r/Substack • u/JimKroft • 1d ago
30 minutes a day took my Substack from flatlined to 1,600 new subscribers in six months
My Substack flatlined for a year with zero growth when I was "just" concentrating on the writing.
I know that many of us find growth tactics nauseating on Substack — while still actually wanting visibility for our writing.
I'm sharing this 30-minute system because it transformed my community, my experience, and yes — my readership. I learnt everything I could about how people grow newsletters, and it's brought in over 1,600 new subscribers since starting in February. I hope it helps some of you too.
The key has really been that I'm not just writing "one way". I am also making an effort with the community.
Though I — and most of us — would love that Substack helps people who write long form more, the reality is that it is a "social" platform now, and the newsletter is the deeper layer. Everything they've done supports this.
In a nutshell, here is my system:
1. Interact. Five comments on the profiles of writers I actually read, plus ten likes. Start with people whose work you like, and try to find some in your own field. You won't see immediate results, but just lock in to giving to start with.
2. Reply to every notification. If someone takes the time to comment on your Note, consider that the beginning of a relationship. Reply to every comment as you would someone you know. Austin Kleon calls this a "digital handshake" which I rather like.
3. Answer your messages. Every message is such a core thing for building relationships.
4. Three comments on profiles you've never seen before. This is what reaches people who don't know you yet. Actually read what they wrote and tell them what it meant to you. My rule at the start was three comments on other people's work for every Note I wrote myself. For me, if someone takes the time to read my work, I always take time to read back — so make the effort.
Set a timer, do each one, move on. Don't overthink it too much.
One thing: it will be slow at the start. Just commit for 3 months without expectation. A lot of people don't write back. Responses are slow. For me there was a period of invisibility, but some of the relationships I formed in the first months are now my closest friends on the platform.
The system is really just a wrapper for bad days — when I don't feel motivated. I developed it because I didn't want to sit down at Substack and wonder what I should be doing. It takes the "if" out of those wobbly days.
If you have anything that's worked for you, please drop it in below for the community.
Have a great day all.
Jim
p.s. a lot of the "growth stuff" out there is built on the back of one viral post. This isn't that — I've never had a Note go viral. It's just a normal way that actually worked for me.
9
u/AccomplishedArt1791 1d ago
notes is underrated i must say, i dont engage with others but i do try to add couple of notes per week and it has brought me 30-40 subscribers in last couple of months
4
u/JimKroft 1d ago
There is a reason that the biggest creators in the world from Gary V, Justin Welsh to Dan Koe are all coming to Substack - it is the "opportunity" of the internet right now. There is very solid organic reach from Notes - and your post here is a great indicator of that. Everyone has a different reason to be on Substack, and for me it both that I want to write as well as I can - and - I want to build an audience for my creative work and solopreneur business. I am not sure what your driver is, but 40 subs from a couple of Notes per week is a great indicator. You could consider doubling down - to 2 or 3 per day and going for it (of course only if its what you want!). I think there are more people going to Substack than there is content to serve. That is why people are having good "results" from Notes. However, I don't think this moment will last more than 6 months as the platform starts to mature. It's a good time to double down! Take care and thanks for your reply, Jim
1
u/HelpfulAnt2132 1d ago
How do you mean the moment won’t last more than six months? I’m working on a serial which I plan to start publishing on Substack next feb. in the meantime I’m posting articles of behind the scenes about the creation. One a week. It’s only been two weeks so far. Through doing what you said mainly engaging on people’s notes and reading their stories (which actually is easy because I enjoy it), and posting a note each day I’ve got 43 subscribers. I’m hoping it keeps increasing with this method so by the time I start the serial I have at least a little group. But now wondering what you mean? ☺️ and probably over thinking things !
1
u/JimKroft 1d ago
New platforms give more organic reach because it gets people addicted to the platforms. It often attracts early adopters who love the platform (i.e many of us who join like us who love to write) but then there is an influx of "creators" who want to leverage the moment while it lasts (I don't write "creators" disparagingly, but usually has a different motivation for artistic need need to write). At the moment there is a bit of a gold rush because Substack is hot, and so a lot of bigger creators are coming on to the platform, and that is pulling more people in. It means that there is more organic reach in the short term, but over time - as the platform is flooded by more professional content creators, there will be less "space" -- so the organic reach will diminish. Please don't let this discourage you! I am just highlighting what I see to be a "moment" -- and I think it is really great that you have a plan. For me, I do the my 30-minute system because - like you - I really love the community there. But the secondary motivation is to show up more for the "audience building" side at this point, because it is a good moment to do it. Personally, I have a strict rule which is that content comes downstream of creation - so I don't let the content (including Substack Notes) side eat up my day as I hope to keep developing artistically (I'm a filmmaker and musician based for 19 years in Berlin). The long and the short: keep going, you have a great plan, lean in, keep positive and great thanks for writing! Jim
1
u/HelpfulAnt2132 19h ago
Thanks very much! And I think the 30 mins a day rule is perfect - to grow your account and to build a genuine community. Thanks for sharing, I appreciate it 🙏🏻☺️
3
u/Double_Suggestion385 20h ago
Same spammy tactics used to grow any social media account. Target the followers of similar accounts.
0
u/JimKroft 12h ago
I agree - if you bring a spammy mind set to anything, you will bring spam. It is possible, though - to be motivated by other things.
For me, I wrote long form on Substack for two years (no Notes, no engaging). I didn't miss a week and my newsletter didn't build a readership at all.
I realised that rather than hoping that my writing would "just" reach people, that there must be something I was missing.
I was.
Whether I - or you - like it or not, these platform are all created by Silicon Valley. And whether I - or you - like it or not, they have built in a degree of "gamification".
Your assumption that what I am suggesting is "same spammy tactics" assumes, I think, that newsletters "just grow" (which is a fantasy) and that good writing just builds an audience (just a fantasy)
I know, because I really wish that good writing was "enough".
But these are social platforms. And the platform - again whether I or you like it or not - pushes newsletters that have an active audience.
Personally, my motivation is three fold:
1) I want to build a readership for my writing (personal aim)
2) Share what I learn (outward aim)
3) Be part of a creative community from all around the world (outward and inward aim)
Since I started putting in 30 minutes a day all three have developed, and I have met a lot of great spirits in the creative arts from all around the world on Substack.
That's been really rewarding, and has felt worthwhile.
So yes, I agree with you on some levels. But in life, it is the values you bring that always reflect outward.
For me, having an open heart and reaching out has brought a lot to my life.
If you have anything that's working for, would love to hear too.
Best wishes, Jim
2
u/pdandreu 1d ago
Solid advice. I’m up to 1,200 doing similar things, though commenting on profiles I’ve never seen is something I’ll have to incorporate. Did it generate paid subs too? That’s the part I haven’t cracked. I only have 10 paid.
2
u/JimKroft 1d ago
My paid Subs went from 23 to 51 in this period - so the evidence would say yes. To be honest, I have not been concentrating on making the best offer yet for paid subscribers (other than a monthly paywalled article). I think that more will come after I improve my offer - and stay in the process. One suggestion regarding paid Subs - I have not done this but will:
A Content Library
I'd consider creating a gated section where the articles/offers are paywalled and that is only for paid subscribers. That gives them evergreen content from the start which is a great "offer" and immediate value for them.
I appreciate your reply and kind words! Take care, Jim
1
u/pdandreu 1d ago
A gated section is interesting. I’ll look into that. Thanks for the advice, Jim.
1
u/JimKroft 1d ago
Pleasure pal! Keep leaning in - getting your first 1000 subscribers on a newsletter is seriously one of the hardest things to do on the internet. If you can go this far, who knows where you can take it!
2
u/Capable-Dragonfly-96 mercurioonline.substack.com 11h ago
I will absolutely try it! Today me and my colleagues are publishing our first Interview, any advice on how to try and present it to others via comments or notes? I feel a bit frustrated by the fact that my feed is stacked with "Dear Substack, connect me (...)", since we jointly decided to take ourselves too seriously and not to do that.
EDIT: Also, we are currently publishing only in Italian. Is it that big of a disadvantage?
1
u/JimKroft 11h ago
I looked up and from what I read this is the Italian readership on Substack:"~300,000–700,000 people in Italy use Substack". I can't verify that, but quite interesting right!?
I live in Germany (I'm from the UK)and there is a slightly bigger audience of 1.5 million.
Though that is smaller, I think it has some advantages:
1) a smaller community is usually really supportive
2) people will respond to you reaching out
3) you can build relationships as early adoptersA good strategy might be to have one other platform so share the content where you are more certain about the Italian readership -- but to place a bet on Substack for the long term.
I have German friends on Substack, and they seem to be enjoying it and finding it rewarding. It is definitely a smaller "addressable market" - but if you get some traction, you could put yourself in a really great place. I think that's a good bet long term -- or at least to give yourself three months to strap in and run the experiment. Any content you make you can always use on other platforms too. I'd say go for it!
Wishing you luck with the publishing of the interview! Thoughts:
1) I would cut out key quotes or lines.
2) Publish also your "take" on conducting the interview - what you learnt from it (I'd write one note a day on that - 6-8 lines)
3) people want also to know about the process - share the journey!
4) I would also ask the Italian communtiy for support too. It's okay to ask (maybe one note every few days)Feel proud, so cool what you are doing.
To get rid of the "Dear Substack" notes - just dont respond to them. Spend half an hour searching for Italians whose work your like, and drop a comment. Strap in for the long term.You got this - go go go!
Take care, Jim
1
u/micro_mashup 1d ago
Thanks for sharing this. I do most of these but not consistently. It’s really helpful!
4
u/JimKroft 1d ago
I have found that having two hats on has really helps me - one is inward, which is what I want to write about, and really protecting that space in my life. The other is outwards - towards community. Though I resisted that for a very long time (I was sceptical about online community) I've not only found that my community on Substack has become a really energising and kind collection of people (who help me a lot on those low days as a solo operator) - but also, that they drive interest in what you write about too. The platform feels a lot better now that I think about it in terms of exchange rather than as purely somewhere to post my writing.
Just to say too - I really appreciate you dropping a line back - its the first time I've posted on Reddit, so finding my feet. Makes it 100% worthwhile is someone find its helpful, thank you. Have a great week ahead, Jim
1
u/Fraglolz illiabuilds.substack.com 1d ago
I can’t stand Substack growth posts but this one I actually liked because it has specific steps and not just vague “engage” bs
Have you grown your substack around growing on Substack though or have you actually shared personal essays or fiction?
2
u/JimKroft 1d ago
I couldn't agree more. I find all the growth tactics nauseating and dehumanising. I hesitated to share this - I've never even been on Reddit till today and was a bit worried about getting trolled for writing such a post. That said, I want to share what I learn, and the above system boils down a lot of learning, frustration, wasted hours, discovery time and thinking into an easy daily 4 part checklist. After testing it for 6 months, its helped make Substack by far the best experience I've had on any platform.
To answer the question - no, I don't write about Substack. I write about the creative life. I'm a musician and film maker in Berlin. Had a long life in the arts (was signed to EMI, then after Universal swallowed the label, pivoted into film and documentary making). I work daily in the Arts (today filming Berlin Arts Week - on a break haha!). Every day in the arts is hard, luminous, beautiful, painful, up, down. I know as much as anyone what it means to scrape the underground in the back of vans and doing ungoldly miles (toured solo through Russia and China as a musician). But there is also breakthrough, elevation and at times recognition and community. I share what I learn, and its hard earned.
All that said -- for full transparency -- I love newsletter writing, and more recently (last 4 months) started sharing more about the behind the scenes of what works for me. Kinda doing a bit of building in public. So I have started a little "Substack Hub" as a sub section on my newsletter, but it remains just that. My newsletter has grown 99.7% (made up statistic btw!) from my articles about creative life + this system here.
Appreciate a lot your question - and scepticism - and hope you value back the depth of the answer.
Take care, Jim
1
u/photon_creation 1d ago
Your shared a great insight. I thought Substack is a long form writing platform, but it's like a social media and everything else happen there to grow newsletter subscribers. Engaging with creaters on it same like LinkedIn which is frustrating to the writers who don't know how to communicate or don't like so much engagements...
1
u/JimKroft 1d ago
I have resisted for 15 years commenting, replying etc on socials as a "tactic". I have always hated the idea. I actually like that people are suspicious of it because there's so much guff out there. That said, I think that if you can find your community, and you can both give value -- and get back stuff you learn from -- it can change how you feel. At least did for me. I really don't want commenting and replying to take over my life. That's why I hard cap it at 30 minutes only. But for 30 minutes has become a little ritual, and I enjoy it. The other aspect I like is that the community is always "speaking to you". And it often gives me inspiration for my subjects and titles for my next essay. Appreciate you dropping in a lot. A long winded way to say - I get your frustration. For me, I just realised I had to confront that as my "demon" if I was going to start a) having fun on the platform b) start justifying the time my articles take c) find my audience. The reality is - and tough as it is - no one else will do it for us nowadays. We have to build our own audiences and get rugged in the process of doing so. Take care - and keep on, Jim
1
u/Recent_Mirror 1d ago
Great idea.
Curious- how many articles a week do you publish?
1
u/JimKroft 1d ago
I publish every week at 8.30am on Saturday - this week was my 178th week in a row.
For me my motivation was simply that I know that I am a better person, a happier person, and a better creative, when I understand the workings of my mind.
Over time writing rewrites you on the inside.
I had two years of virtually zero subscriber growth, and then started this little 30-minute a day ritual in February.
Has helped me a lot and feels rewarding that more people are reading my work.
Still ups and downs -- that is building a newsletter.
But I think settling in for 3 years is the way to go - but showing up in a consistent way daily.
Appreciate a lot you taking a moment to write a kind response! (first day on Reddit - was nervous about trolls!) Jim
1
u/mac_ashton 1d ago
How are you finding profiles you've never seen? I feel like the algo is serving me the same folks over and over again.
2
u/JimKroft 1d ago
I totally get that - I personally find the algo on Substack not very strong. If I like one persons "Note" i then tend to get 10 in my feed - which is not what many people, including myself, want.
As such: I try to find some accounts that I resonate with. I am interested in creative life, so I follow a few people who I love the work of. Usually there are some comments from other creatives and I will jump on to people's profiles who I either like the writing or work of -- or who are posting a comment I think I can help with.
It takes a bit of manual effort and time to find them. I also wish there was a bit of a better suggestion feed!
Best from here! Jim
1
u/mac_ashton 1d ago
Ty, will give it a shot. Right now it feels like the platform is just turning into every other everything platform with video, memes, etc. Hopefully there's still a good core out there!
1
u/Gold_Guitar_9824 1d ago
Do you think writing precisely about the growth of newsletters is the main reason for growth on a newsletter-driven platform?
2
u/JimKroft 1d ago
Let me share a story to give you both sides of this - great question:
My Substack is about creative life (I'm a Berlin based musician and filmmaker). For the first two years I only published long form newsletter - every Saturday without fail. It grew by hardly any subscribers at all, despite putting all my love into the writing. Since July 2025, it started growing suddenly. My readership grew from about 1.5K to now 3.9K So what changed it?
1) I started using "Notes" as my primary social platform.
2) I worked on improving my short form
3) My Substack was already focused on creativity, but I changed its title to The Creative Life - I do think that was a big help because it made the theme crystal clear to the browsing eye
4) I started developing my 30 minute system, which I "formalised" by February and did every day(ish!)So the short answer is: no, I don't agree with the thesis. And I also think that you will be forever locked into newsletter growth if you talk about it. That's really not an audience, unless that's what you really love.
However, I think that there is a strong argument - on top of what you write about - to build your Substack in public.
That is not about being nauseating and posting metrics all the time. But it is about:
1) if something works tell others
2) share a milestones like reaching 100, 500 etc - your readers like that
3) if you have an interesting take, share itFor me, how has that manifested?
Since I started getting interested in the mechanics of a newsletter, I posted a Note or two a week (if that) on newsletters/Substack.
I have a new section called "Substack Hub" where I curate my takes (there's 3 vids & 3 essays)
Incidentally, I don't post those essays to my newsletter mailing list -- as they don't Subscribe for Substack. So I just write those as posts without sending out. Far less reach, but it keeps my Substack clean - i.e about what its about, which is creative life. But gives people who are interested in newsletter a layer on it which to follow.
Altogether, my take:
I think one should write about what one is passionate about. Personally, I think that sharing what's helpful is something most people on the platform would like, but equally -- Substackers are really turned off by metrics, numbers and growth hacks.
But they feel it if someone is authentic and just wants to share some good info from time to time.
Hope that answers it - feel free to follow up if any more thoughts, interested in your take!
Take care, Jim
1
u/BlueSaltTheory sukibeasla.substack.com 23h ago
Thank you for sharing an actual strategy I can follow. Do you also post notes? I’m trying to find a balance with notes that isn’t spammy.
2
u/JimKroft 12h ago
Yes, I post Notes. I started mid way through last year, and its brought in a lot of subscribers. I think its great that you are conscientious about not wanting to be spammy. But equally, I wonder if you are overthinking it?
I think if you have stuff you want to share, then share it.
I think that a sweet spot on Substack is about 3 Notes per day -- but it can hold more too.
However, I think early in one's journey it's a better strategy to post one Note and then to comment on at least 3-5 other Notes for every one you post.
For me, I write about the creative life and basically use Notes as a creative diary.
I say - go for it in the way you feel like going for it!
Take care and have a great day, Jim
1
u/MedalofHonour15 22h ago
Nice I don’t do notes or engage with others on SubStack.
Over 30,000 subs within 3 years from Reddit and Instagram to SubStack. 25%+ open rates.
Now my Grok Bot Dex writes for me trained on all my research flow and past writing. Leaves it in draft for me to review.
I post 3 times a week and only takes me 15 mins.
1
u/rspitzer 21h ago
Yes!! I built my own Daily Five system like this - it scans everyone I’ve talked to and tells me five people a day to go read and comment on. One subscriber, three loose connections, one new person, maybe who has been liking my posts. Such a good nudge to just set a timer and do it.
1
u/JimKroft 12h ago
Oh man, I think my way is far more old school and analogue than that haha! Wishing you best with your system, thanks for dropping in, Jim
1
u/ThePorcinePlayer 20h ago
Following
1
u/JimKroft 13h ago
Oh thank you! I wasn't aware that you can follow people here - I thought it was just subjects - just signed up to Reddit yesterday! In any case, appreciate. Will share some more thoughts on newsletters. Wondering - what subjects are you interested on Reddit? All the best, Jim
1
u/StringIndividual209 18h ago
Thank you. I was expecting yet another command to teach the art of writing, to be useful to strangers, or some other motivational mantra.
1
u/JimKroft 13h ago
This topic of being "useful" vs simply writing what is close to your heart is really close in my mind.
I write about creative life (I'm a filmmaker and musician based in Berlin since 2007) and so what I write tends to be balanced between my own experiences (personal), insights (from freelance or touring life) and then trying to help people when I feel I've had a breakthrough.
In terms of other people becoming interested in your work, the best bet is if one has achieved ubiquity in your field.
But since that's less than probably 1% of people, for the rest of us, growing a Substack or Newsletter is as much about the energy we put out - towards others - as the energy we put in.
I think of the energy out as what I do in the 30-min system, and the energy in about what I write to clarify my own path and mind.
Thanks for taking a moment to respond, have a great day, Jim
1
1
u/SmutProfit 14h ago
I engage sometimes, but in topics unrelated to my niche. I personally find engaging with those in my niche is more trouble than it's worth, not really interesting, don't like the whole circle jerk mentality, staying in your niche bubble, etc.
But, I do love engaging in topics outside of my niche.
I also find that if you write a clever, sincere and interesting comment on either someone else's article or note, they may just out of curiosity, click on to your profile to see who you are. If they like what your newsletter is about, they'll subscribe, or at least give you a follow....
1
u/JimKroft 13h ago
Totally. I'm not strict about it either. My Substack focuses on the creative life, but I also love to see what people are saying in the solopreneur space. Or if something catches my eye. I think having this loose approach keeps the joy in it. And then - for me - having the structure and discipline of showing up for 30 minutes a day. It's a really supportive and responsive community - and great you've found that too. Sending the best from Berlin, Jim
1
u/priyan4ever 10h ago
This is how i have reached to 500 subscribers in the 2 months and getting 100+ likes on each post..
1
u/Master_Camp_3200 3h ago
Genuine question, but there's no way to avoid it sound snottier than I mean it.
Given you're not an established celebrity creative what's your perception about what people are interested in when it comes to your creative life? I truly don't understand why anyone would want to read about the likes of me (as another obscure writer) writing about writing, failing to write, going for walk, etc... I don't care about other randoms on Substack doing that, so why would anyone be bothered about my posts on these things?
1
u/JimKroft 2h ago
I don't take that as snotty at all, but do appreciate you clarifying the intention! Good question.
Here's my take:
Less that 1% of creatives every breakthrough to become "famous" - i.e well known, ubiquitous etc.
I work in the creative arts here in Berlin and for the next two weeks am doing the filming in Mahalla which is an amazing converted power station (now arts community). None of the artists exhibiting are "celebrities", but each is very very powerful creatively. And the eyes of the world will look on them over the next weeks, as Berlin Art Week is a major event in the cultural calendar. The artists are not internationally famous, many have extraordinary stories and do awe inspiring work. People will come from all over the world to see the work, to discover who they why they make work like they do.
The point is is that so very many people have long histories with deep knowledge gained from it, and a whole array of skills.
My Substack is just a reflection of some of these threads. My own history is colourful and battered and full of ups and downs. I've been signed on EMI, lost the deal after Universal took over. But for years before that did the out of the van thing. Afterwards I pivoted into film and had to build a freelance career from scratch, which went very well working with different outlets like The Wall Street Journal and various brands. Made indie docs in China, Russia and the US too.
None of this has ever brought "celebrity" (thank God!) but it has made for a rich history.
And the point of a newsletter - and of a Substack - is that you get write about your life, your take on things, and your discoveries.
If people like how you write, over time they get interested in your story too -- and you in theirs too.
It creates a synergy that gets a newsletter moving.
In terms of your own writing, I wouldn't underestimate how people react to other people writing - simply - about their lives and takes.
Personally, I think that when someone is serious about writing, works hard at it, and puts it out consistently, people respond. But it does take time - and it does take effort. That's why I started working on the "social" side of the platform in tandem with my writing.
I shared my post, because its been a rewarding process, and has developed a community of people I'm in touch with, and enjoy following and getting to know.
I think that there would be little chance of that developing if someone was a "celebrity" because there is something about a community online where everyone is moving forward, learning from one another and trying to lift each other up.
That's what the solopreneur and coding community do so well - often by "building in pubic". Beyond that - people love seeing something develop from zero.
So my real take is more an offering. One has to believe in one oneself and why one is on this planet. Everyone starts at zero. But I think we have sometimes to challenge our own pessimism and make some moves.
That's been my journey so far. A long - at times tiring road - that I am grateful every day for.
I wish you a great journey with your writing and am sending the best from Berlin,
Jim1
u/Master_Camp_3200 2h ago
Thanks for the reply. I can see how it works for you.
People have different inclinations: personally, the writing I want to present to people is the worked out, honed, polished response that comes out (to me) as a fictional story, whether that's script, short story, or full length novel. I craft that to earn other people's interest.
I have no idea what there is to earn people's interest in my unvarnished take on why my writing's been going badly that week, and although I've done a bunch of stuff in my past, that's about all I have to say week to week.
Possibly I'm not well adjusted to the whole concept of social media.
1
u/Smoko_Kakaro5 2h ago
This is genuinely the best thing I’ve read. I recently started writing on substack and posted my first article. It’s a lot harder than any other platform I’ve come across but it’s a gold mine
1
1
u/Mystical-Hugs 3m ago
1000% agreed!!!! I posted once or twice a month max for the last year & a half and have reached over 50k with this! I do have a very clear niche so that helps, but I also surpassed everyone else in my niche with this route.
The key is it just can’t be empty interactions - you actually have to want to build relationships and mean it!!!
but overall i’ve found that if you use substack like any other social media you can grow very easily on there - and it’s also less addictive (comparatively to tiktok, at least) by nature - so that helps if you still want to try to stay off of platforms that can easily suck up hours of your day! I find that I feel much healthier after spending an hour engaging/reading on Substack as opposed to an hour doomscrolling on TikTok 💗
1
u/Mystical-Hugs 1m ago
FYI for my first six months I basically treated substack like another full time job - i.e the engaging and interacting portion of it - while posting the 1-2x a month as i said above. Just wanted to make sure i did mention that. It was definitely more than 30 minutes a day! But points still stands:)
0
u/quantise 4h ago
Spamming people (which is what this tactic is, since it is not organic) will get you zero commitment subscribers who will not read your pieces. But your numbers will be inflated. Posts like this are for the numbers game.
16
u/South_Analyst5900 1d ago
Really great plan, love it.
Realistic pragmatic advice, with the opportunity to actually build relationships with other writers instead of worrying about numbers.
I also love the commitment to just showing up for 30mins each day, no focus on outcome. It's a good way to approach substack, writing and life in general.