milestones, can help you feel less stuck. Embracing uncertainty can lead to exciting opportunities.
  3. Having open conversations and connections with others can be vital for personal growth and creativity. These interactions often spark new ideas and energize your work.

Defaults: how to make them work for you

Tranquil Thoughts • 59 implied HN points • 01 Jun 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Personal Growth
  1. Defaults are the choices you make without really thinking, like how you introduce yourself or what you watch on TV. It's good to be aware of them.
  2. Choosing the right defaults can save you time and help you build better habits. For example, listening to podcasts can improve your language skills.
  3. You have the power to change your defaults so they work for you instead of against you. Think about how to make your daily choices support your goals.

My 8 y/o self wrote a poetry collection (part II)

if not, Paris • 373 implied HN points • 05 Jul 23
📚 Literature Personal Growth
  1. The author reflects on poems written at 8 years old and provides a response from their 35-year-old self.
  2. The poetry collection published from childhood includes funky writing with grammatical errors.
  3. The text explores themes of self-reflection, wisdom, and creativity through a dialogue between the author's past and present selves.

No Status, No Mask

Less Foolish • 373 implied HN points • 13 Jun 23
📖 Philosophy Personal Growth
  1. Challenging the status quo can lead to personal growth and a sense of liberation.
  2. Questioning societal norms, like wearing masks, can lead to personal empowerment.
  3. Living with integrity is more valuable than seeking validation from others based on status.

note to (past)self

Working Assumptions • 176 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
💼 Business Personal Growth
  1. Starting a job at a startup can be thrilling with its fast-paced environment and growing community.
  2. Becoming a manager can bring new challenges and self-doubt, impacting personal life decisions.
  3. Stepping away from a successful career to pursue new beginnings can be scary, but empowering with the right mindset.

Home and belonging ... again

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 658 implied HN points • 14 Nov 22
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Personal Growth
  1. The author reflects on the theme of home and belonging, a topic that has always interested them since they began writing.
  2. Every year, the author discovers new questions and perspectives related to the concept of home and belonging.
  3. This post is specifically for paid subscribers, demonstrating a focus on providing exclusive content to a select audience.

relationship puzzles

bookbear express • 423 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth
  1. Love can be found in imperfect partners, and it's okay for no one to meet all your needs. Relationships can look different for everyone, and being descriptive rather than judgmental can help you support your friends better.
  2. Feelings can change quickly, and it's important to give yourself grace when you're feeling vulnerable or anxious. Instead of overthinking, try acknowledging your emotions and give yourself some time to process them.
  3. Communicating directly about how someone makes you feel can help ease your anxiety. It's okay to express your needs and concerns in relationships, as everyone can feel clingy or needy sometimes.

Beyond the Sun,

Seven Senses • 419 implied HN points • 16 Aug 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Personal Growth
  1. Astrology is more than just your Sun sign. It includes your Moon and Ascendant signs, each showing different parts of your personality.
  2. Everyone has a unique 'natal chart' that captures the positions of planets at the time of their birth. This chart can reveal insights about one's character and life path.
  3. Custom astrology cards are available for paid subscribers, offering a personalized look at your Sun, Moon, and Ascendant signs based on your birth info.

High Growth Engineer Update/Break

High Growth Engineer • 586 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Personal Growth
  1. The writer is taking a break for at least four weeks to recharge and think about what they want to focus on moving forward. This time off is important for their mental health.
  2. When they return, there won't be a strict weekly writing schedule. They plan to prioritize quality over quantity and write when they feel inspired.
  3. The writer has ideas for new projects, like building AI tools, writing a book, or starting a community for discussions. They want to use the extra time effectively to provide more value.

GRANTED: Your favorite ideas of 2022

Granted • 519 implied HN points • 31 Dec 22
🚌 Education Personal Growth
  1. Certainty is not a sign of credibility; it's better to learn from thoughtful individuals than smooth talkers.
  2. Being kind to yourself involves learning from mistakes, not beating yourself up.
  3. Collaborating with constructive critics can be more beneficial than attacking them.

Story Thirty-Seven

Stories From The Rail • 219 implied HN points • 06 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Personal Growth
  1. Eulogies can be a way to cope with OCD and suicidal ideation, helping in the battle with intrusive thoughts and fears.
  2. Mental health challenges like OCD and suicidal ideation are medical conditions that require understanding, support, and proper treatment.
  3. Parenting and focusing on loved ones can ground and provide strength in battling against compulsions and intrusive thoughts.

From Clouds To Clarity

Insight Axis • 355 implied HN points • 01 Oct 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Personal Growth
  1. Thoughts emerge from your subconscious in their own time, without force.
  2. Even simple thoughts can take time to become clear and actionable.
  3. Feelings of unease and vagueness should be embraced, as they can lead to clarity and meaningful direction.

Reflections on Four Years at Notion

startupdiaries • 354 implied HN points • 02 Aug 23
💼 Business Personal Growth
  1. Find what keeps you hungry: Hunger and drive were crucial in navigating the world, from childhood struggles to succeeding at startups like Notion.
  2. Adaptability wins: The ability to reinvent value and adapt amid constant change, especially in hyper-growth environments, is key to success as an early startup employee.
  3. Ultimately, look inwards: The soul and warmth of a company like Notion stem from its vision, courage to be different, and ambition, all nurtured from within.

Permission to Travel | #305

Boundless by Paul Millerd • 139 implied HN points • 12 Aug 25
🏝 Travel Personal Growth
  1. Travel can change your perspective and help you feel more grounded. Different places can give you new feelings and insights about life.
  2. There's no perfect place to live, and sometimes it's better to keep asking where you belong rather than searching for a final answer. Life is about enjoying the journey.
  3. Public writing and exploring ideas can lead to unexpected opportunities. Sharing your thoughts can connect you with others on similar paths.

Happy 2025 High Growth Engineer 🎉

High Growth Engineer • 493 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Personal Growth
  1. Prioritize your mental health and learn to say 'no' when needed. This helps prevent burnout and keeps you focused on what really matters.
  2. Adapt your systems to align with your goals. If your priorities change, make adjustments to ensure your daily actions support your personal growth.
  3. Embrace change and keep learning. The tech industry evolves quickly, so being open to new skills will help you stay relevant.

Holding Your Own Basket

The Reclamation Era • 99 implied HN points • 08 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth
  1. It's okay to enjoy your own happiness without sharing it with others. Your moments of joy can be just for you.
  2. Talking about your day can help you feel valued and connected, but it's important to check if it truly brings you closer to others.
  3. Learning to appreciate your own achievements and holding your own 'basket' can lead to a more fulfilling life. You don't always have to prove your worth to others.

Science of Dread

Brain Pizza • 595 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Personal Growth
  1. Our minds often generate stress and anxiety, especially during challenging times like deadlines. It's important to understand where these feelings come from.
  2. Dark thoughts can shape our behavior and mindset. They often relate to fear and dread, which can lead to a deeper understanding of ourselves.
  3. Events like Halloween highlight our fascination with fear. Exploring why we feel dread can help us cope with anxiety and stress better.

worldbuilding

bookbear express • 396 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth
  1. Being a matchmaker can be very intense, mixing excitement with a lot of pressure. It's about connecting people and making a real difference in their lives.
  2. The process of matchmaking requires understanding people's personalities and emotions deeply. It can feel overwhelming, but these feelings can also be a strength in this work.
  3. Hosting events, like a Valentine's party, can be fun but also nerve-wracking. It's about creating opportunities for people to meet and connect, which feels rewarding and special.

To my parents

benn.substack • 1968 implied HN points • 30 Jun 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Personal Growth
  1. The author reflects on how work took them away from their parents over ten years.
  2. Despite the distractions, the author acknowledges their parents' unwavering support.
  3. The author expresses gratitude to their parents for years of sacrifices and love.

Rough Draft 2024, Part Two: Reflecting on a decade of work

polymathematics • 139 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth
  1. Embrace uncertainty in life, as unexpected experiences can lead to the best outcomes. It's okay to feel uncomfortable or overwhelmed; it's part of the journey.
  2. Finding the right balance in work and personal projects is important. It's essential to focus on what truly matters and avoid feeling like you have to compromise.
  3. Setting clear goals can help you stay organized and motivated. Aim to create specific projects that bring you joy, and don’t be afraid to reassess your direction along the way.

Spreading Light in the World

We're Gonna Get Those Bastards • 7 implied HN points • 30 Jan 26
🏥 Health & Wellness Personal Growth
  1. Stopping constant sarcasm and complaining and choosing a positive, uplifting attitude can genuinely improve your life, and you can be smart and funny without being mean.
  2. Make it a goal to lift other people up and help them be healthier, wealthier, wiser, and more joyful, but pair that attitude with real work and smart, sometimes ruthless actions.
  3. Facing fear and changing your mindset lets you grow — a big successful performance can banish nerves, and you can always choose how you respond to life and notice its small miracles.

The worse bullshitter

Sunday Letters • 139 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Personal Growth
  1. It's easy to think we understand something fully, but we often realize we don't when we actually try to do it. This can happen in both math and programming.
  2. Sometimes we can fool ourselves into believing we know more than we do, which can make us the worst kind of bullshitter. This is especially tricky because it can tie into feelings of impostor syndrome.
  3. To avoid deceiving ourselves, it's important to be honest about our results. Whether in math, programming, or management, focusing on real outcomes can keep us grounded.

Jasper

Splattern • 119 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🏝 Travel Personal Growth
  1. Building a support network is important. Friends and mentors can help you push your limits and stay motivated during adventures.
  2. Strength training is key for endurance athletes. It helps prevent injuries and improves overall performance, even when you're tired from running.
  3. Adventuring can open up new possibilities in life. Doing what you love not only brings joy but also inspires others to chase their dreams.

#161: Unhappy medium

Maybe Baby • 1713 implied HN points • 10 Sep 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Personal Growth
  1. Sometimes being worse off can motivate action more than just being mildly off
  2. Region-Beta Paradox: Moving from a medium-bad situation to a worse one can lead to quicker healing or recovery
  3. In matters of indecision, taking action is often better than staying in the middle

How to Flounder Mode with Brie Wolfson

Not Boring by Packy McCormick • 156 implied HN points • 17 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth
  1. Flounder Mode is about exploring your interests and curiosity rather than following a strict career path. It's a messy but rewarding way to build your career.
  2. It's important to differentiate between Flounder Mode and laziness. Flounder Mode involves creating and learning, while laziness is just consuming without producing.
  3. As AI takes over basic tasks, more people may find freedom to explore their curiosities. Embracing this less conventional path can lead to deeper satisfaction in one's work.

I Interviewed Tim Ferriss

polymathematics • 99 implied HN points • 03 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth
  1. Balancing curiosity and focus is important for success. It's good to explore different interests while also being really good at one main thing.
  2. Harley Finkelstein shared the T Shape concept, which means being deep in one skill while having basic skills in other areas. This helps in doing good work overall.
  3. Tim Ferriss uses time blocks to manage his focus. He schedules time for both deep work and exploration, allowing space for both curiosity and productivity.

At the edge of my map

Austin Kleon • 1418 implied HN points • 17 May 22
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth
  1. Sometimes, we reach a point in life where we feel lost or unsure, like being at the edge of a map. It's okay to acknowledge that feeling without fear.
  2. Being a good friend means listening and asking questions, especially when someone is going through tough changes. Support is crucial during uncertain times.
  3. In life, just like in video games, we might hit invisible walls that stop our progress. Understanding this can help us be patient as we navigate through unfamiliar territories.

Far Behind The Eyes

Software Design: Tidy First? • 463 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth
  1. Hypervigilance can help people adapt to abusive situations and keep them slightly safer. However, it can also turn into a habit of constantly second-guessing everything.
  2. Once someone leaves that abusive situation, it can be hard to let go of the hypervigilance. They might still feel the need to stay alert and cautious, even when it's no longer necessary.
  3. This can lead to a feeling of living 'far behind' where they actually are in life. They may struggle to fully engage in their new, safer environment.