The hottest Self-Improvement Substack posts right now

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The Zizians and the Rationalist death cults

Read Max • 12066 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Rationalism Cults Psychology Ethics Self-Improvement
  1. Rationalism can lead to cult-like groups, like the Zizians, which have been tied to violence and criminal activities. These groups often arise from complex social dynamics within the Rationalist community.
  2. The Rationalist Movement emphasizes personal development and reasoning, but this can make its members susceptible to extreme beliefs and social manipulation. As a result, some might fall into harmful ideologies.
  3. Many people involved in the Rationalist community seek deep connections and self-improvement, but this often comes with pressure to conform and can push members toward risky behaviors or affiliations with dangerous groups.

Le ménage n'est pas moral

L'Atelier Galita • 219 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Social norms Gender Roles Mental health Self-Improvement Education
  1. Cleaning is a skill, not a moral failure. If you're not great at it, that just means you haven't learned yet.
  2. Many popular cleaning methods come from people who are already skilled, making it hard for beginners to learn. It's important to find someone who can explain things clearly.
  3. It's okay to delegate cleaning tasks to others. Just like you would hire someone for a ride or food delivery, you can get help with cleaning without feeling bad about it.

Success without comparison or expectations

A Bit Gamey • 6 implied HN points • 02 Mar 25
📖 Philosophy Stoicism Self-Improvement Emotional Health
  1. Don't compare yourself to others. Everyone has their own unique value, and feeling inferior or superior only harms your well-being.
  2. Focus on what you can control and contribute without needing validation from others. Your worth is not tied to how others react to you.
  3. Freedom comes from understanding that societal expectations are just illusions. Embrace who you are and live your life, unbothered by others' judgments.

The Uber Driver Ratings Theory of Happiness

That Damn Optimist • 146 implied HN points • 03 Jun 25
📖 Philosophy Happiness Self-Improvement Mindset Relationships Perspective
  1. Drivers who rated their experiences positively often didn't see problems as a big deal. They focused more on the good aspects of driving, which helped improve their overall happiness.
  2. Building healthy relationships and having a sense of purpose were important for many drivers. They often mentioned doing their job for their families or to support side projects they loved.
  3. Shifting focus from personal problems to being curious about others can help reduce feelings of unhappiness. Engaging with others can remind us that our own problems might not be as significant.
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What Self-Optimisers Get Wrong About Habit

Reactionary Feminist • 10 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Self-Improvement Lifestyle Routine Work-life balance
  1. Routine is important and good for creating a sense of structure in life. It helps people think clearly and gives them energy to enjoy life more.
  2. Opposing routine because it feels overly structured can lead to burnout. Instead of rejecting routine entirely, it’s better to find balance.
  3. Self-optimization can be restrictive and stressful. Routine should serve personal growth and mental freedom, not just efficiency.

Five Advanced Meditation Techniques (also, drugs)

Superb Owl • 4396 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Meditation Mental health Personal Growth Mindfulness Self-Improvement
  1. Experimenting with different meditation techniques can help if you're feeling stuck. Trying new methods like kasina or mirror gazing can bring fresh perspectives and experiences.
  2. Pain can be a powerful focus during meditation. Instead of avoiding discomfort, you can lean into it to gain better awareness and understanding of your sensations.
  3. Using substances like cannabis or psychedelics may enhance meditation experiences, but it's important to be cautious and not become overly dependent on them.

I am offering mentoring

DYNOMIGHT INTERNET NEWSLETTER • 1062 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🚌 Education Mentoring Self-Improvement Academia Personal Development Statistics
  1. A mentoring program is being offered to help people achieve their goals. It's open to anyone, regardless of age or career stage.
  2. The mentor will have three 30-minute video sessions with chosen participants, focused on helping them with their specific challenges.
  3. This program is free and based on an application process to select three people that the mentor believes they can assist most effectively.

Monk Mode

The Generalist • 1521 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Self-Improvement Mental health Mindfulness Nutrition Physical activity
  1. January is a great time to start new habits because everyone is focused on self-improvement. You can use this positive energy to make lasting changes in your life.
  2. Using technology mindfully can help you avoid distractions. Limiting social media and opting for higher-quality content like audiobooks can improve your focus and creativity.
  3. Making small changes in your daily routine, like walking more or avoiding alcohol, can create a big impact on your overall well-being. It’s about finding what works best for you and sticking to it.

Cosmic impostor syndrome

Sasha's 'Newsletter' • 2627 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Mindfulness Spirituality Self-Improvement Meditation
  1. Meditation can make you happier and more relaxed, but the journey has ups and downs. You might go through weird phases where your self-esteem feels all mixed up.
  2. Cosmic impostor syndrome is when you realize you're not in full control of your life and self-esteem doesn't make sense anymore. It can feel awkward when you stop taking all the credit for your accomplishments.
  3. Praise can start to feel less personal and more like a comment on something outside of you, like the weather. Relationships that matter to you become the main source of self-affirmation.

“Do You Do Lawns Too?”

Remarkable People • 559 implied HN points • 14 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Racism Identity Self-Improvement Communication Life lessons
  1. It's important not to look for problems where there may be none. Sometimes people mean well, and we might misinterpret their intentions.
  2. Taking the high road means responding calmly and graciously instead of reacting with anger. It's usually a better choice.
  3. We should give others the benefit of the doubt. Not every comment is meant to offend, and it's good to approach situations with openness.

Your highlights of 2023, and overcoming helplessness in 2024

Granted • 7427 implied HN points • 01 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Empathy Compassion Self-Improvement Personal Growth
  1. Compassion involves acknowledging distress even if you can't solve it, helping people feel seen.
  2. Top 10 links of 2023 included topics like the effective use of language, email etiquette, and cultural communication differences.
  3. Podcasts on bringing out positivity in kids, unlocking hidden potential, recharging on weekends, and building leadership skills.

Understanding perfectionism

Austin Kleon • 2837 implied HN points • 23 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Art Psychology Creativity Self-Improvement Personal Development
  1. Perfectionism isn't just about wanting everything to be perfect. It's more about noticing the gap between what's ideal and what's real, which can hold people back from creating.
  2. Many people may not realize they are perfectionists until they understand the signs. Recognizing this can help in overcoming blocks to doing what you want.
  3. Embracing imperfections can actually be a more freeing approach to creativity. It allows for mistakes and messiness, which can lead to more genuine art and expression.

The secret I’ve been keeping from you

Granted • 10821 implied HN points • 01 Jun 23
📚 Literature Books Authorship Empowerment Self-Improvement
  1. The book "Hidden Potential" by Adam Grant explores how progress is more about motivation and opportunity than talent.
  2. We all have hidden potential, and it's not just for underdogs or late bloomers, but for everyone in schools, teams, and workplaces.
  3. The focus should be on the progress made along the way towards achieving goals, not just reaching peaks.

A Few Big Ideas That Made My Life Better

Vonnik’s Newsletter • 39 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Self-Improvement Nutrition Physical Fitness Mindfulness
  1. Taking care of your body improves your mood and thoughts. Simple actions like exercising or breathing deeply can boost your energy and change how you see challenges.
  2. Making small changes in your habits is much easier than trying to change everything at once. Starting with tiny steps, like doing one pushup, helps build lasting habits.
  3. Being mindful of distractions and focusing your attention are key to reaching your goals. Managing your environment and your thoughts can help you stay on track.

Do you need to reinvent – or should you just cut yourself some slack?!

The Shift With Sam Baker • 3854 implied HN points • 04 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Self-Improvement Mindfulness Well-being
  1. Reinvention is a popular theme for New Year's resolutions, but it's worth questioning why you feel the need to reinvent something in your life.
  2. Consider what aspects of your life truly need change and why before jumping into reinventing yourself.
  3. Don't feel pressured to follow trends like 'New Year, New You' if it doesn't resonate with you; it's okay to not feel the need to constantly reinvent yourself.

honesty is a craft issue: lyz lenz in conversation with jeanna kadlec

astrology for writers • 2515 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Relationships Self-Improvement Parenting Personal Growth
  1. Honesty in writing is crucial for crafting a compelling narrative and connecting with readers.
  2. Sharing personal stories and experiences can empower others to make positive changes in their lives.
  3. Being honest with oneself can lead to self-awareness, growth, and the ability to make necessary changes.

Breaking Free from Perfectionism

Perspectives • 5 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Self-Improvement Parenting Psychology Life lessons
  1. Perfectionism can cause a lot of anxiety and stress. It's not about doing things perfectly but about finding faults and feeling never good enough.
  2. To overcome perfectionism, it's important to embrace failure. Learning from mistakes helps you grow and builds resilience.
  3. Recovering from perfectionism means accepting that it's okay to be imperfect. It's about forgiving yourself and finding balance in life, rather than rigidly following rules.

What Valentin Bunea Learned Writing Every Day for the Last 10 Years

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 559 implied HN points • 05 Jun 24
📚 Literature Writing Creativity Personal Growth Education Self-Improvement
  1. Waking up early can boost creativity. Many people, like Valentin, find that they think better in the morning, so he wakes up at 5 AM to write.
  2. You can't please everyone with your writing. It's essential to stay true to your voice, even if some people disagree with your ideas.
  3. Daily practice in writing leads to improvement. Valentin learned that writing regularly helped him overcome his fears and build a strong love for writing.

How to Work Harder and Get Worse Results

Range Widely • 2771 implied HN points • 05 Dec 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Self-Improvement Productivity Cognitive Performance Research
  1. Individual differences in brain chemistry can influence how people respond to stressful situations and medications.
  2. Using 'smart drugs' like Ritalin and Adderall may make people try harder but perform worse on certain tasks.
  3. It's important to understand your own ideal level of arousal for peak performance and adjust your work environment accordingly.

You need to be wholesome-maxxing.

Castles in the Sky • 46 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Self-Improvement Philosophy Lifestyle Wellness 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.

1 year of solo work!

vrk loves paper • 339 implied HN points • 27 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Creativity Art Self-Improvement Personal Growth Work-life balance
  1. Taking time off from work allowed for creativity and self-discovery. Instead of just quitting to find direction, planning ahead helped focus on what truly mattered.
  2. It's important to tackle personal projects based on what you genuinely want to create. Listening to your instincts can lead to fulfilling achievements.
  3. Creating alone has challenges, like managing all tasks yourself and feeling the pressure of deadlines. Recognizing these struggles can help improve work-life balance moving forward.

Rituals of Perfection

Changing The Channel • 2312 implied HN points • 07 Nov 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Eating Disorders Mental health Self-Improvement
  1. Recognizing and addressing disordered eating habits is an important step towards healthier relationships with food.
  2. Understanding the patterns of addiction in one's life can lead to insights into behaviors and choices.
  3. Being mindful of how certain practices, like intermittent fasting, may impact personal well-being and making informed decisions about them.

You don't need a vision

Austin Kleon • 3457 implied HN points • 20 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy Art Motivation Self-Improvement Literature
  1. You don't always need a clear vision for your future; sometimes it's okay to go with the flow. Life can be unpredictable, and paths can change in unexpected ways.
  2. Focusing too much on a specific vision can limit your perspective and keep you stuck in the past. It's important to stay open to new possibilities and experiences.
  3. While having a vision can be motivating for some, others may find inspiration in exploring their interests and passions without a set end goal. Enjoy the journey and see where it leads.

The Autism Horseshoe

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 4242 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Self-Improvement Social Skills Emotional Intelligence 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.

There's nothing wrong with doing things because you want to look good

Sasha's 'Newsletter' • 2150 implied HN points • 09 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Self-Improvement Creativity Appearance
  1. It's okay to strive to look good while pursuing your goals. Enjoying vanity-focused efforts alongside practical training can lead to better results and enjoyment in the process.
  2. Balancing aesthetics with functionality is important; looking good can have practical advantages, such as increased social opportunities.
  3. Engaging in the game of appearances doesn't make you vain; it can be a way to navigate social dynamics effectively and enhance your creative work with audience capture.

Gen Z’s Sexual Apocalypse. The Case for Marriage. And: Is It Time to Ditch the Apps?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2207 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Dating Relationships Marriage Gender Dynamics Self-Improvement
  1. There is a growing political divide between young men veering right and women leaning left, complicating dating and relationships.
  2. Consider ditching dating apps and try more traditional methods like asking for setups from friends or striking conversations in real life.
  3. Getting married can lead to a happier, more prosperous, and more meaningful life, despite common myths about relationships and career choices.

Peter Attia's Powerful Final Chapter | #283

Boundless by Paul Millerd • 130 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Emotional Health Personal Growth Self-Improvement Work-life balance
  1. Peter Attia shares a deeply personal story about how workaholism affected his family. He reflects on his mistakes and emphasizes the importance of emotional health.
  2. He argues that personal transformation often comes from sharing real, vulnerable stories rather than following strict guidelines or frameworks.
  3. Attia highlights the difference between mental and emotional health, suggesting that we need to focus more on emotional wellbeing to truly optimize our lives.

Jen Hatmaker Has Had Enough

Changing The Channel • 1176 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Christianity Self-Improvement
  1. Jen Hatmaker is focused on changing the narrative around 'doing more' and 'being more' in our culture, advocating for embracing 'what is enough'.
  2. She expresses a desire for a legacy filled with human connection, memories, adventures, and integrity.
  3. The beginning of the year intensifies the pressure to constantly strive for improvement, leading to an environment of messages promoting doing more and increasing efforts.

TBM 316: Ultra Founder Mode

The Beautiful Mess • 925 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
💼 Business Leadership Management Entrepreneurship Accountability Self-Improvement
  1. Ultra Founder Mode is all about taking raw honesty and owning up to your weaknesses. It's crucial to be really self-aware and willing to face hard truths about yourself and your work.
  2. In this mindset, you take full responsibility for everything—successes and failures. There’s no blaming others; you say 'I' messed up, and you own that weight fully.
  3. Being a leader means being deeply involved in your team's day-to-day struggles. You need to feel their pressures and grind alongside them, absorbing all the chaos without immediately trying to fix everything.

How To Get 40 Hours Daily

Day One • 1058 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Time management Sleep Productivity Self-Improvement Consulting
  1. Prioritize and manage your time effectively to make room for more tasks, even in a busy schedule.
  2. Focus on getting a good night's sleep for increased productivity and take advantage of Kairos moments for important actions.
  3. Implement time blocking by budgeting your time hourly, helping you stay organized and productive throughout the day.