The hottest Self-reflection Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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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.

You’re Wasting Your Life

antoniomelonio • 126 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Absurdism Humanism Self-reflection Life choices
  1. Life is short, and every day spent in a job that feels meaningless brings us closer to the end. We should value our time and seek out what truly matters to us.
  2. We have the potential to explore and create amazing things, but often find ourselves stuck in mundane tasks. It's important to remember that we can break free from this cycle and pursue our passions.
  3. Living a fulfilling life means making conscious choices, even in small ways. Instead of just existing, we should strive to truly live, embrace our creativity, and rebel against the ordinary.
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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.

A Blessing for Darkness

David Spinks' Newsletter • 16 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Inner Work Personal Growth Mindfulness Belonging Self-reflection
  1. Experiencing grief helps us understand the depth of love we have. It's easier to appreciate love when we know what it's like to lose it.
  2. Failures teach us valuable lessons and guide us towards mastery in our pursuits. Each setback can show us how to improve and grow.
  3. Facing darkness can help us recognize and appreciate the light in our lives. The challenges we face give us perspective and clarity on what truly matters.

Is Dry January a Good Idea?

Are You Okay? • 1078 implied HN points • 03 Jan 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Alcohol Addiction Mental health Self-reflection Recovery
  1. Alcohol use can have negative effects on our bodies and minds, even if it seems pleasurable in the moment.
  2. The appropriate amount of alcohol to drink varies for each person, and self-awareness is crucial in evaluating alcohol consumption.
  3. Identifying and addressing the underlying reasons for drinking, such as uncomfortable emotions or bodily sensations, is important to develop healthier habits.

You Can't Win Them All

Between a Rock and a Card Place • 358 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity Inspiration Tarot Writing Self-reflection
  1. Success is not always about winning or creating hits, but about the quality and impact of the work you do.
  2. Don't let pressure hinder your creativity; approach tasks with curiosity and a beginner's mindset.
  3. Embrace that not every project will be a success, as outcomes are often beyond your control, so focus on creating meaningful work instead.

The Encyclopedia of Happiness

Why is this interesting? • 1930 implied HN points • 06 Jun 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Self-reflection Journaling
  1. Practicing gratitude journaling can help shift your focus to the positive and enhance self-understanding over time.
  2. Keeping a digital record of daily reflections allows for easy access, searchability, and deep self-reflection.
  3. Discovering consistent patterns of joy in your past can inform present and future decisions towards a happier life.

Ten Borrowed Years

'Sorry, can you speak up? I have Tinnitus.' • 61 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Mortality Existentialism Self-reflection Meaning of life 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.

dear bear: the secretary problem

bookbear express • 385 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Relationships Self-reflection Decision-making Personal Growth Advice
  1. Effort is most useful when correctly directed. Avoid over-optimizing or under-optimizing in relationships. Appreciate what you have while recognizing when to seek more fulfillment.
  2. Understand your values and what truly matters to you in a partner. Consider daily experiences, joy, and genuine connection in assessing your relationship.
  3. Seek advice from honest friends who know you well. Remember, infinite wrong choices won't satisfy, but the right one will bring a fulfilling weight.

Cosmic Game

Seven Senses • 259 implied HN points • 06 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Mindfulness Meditation Hope Self-reflection
  1. Entering a new year can bring excitement and a sense of renewal. It's important to embrace the feeling of possibility without holding onto specific expectations.
  2. Life is a mix of experiences, both good and bad. Instead of labeling years as 'hard' or 'good', it's better to appreciate the in-between moments that make up our daily lives.
  3. Showing up with clarity and hope while letting go of control can lead to a more fulfilling year. Embrace life's surprises and focus on your intentions without strict plans.

Sick season

Vague Blue • 319 implied HN points • 27 Nov 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Illness Personal Story Medical care Mental health Self-reflection
  1. Illness can bring about profound spiritual changes and reveal undiscovered aspects of ourselves.
  2. Facing and accepting the inevitability of illness is an essential part of life, despite the tendency to avoid or deny it.
  3. Personal writing that delves into fears, struggles, and experiences can offer wisdom and insight, resonating deeply with readers.

Stories we tell ourselves

Sunday Letters • 39 implied HN points • 30 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth Mental health Self-reflection Storytelling ADHD Awareness
  1. Understanding your personal challenges can change how you see yourself. Recognizing a condition like ADHD or Tourette's allows you to reframe your story from weakness to strength.
  2. Everyone has stories about their abilities that may not be true. Instead of saying "I'm bad at math," think of what you're really good at instead.
  3. The way we tell ourselves stories shapes our lives. By being aware of our thoughts, we can rewrite our narratives to be kinder and more helpful.

Every Mantra has a Counter-Mantra

Olshansky's Newsletter • 22 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Life lessons Self-reflection Problem Solving Advice
  1. Every mantra has a counter-mantra, meaning there's always an opposing idea that can offer balance or a different perspective. It's important to remember this when you take advice or hear a popular saying.
  2. Mantras can be viewed as tools rather than strict rules. Just like you wouldn't use a hammer for everything, you shouldn't apply every piece of advice to every situation.
  3. Finding balance in life is not about sticking to one mantra but understanding that different situations may require different approaches or mindsets. It's all about using the right tool at the right time.

Weathering Storms

Seven Senses • 259 implied HN points • 21 Oct 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Meditation Mindfulness Inner peace Spiritual Practice Self-reflection
  1. Finding stillness can help us stay calm during chaos. When we pause and breathe, we can clear our minds and think better.
  2. Reactions based on fear or judgment can trap us in negative cycles. Taking a moment to reflect allows us to respond more wisely.
  3. Meditation and being present are powerful tools for navigating life's storms. They help us reconnect with ourselves and find inner peace.

Reflection #1

Venture Prose • 259 implied HN points • 06 Aug 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Self-reflection Gratitude
  1. Reflecting on past decisions and mistakes during summer is essential for personal growth and learning.
  2. Summer is a time to appreciate the people and moments that bring joy and gratitude in life.
  3. Finding a balance between staying connected and unplugging during summer is key to maintaining mental well-being.

Index Cards

Nice Try • 2 HN points • 14 Sep 24
📚 Literature Writing Tips Novel writing Creative Process Self-reflection
  1. To improve your novel, read it all the way through first. This helps you see what you have written and decide what changes to make next.
  2. Using index cards to summarize each chapter is a great way to organize your thoughts. You can easily see where new ideas might fit or what's missing.
  3. Set aside time to focus on your writing, but also take breaks. This space can help clear your mind and give you fresh ideas when you return.

Pursuits that can’t scale

Working Theorys • 211 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Entrepreneurship Personal Growth Creativity Self-reflection Hobbies
  1. Chasing things that scale may lead to burnout, and pursuing things that can't scale can be therapeutic.
  2. After achieving success in large-scale ventures, many people turn to pursuing activities that have clear limits, like hobbies or local businesses.
  3. Dreams of scaling often give way to the satisfaction of pursuing things at a smaller, more human scale, which can provide a sense of completion and fulfillment.