Why I Deleted the Substack App & What It Taught Me About 'Success'
Why being kind to myself mattered more than being consistent.
A week ago, I deleted the Substack app from my phone.
Yes me. That sensitive lady who teaches other people how to use Substack. Lol.
Not because I don’t love it (because I do). Not because I was planning to quit writing (definitely not). But because my nervous system was waving a big red flag.
Between trying to grow my creative business, learning new tech, managing ADHD decision paralysis, and navigating POTS, migraines, and PMDD… I was completely overwhelmed. My brain felt like it was running 47 tabs at once, and the little dopamine hits on Substack in the form of notifications, comments, and mentions started to feel a little too much.
My brain needed a break.
Deleting the app (along with the IG app) wasn’t about “giving up.” It was an act of self-compassion.
And in this past week, I realised something big about success - especially for sensitive creators like us.
The Lie We’ve Been Told About “Success”
We’re taught that success comes from doing more:
Being more consistent
Showing up every day
Hustling through the hard moments
But for sensitive, neurodivergent creators, that story is exhausting - and often impossible.
Here’s the truth I’ve had to keep reminding myself: I don’t have to prove my worth by constantly performing. Yes I do need to keep showing up, and taking actions towards my goals, but I need to make sure I take a lot of breaks, and do things somewhat unconventionally.
Building a newsletter on Substack is a marathon, not a sprint, afterall.
The Many Moments I’ve Needed Self-Compassion
Since starting my business on my newsletter, there have been countless times when self-compassion has been my saving grace:
When my offers don’t sell – It’s easy to think a quiet launch means I failed. Self-compassion says: “Your worth isn’t tied to your business, or your results.”
When my body slows me down – Living with POTS, PMDD, and migraines means I can’t always work the way I want to. There are days I can barely get out of bed, and my to-do list gathers dust. Self-compassion says: “Rest isn’t failure. It’s survival.”
When ADHD and decision paralysis derail my consistency – The guilt of not posting “enough” can creep in fast. Self-compassion reminds me: “Your rhythm gets to look different - and that’s okay.”
When I take a step back from being ‘visible’ – Deleting the Substack app wasn’t a sign I don’t care. It was a way of saying: “I matter more than my metrics.” Will I download the app again? Totally - but I know I can take breaks when I need to without the world falling apart, and that feels like a relief.
When I feel ‘bad at tech’ – Recently, I nearly threw my laptop out the window trying to edit a video. The frustration was so real. But I paused, breathed, and reminded myself: “I’m learning so many new skills. It’s okay that this feels hard. It’s incredible that I’m even trying.”
Tender and Fierce Self-Compassion
Here’s what I’ve learned: self-compassion isn’t just about being soft.
Tender self-compassion soothes, comforts, and says, “It’s okay to rest.”
Fierce self-compassion stands up for us. It says, “No, my boundaries matter. My energy matters. I will not hustle myself into burnout just to ‘keep up’ ”
Both are essential - especially for highly sensitive creators.
Exploring Self-Compassion Together
That’s why I’m so excited for our next Sensitive Sisterhood gathering on 10 August with Morgan Bridger from
- a psychotherapist, wellness coach, and creator of the Basic Goodness Substack.
She’s on a mission to spread the word about how empowering and healing the simple practice of self-compassion can be - not just as a balm for suffering, but as a fierce, life-affirming force that helps us face our fears, tend to our aching hearts, and cultivate deeper joy.
At our next Sensitive Sisterhood gathering, Morgan will guide us into the lesser-known but highly powerful side of self-compassion - the side that protects and defends. Especially for the highly sensitive, cultivating fierce self-compassion means learning to draw boundaries without apology, say no with love, and protect our energy like our lives depend on it. Tender self-compassion soothes and comforts, and fierce self-compassion helps us stand strong, speak out, and act courageously.
Join us on August 10th as we explore the different facets of self-compassion, to both nurture and empower our sensitive souls!
Event Details
Date: Sunday 10 August
Time: 9am PST | 12pm ET | 5pm BST | 6pm CET
Duration: 75mins
Bring: A warm cup of tea or coffee :)
Join Us Inside the Sisterhood
The Sensitive Sisterhood gathering is for paid members only, and I would love to welcome you into this cozy, supportive space.
By becoming a paid subscriber, you’ll get:
✔️ Build a Gentle Brand and Income on Substack (1-hour training): An info-packed session to help you start, grow and monetize your Substack newsletter (valued at $47)
✔️ Private Monthly Newsletter Tools for success, templates, tips & creative encouragement for sensitive creators - especially if you're building your own Substack.
✔️ Private Chat Threads to ask questions, share resources, swap ideas, or just say hi - this is our safe space to connect more personally, away from the noise.
✔️ Exclusive invites to our monthly Sensitive Sisterhood gathering. Each month, we gather as women to share, reflect, and gently learn together. Expect guest speakers, deep conversation, and a lot of wisdom for sensitive creators.
It’s just $11/month, and it’s what allows me to keep creating this space for us all.
Can’t make it live? The replay will be available for all paid members.
“Andrea is tending a sanctuary for the tender-hearted - a place where sensitivity is no longer exile, but homecoming. Through the Sensitive Sisterhood, she offers a sacred platform for kindreds to share their soul gifts, and for others to receive, remember, and root into the quiet power of their sensitivity.”
- The Salty Crone