Sounds like you made the right choice for you and that’s exactly what you should do! Good luck refocusing and finding things that feel good for you 💙
If you ever feel called to come back, here are a few words from a fellow perfectionist writing on Substack. I tend to write my posts in one go, barely give them one read through and send them on their way. I often get caught up on little details and have built a process of writing for myself that doesn’t allow for that. I want this space to continue to feel free and safe from judgement.
Quick thoughts and one liners written as notes can help me stay loose too. I don’t track likes, but I do look at views for my posts. I’m writing for me and if people find some of my posts helpful that’s great!
You’ll find what works for you here or elsewhere, just keep following your guiding intuition ✨🎉
I love this Renee! The irony is that it took me twenty mins to write this post, and the same again to edit it. A teeny tiny fraction of what I was doing on my previous posts (now deleted to distance myself from Substack but slightly regretting it now) – and yet, this is the one that seems to have hit the mark.
I've learnt a lot, and if I do come back, I'll do things very differently. But for now, it's lovely to know that I have left on a high – and if I come back, it will be without the package of expectation x
As with any digital platform, we simply must give ourselves the freedom to experiment and see what works. Of course, all these platforms evolve with us so we have to be willing to roll with it. I can understand how tempting it can be to delete old work, but it’s all part of the journey and can show us how much we’ve grown.
Glad you are finding your own way! Best of luck as you step back. Oh good! You’ve got this!!
I get what you are saying and understand your reasons for quitting Substack. I first wrote sporadically here in 2023 and then late last year I moved my subscribers from my other platform on the Coaches Console. I immediately felt a little overwhelmed by the new tech I had to learn, but something about the Substack world kept me writing, even when my content wasn't "perfect", and I have been a devout Perfectionist for nearly my entire life (I'm 82). Since participating in a coaching community called "Home", I began to drop the need for "perfect" and accept myself as well as my writing. I now understand and happily accept that what I write is for my self-expression and those who resonate with it will be pleased, and those who do not will find other writers here who speak to them. In essence, I am collecting my tribe, and working through my fears of being accepted has been a huge blessing. After 20 years as a Coach, I no longer feel to be identified as one and now prefer "Mentor". Substack has changed me in ways I couldn't have imagined. I hope you take away some insights that are useful for your journey.
Thank you for your insights Taru. It’s lovely to hear that your self expression is being fed and watered well here - and you know and understand your tribe. That’s a real joy. Wishing you all the best with the rest of your writing journey x
Thanks so much Anna for transparently sharing your journey. I launched back in October understanding the platform to be focused specifically on writers and readers. But the quickly evolving use of Notes has caused me similar struggles. I’m still trying to find the balance in it all…
I have made some incredible connections with other authors and read some fantastic writing since I’ve joined Substack, so it’s been a rich experience… but once those algorithms come into play it’s hard not to feel like you are being drawn over a line you never planned to cross.
I think the premise of it being a platform for writers and readers is spot on, but like you say – when those pesky algorithms become any sort of focus, it's easy to lose our way – and effectively cross over to the dark (social media) side! Wishing you all the best for your writing journey, and hope it gives you what you originally set out for it to do x
You have completely described how I feel! I've only posted a few short notes. I'm writing for me, but even then I can't bring myself to post anything more, yet. Why DOES grammar cause so much anxiety? Along with spelling, vocabulary, and word definitions. I find myself in a constant Google search over the English language, as if I've forgotten my first language in my 40 plus years of living. I feel this way with everything online. It's like standing on stage vulnerable and naked, bright lights in my eyes. Only I can't even see the audience to know if anyone's there. Don't even hear a sound....
Hi Sarah – thank you for your comment. I think the thing to remember, is that nobody cares about the minutiae as much as we do! I say this of course now that I've decided to put my keyboard away for a while, but we have to look at what the outcome is for. If it's just to get our thoughts down, perhaps a journal is better... or if it's to gain business, providing more 'expert' knowledge is key – or if it's just to get our writing out there into the world, we need to hit 'send' on our posts and ignore all metrics because they're meaningless anyway! I really hope you are able to make the decision on how you progress in a way that feels right and comfortable to you because after all, being able to sleep at night peacefully is the best gift we can give ourselves x
I haven’t been here on Substack long and am picking my way through it. Sometimes I feel I’m not waving but drowning for sure and it was weirdly reassuring to read about your journey in and then out the other side. So thank you for that. I wish you all good things going forward and will learn from your experience to continually question why I’m here and whether it is the right place for me…
I'm sorry to hear you're feeling a bit lost at sea with it all but I'm glad to hear my words were weirdly reassuring – it's always good to know we're not alone in our struggles! Hope you are able to make peace with whichever direction you choose on here x
That’s the beauty of growing older and wiser. We know ourselves so deeply we naturally start making better decisions for ourselves. Good luck to you on your journey and thank you for your honesty. It was refreshing 💜
Looks like you’re following your inner guidance, Anna, and you can’t go wrong with that. I’ve just subscribed, who knows, maybe one day you’ll come back. X
This was a great post. I actually liked it. There can be a sense of overwhelm on Substack especially if monetisation is one of the outcomes (in my opinion). For the mere mortals like me that lurk here to read other good writers pieces like this one and others, it is a little easier. Regardless great to hear you have a sense of clarity and look fwd to having you back writing :) best of luck
Thank you Anna for a heartfelt, honest reflection on what serves you and how you evolved as an author on Substack. I absolutely loved your values, and the reflection on the importance of alignment between values and actions. I too (in early posts) was feeling full of ‘intentionality’ but as I’ve been drafting and writing I have come to see my offerings as a conversation with me. There is opportunity for connection with others but the first person I connect with is me. After reading your post, I’ll lean in even further to that so that Substack becomes a space and not a millstone in my life 💜✨
Thank you Sophie - it fills me up to hear these words, and I love the idea of using Substack as a way of conversing with yourself, rather than connecting with… well, who knows half the time…. Good luck with your ongoing writing journey, and the resistance to this platform being a millstone in your life x
Well done, Anna, not just for your choice, but for writing so eloquently about it. Seems like serendipity because I'd just read this post: ashambirge.substack.com/p/how-to-get-un-fricking-stuck... and this one sentence has really made me rethink almost everything: "The older we get, we have got to stop thinking in terms of ‘what will be best,’ and start thinking in terms of ‘what will be the most fun.’ So get out there and have a LOT of fun, Anna!! xx
Thanks Sue - and also love the article you linked to! Fun… it’s almost like the permission fades as we get older, but of course that’s not true, it’s just up to us to make it a priority x
Since my stage IV breast cancer diagnosis I've been focussed on what I can do to make my mark... to make a difference. But instead of wowing the world with my wondrous writing, I've spent my time researching and dealing with a tsunami of emails. It's liberating to think about making fun a priority. I'm still digesting that idea. A simple way of looking at things: what do you want people to be saying about you at your funeral? "Wow, she had such fun" is probably not on most mourner's lips!! ...and no, I'm not planning on that scenario any time soon. Resilience, humour and a complete change of diet and lifestyle can add years of quality life. I'm writing about that. XX
Very sorry to hear of your diagnosis Sue - I can imagine the researching can become all encompassing. Perhaps the knowledge that you will be writing about something so nourishing in the (not too distant) future will be just the ticket to get you through the tsunami of emails a little quicker! Wishing you all the very best with it all x
This resonates. Already questioning whether this is “worth” it… and what that “it” is. Good opportunity to re-evaluate my goals and values and resources.
I used to feel this way about most social media but it’s practically impossible to get away from it as a writer (and business owner). Such a hard balance of trying to say something meaningful without letting the responses and environment dictate your happiness. I wish you a good balance and lots more writing (especially for fun) ❤️
How sad that this is the post that I found you by! I have checked out your website though and will read through your other posts. Your work sounds really meaningful & I loved hearing a small part of your story / experience. Thanks for writing & sharing, Anna!
Sounds like you made the right choice for you and that’s exactly what you should do! Good luck refocusing and finding things that feel good for you 💙
If you ever feel called to come back, here are a few words from a fellow perfectionist writing on Substack. I tend to write my posts in one go, barely give them one read through and send them on their way. I often get caught up on little details and have built a process of writing for myself that doesn’t allow for that. I want this space to continue to feel free and safe from judgement.
Quick thoughts and one liners written as notes can help me stay loose too. I don’t track likes, but I do look at views for my posts. I’m writing for me and if people find some of my posts helpful that’s great!
You’ll find what works for you here or elsewhere, just keep following your guiding intuition ✨🎉
I love this Renee! The irony is that it took me twenty mins to write this post, and the same again to edit it. A teeny tiny fraction of what I was doing on my previous posts (now deleted to distance myself from Substack but slightly regretting it now) – and yet, this is the one that seems to have hit the mark.
I've learnt a lot, and if I do come back, I'll do things very differently. But for now, it's lovely to know that I have left on a high – and if I come back, it will be without the package of expectation x
As with any digital platform, we simply must give ourselves the freedom to experiment and see what works. Of course, all these platforms evolve with us so we have to be willing to roll with it. I can understand how tempting it can be to delete old work, but it’s all part of the journey and can show us how much we’ve grown.
Glad you are finding your own way! Best of luck as you step back. Oh good! You’ve got this!!
I get what you are saying and understand your reasons for quitting Substack. I first wrote sporadically here in 2023 and then late last year I moved my subscribers from my other platform on the Coaches Console. I immediately felt a little overwhelmed by the new tech I had to learn, but something about the Substack world kept me writing, even when my content wasn't "perfect", and I have been a devout Perfectionist for nearly my entire life (I'm 82). Since participating in a coaching community called "Home", I began to drop the need for "perfect" and accept myself as well as my writing. I now understand and happily accept that what I write is for my self-expression and those who resonate with it will be pleased, and those who do not will find other writers here who speak to them. In essence, I am collecting my tribe, and working through my fears of being accepted has been a huge blessing. After 20 years as a Coach, I no longer feel to be identified as one and now prefer "Mentor". Substack has changed me in ways I couldn't have imagined. I hope you take away some insights that are useful for your journey.
Thank you for your insights Taru. It’s lovely to hear that your self expression is being fed and watered well here - and you know and understand your tribe. That’s a real joy. Wishing you all the best with the rest of your writing journey x
Thank you! I'm sure whatever you do now will be perfectly in alignment with what you need.
Thanks so much Anna for transparently sharing your journey. I launched back in October understanding the platform to be focused specifically on writers and readers. But the quickly evolving use of Notes has caused me similar struggles. I’m still trying to find the balance in it all…
I have made some incredible connections with other authors and read some fantastic writing since I’ve joined Substack, so it’s been a rich experience… but once those algorithms come into play it’s hard not to feel like you are being drawn over a line you never planned to cross.
Thanks Megan – and you're most welcome.
I think the premise of it being a platform for writers and readers is spot on, but like you say – when those pesky algorithms become any sort of focus, it's easy to lose our way – and effectively cross over to the dark (social media) side! Wishing you all the best for your writing journey, and hope it gives you what you originally set out for it to do x
You have completely described how I feel! I've only posted a few short notes. I'm writing for me, but even then I can't bring myself to post anything more, yet. Why DOES grammar cause so much anxiety? Along with spelling, vocabulary, and word definitions. I find myself in a constant Google search over the English language, as if I've forgotten my first language in my 40 plus years of living. I feel this way with everything online. It's like standing on stage vulnerable and naked, bright lights in my eyes. Only I can't even see the audience to know if anyone's there. Don't even hear a sound....
Hi Sarah – thank you for your comment. I think the thing to remember, is that nobody cares about the minutiae as much as we do! I say this of course now that I've decided to put my keyboard away for a while, but we have to look at what the outcome is for. If it's just to get our thoughts down, perhaps a journal is better... or if it's to gain business, providing more 'expert' knowledge is key – or if it's just to get our writing out there into the world, we need to hit 'send' on our posts and ignore all metrics because they're meaningless anyway! I really hope you are able to make the decision on how you progress in a way that feels right and comfortable to you because after all, being able to sleep at night peacefully is the best gift we can give ourselves x
I haven’t been here on Substack long and am picking my way through it. Sometimes I feel I’m not waving but drowning for sure and it was weirdly reassuring to read about your journey in and then out the other side. So thank you for that. I wish you all good things going forward and will learn from your experience to continually question why I’m here and whether it is the right place for me…
I'm sorry to hear you're feeling a bit lost at sea with it all but I'm glad to hear my words were weirdly reassuring – it's always good to know we're not alone in our struggles! Hope you are able to make peace with whichever direction you choose on here x
That’s the beauty of growing older and wiser. We know ourselves so deeply we naturally start making better decisions for ourselves. Good luck to you on your journey and thank you for your honesty. It was refreshing 💜
Thank you Shlee x
Looks like you’re following your inner guidance, Anna, and you can’t go wrong with that. I’ve just subscribed, who knows, maybe one day you’ll come back. X
Thank you Deni - for your kind words and for subscribing, it's a very kind gesture x
This was a great post. I actually liked it. There can be a sense of overwhelm on Substack especially if monetisation is one of the outcomes (in my opinion). For the mere mortals like me that lurk here to read other good writers pieces like this one and others, it is a little easier. Regardless great to hear you have a sense of clarity and look fwd to having you back writing :) best of luck
Thank you Anna for a heartfelt, honest reflection on what serves you and how you evolved as an author on Substack. I absolutely loved your values, and the reflection on the importance of alignment between values and actions. I too (in early posts) was feeling full of ‘intentionality’ but as I’ve been drafting and writing I have come to see my offerings as a conversation with me. There is opportunity for connection with others but the first person I connect with is me. After reading your post, I’ll lean in even further to that so that Substack becomes a space and not a millstone in my life 💜✨
Thank you Sophie - it fills me up to hear these words, and I love the idea of using Substack as a way of conversing with yourself, rather than connecting with… well, who knows half the time…. Good luck with your ongoing writing journey, and the resistance to this platform being a millstone in your life x
Well done, Anna, not just for your choice, but for writing so eloquently about it. Seems like serendipity because I'd just read this post: ashambirge.substack.com/p/how-to-get-un-fricking-stuck... and this one sentence has really made me rethink almost everything: "The older we get, we have got to stop thinking in terms of ‘what will be best,’ and start thinking in terms of ‘what will be the most fun.’ So get out there and have a LOT of fun, Anna!! xx
Thanks Sue - and also love the article you linked to! Fun… it’s almost like the permission fades as we get older, but of course that’s not true, it’s just up to us to make it a priority x
Since my stage IV breast cancer diagnosis I've been focussed on what I can do to make my mark... to make a difference. But instead of wowing the world with my wondrous writing, I've spent my time researching and dealing with a tsunami of emails. It's liberating to think about making fun a priority. I'm still digesting that idea. A simple way of looking at things: what do you want people to be saying about you at your funeral? "Wow, she had such fun" is probably not on most mourner's lips!! ...and no, I'm not planning on that scenario any time soon. Resilience, humour and a complete change of diet and lifestyle can add years of quality life. I'm writing about that. XX
Very sorry to hear of your diagnosis Sue - I can imagine the researching can become all encompassing. Perhaps the knowledge that you will be writing about something so nourishing in the (not too distant) future will be just the ticket to get you through the tsunami of emails a little quicker! Wishing you all the very best with it all x
Sorry to see you go, but I completely get it. It's feels so good to make a decision and feel good about it. Best of luck to you.
This resonates. Already questioning whether this is “worth” it… and what that “it” is. Good opportunity to re-evaluate my goals and values and resources.
I used to feel this way about most social media but it’s practically impossible to get away from it as a writer (and business owner). Such a hard balance of trying to say something meaningful without letting the responses and environment dictate your happiness. I wish you a good balance and lots more writing (especially for fun) ❤️
sounds like you are saying goodbye to the part of SS that doesn’t work for you, and hello to the part that does.
I hope it works out!
Good for you. We should be doing what works for ourselves, and that can change with time and new experiences.
How sad that this is the post that I found you by! I have checked out your website though and will read through your other posts. Your work sounds really meaningful & I loved hearing a small part of your story / experience. Thanks for writing & sharing, Anna!
Thank you for your kind words, they're beautifully reassuring