The hottest Self-reflection Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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How to feel bad and be wrong

Experimental History • 40381 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Cognitive Biases Decision-making Mental models Human behavior Self-reflection
  1. Our brains often take shortcuts when facing tough questions, making it easier to answer simple ones instead. This can lead us to overlook important issues in our lives.
  2. Many people measure their worth and productivity based on how hard they feel they are working, instead of setting clear goals. This can cause unnecessary stress and feelings of inadequacy.
  3. When assessing things like the state of the economy or the quality of a school, we tend to rely on popular opinion rather than personal experience. This leads to judgments that may not reflect reality.

An open letter to 56 people I know

Sasha's 'Newsletter' • 4473 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Relationships Friendship Self-reflection Personal Growth Communication
  1. It's important to recognize and appreciate the goodness in yourself, even if it's hard to see. Everyone has value, and it's essential to remind ourselves of that.
  2. Friendship can deeply impact our lives, providing support during tough times and helping us grow. A genuine connection can make us feel normal and understood.
  3. We often admire others for their unique talents and perspectives, which might inspire us to reflect on our strengths and insecurities. It's great to have people in our lives who challenge and motivate us.

Writing While Needed By Others

Writerly Things with Brooke Warner • 2400 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
📚 Literature Writing Authors Memoir Creativity Self-reflection
  1. It's hard to write when you feel like others need you all the time. Some writers find they need to physically separate themselves from distractions to focus.
  2. Writers, especially women and moms, often feel guilty for taking time for themselves to write. It's important to remind ourselves that our creative pursuits are valuable too.
  3. There are strategies to combat feelings of selfishness and guilt when prioritizing writing. Finding what works for you can help make writing a regular part of your life.

The Gulf and the Silence

The Abbey of Misrule • 641 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion Philosophy Literature Self-reflection Cultural critique
  1. When the power goes out, life changes a lot. People talk more and do things differently without all the gadgets.
  2. Going without electricity made one family reflect on what they gained and lost with technology. It brought a calm, slower pace to their lives.
  3. Experiencing silence can reveal new rhythms in life, making people appreciate simple moments like reading books and sitting by the fire.

Be It Resolved!

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2156 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth Creative Writing Relationships Self-reflection Mindfulness
  1. Make time to appreciate the beautiful things around you every day. It can really lift your spirits and change your perspective.
  2. Focus on writing more deeply and ambitiously. Challenge yourself to explore new forms of writing you haven't tried before.
  3. Invest in your friendships by regularly reaching out and making plans. Being a good friend can bring joy to both you and those you care about.
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Smarter thinking in everyday life

Brain Pizza • 662 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Cognitive Science Mental health Decision-making Behavioral Science Self-reflection
  1. Understanding how your brain works helps you deal with daily problems better. This means recognizing your own thinking patterns can improve your decision-making.
  2. By knowing common biases and habits, you can improve how you think and behave. This helps you make better choices and reach your goals more effectively.
  3. Small changes in your thinking can lead to big improvements in life. Using these insights helps you shape your actions and make smarter decisions daily.

the wince

bookbear express • 1095 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Personal Development Self-reflection
  1. The 'wince' is a feeling we get when we're avoiding things we actually want to do. It's a sign that we care about those things, even if they seem hard or unpleasant.
  2. Recognizing your wince can help you make better choices and create healthy habits. It’s important to figure out whether you should push through the discomfort or let something go.
  3. Everyone experiences fear of hardship, but noticing and facing your wince can lead to personal growth. It helps us move towards what truly matters in our lives.

#198: Trying to see something

Maybe Baby • 2172 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Relationships Art Mindfulness Self-reflection Gratitude
  1. Over time, people in relationships can notice their differences more than their similarities. It's interesting how our perceptions shift as we get to know someone deeply.
  2. Our appreciation for what we have can fade into the background. It's important to regularly take a moment to recognize and be grateful for the good things in our lives.
  3. Creating or experiencing art can help us appreciate life more fully. It reminds us of sensations we've forgotten and can open our eyes to new feelings and perspectives.

The hardest thing about adulthood

Residual Thoughts • 99 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth Career Choices Relationships Life philosophy Self-reflection
  1. As adults, it's often harder to know what we truly want rather than just getting it. This can lead to feelings of being lost or unsure about our life direction.
  2. Many people struggle to balance prestige and lifestyle when choosing a career. It can be tough to figure out what matters more to you.
  3. One way to deal with uncertainty is to understand yourself better through reflection. Alternatively, you can choose something and fully commit to it, which might lead to more fulfillment.

The Deferred Life Plan

Residual Thoughts • 198 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Lifestyle Personal Growth Philosophy Social Commentary Self-reflection
  1. Life can feel chaotic and uncertain, which can be scary but also motivating. It's important to use this urgency to pursue what you truly want to do.
  2. Rather than waiting for the perfect moment or inspiration, start working on your passions now. Don't let life's unpredictability hold you back.
  3. Avoid getting distracted by temporary pleasures; focus on meaningful work and long-term goals instead. This will bring more fulfillment in the long run.

Dreaming About Waking

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano • 121 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
📚 Literature Memoir Creative Writing Philosophy Self-reflection Narrative
  1. Dreams can feel more real than waking life, leading us to question what reality truly is. Sometimes, the experiences we have in dreams seem more intense and immediate than our daily experiences.
  2. The stories we tell about our past shape how we see ourselves. When we write or talk about our memories, we change those memories and how we understand our lives.
  3. Our perceptions of reality can often be misleading. It's important to stay open to new ways of seeing things and not be locked into one view of life.

The Patient

Sensible Medicine • 4088 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Personal Growth Identity Self-reflection
  1. Identifying as a patient can sometimes overshadow your whole identity, and it's crucial to remember you are more than just the patient label.
  2. Being seen as a 'Patient' by others can affect how they interact with you, sometimes diminishing your identity beyond your health status.
  3. Despite the challenges of being defined by your health struggles, it's possible to regain aspects of your identity and redefine yourself beyond the patient role.

Chúng em xin hứa

Thái | Hacker | Kỹ sư tin tặc • 3914 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Society Photography Journalism History Self-reflection
  1. Sometimes participating in events just for the sake of being part of it can add some color to our otherwise dull lives.
  2. Not everyone accompanying a group is a part of it, some are there just for show and to take photos.
  3. Reflecting on the value of experiences and moments captured can make us appreciate the significance of each opportunity.

Family Week

Ladyparts • 1058 implied HN points • 30 May 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Addiction Recovery Betrayal Self-reflection
  1. The author realized her partner was an addict and had been lying about various things, impacting her trust and perception of their relationship.
  2. It is important to share stories of betrayal and shame as a way to heal, reclaim power, and counteract unwarranted shame.
  3. The experience with the addict partner highlighted the complexities of trust, betrayal, and the challenges of recognizing deceit even in close relationships.

What I refuse to accept about work

Sex and the State • 16 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Work Mental health Personal Growth Self-reflection Relationships
  1. One big fear about work is worrying about how colleagues will react or judge. It can be tough to navigate relationships in a work setting.
  2. There's a focus on understanding what is being refused or pushed aside at work that might block personal happiness. Recognizing these barriers is important for personal growth.
  3. Engaging with feedback and comments from others can be challenging but is necessary for improvement and connection in the workplace. It's a sign of growth to respond and interact with others.

Essays on writing, life, and my journey.

Neckar’s Notes • 6 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
📚 Literature Writing Essays Personal Growth Self-reflection Creative Expression
  1. Writing can help us find meaning in difficult experiences. It lets us explore our emotions and transform our pain into something valuable.
  2. Being honest and writing from the heart is important. It helps us connect with ourselves and our readers genuinely.
  3. Life is about the journey, not just the end goal. We should focus on growing and appreciating where we are right now.

A love of life (or lack thereof)

Subtle Digressions • 599 implied HN points • 01 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Creativity Art Writing Self-reflection Personal Growth
  1. As we grow older, we often lose the excitement and dreams we had when we were younger. Life becomes more practical and less about following our passions.
  2. It's important to give ourselves permission to be creative and to fail. We often hold back because we worry about how our work will be judged.
  3. Being honest with ourselves and others is key to finding joy and meaning in life. When we stop pretending and show our true selves, we can reconnect with what we love.

Inside the Writerly Life of Joan Didion

MILLER’S BOOK REVIEW 📚 • 1159 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
📚 Literature Author Writing process Influences Journalism Self-reflection
  1. Joan Didion's early writing experiences shaped her as a writer since childhood, emphasizing the importance of practicing and developing writing skills from a young age.
  2. Joan Didion's keen attention to sentence structure and style was influenced by authors like Hemingway, Conrad, and James, showcasing how studying others' works can inform one's writing.
  3. Joan Didion viewed writing as an integral part of her thought process, using writing as a tool for exploration and self-discovery, and recognizing the impact of her writing tools on her thought process.

Tell the beautiful truth, not the brutal truth

Jeff Giesea • 758 implied HN points • 09 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth Self-reflection Communication Leadership Wellness
  1. There's a difference between telling the beautiful truth and the brutal truth. Beautiful truth connects with people, while brutal truth can push them away.
  2. Being mindful of your intention when sharing truths is important. If your truth comes from a good place, it can really help others feel supported.
  3. It’s essential to be compassionate towards yourself when sharing truths. Treating yourself kindly makes it easier to extend that kindness to others.

The weekly review

Austin Kleon • 3437 implied HN points • 25 Apr 23
🚌 Education Productivity Self-reflection Time management Personal Growth Creativity
  1. Scheduling a regular time for a weekly review helps you reflect on what you've done and plan what you want to do next. It’s about taking a moment to think and organize your thoughts.
  2. Using a method that works for you, like making mind maps or lists, can make your review more effective. Visualizing your tasks can help you see connections and prioritize better.
  3. A private weekly review can lead to clearer mind and focus for the upcoming week. It allows you to 'clear your psychic decks' so you can enjoy your time off without distractions.

New Year housekeeping and mental bric-a-brac

Disaffected Newsletter • 1019 implied HN points • 02 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Mental health Trauma Personal Growth Self-reflection Communication
  1. Communication is key when you're having issues. If you don't tell someone exactly what the problem is, they might not be able to help you.
  2. Things can go wrong with automated systems, like emails ending up in spam folders. Always check there if you’re not getting messages.
  3. Personal growth can happen when you re-evaluate your past and beliefs. Sometimes, realizing things weren't what you thought can lead to big changes in how you see the world.

A Sadness That Holds Hope For Joy

The Recovering Academic • 1108 implied HN points • 12 Dec 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Recovery Emotions Grief Self-reflection Personal Growth
  1. The author's experience in academia made him doubt his profession and himself, leading to a significant shift in his life.
  2. The transition out of academia was filled with sadness and nostalgia, but also led to new beginnings and hope for the future.
  3. The recovery process involved accepting personal truths, finding support in others with similar experiences, and rediscovering joy after difficult times.

Dissecting a Case of Imposter Syndrome

Software Design: Tidy First? • 1612 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🎶 Music Imposter syndrome Self-reflection Personal experiences
  1. Imposter Syndrome can make you doubt your own abilities, even when others appreciate your work.
  2. Challenging negative thoughts and focusing on the evidence of your success can help overcome Imposter Syndrome.
  3. Exploring underlying reasons like past experiences or fears can provide insights into dealing with Imposter Syndrome.

Who did you expect to be?

Disaffected Newsletter • 1418 implied HN points • 09 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Identity Self-reflection Personal Growth Life choices
  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.