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Aw, Mika! Thank you for the kind mention! I am so glad you enjoyed the interview. But that is not the reason I am commenting. I must say that your words of encouragement are coming in such a good time. Metric vice, July was the best month; my numbers doubled June's data. Yet, I am doubting myself. You are SO RIGHT in writing, "Metrics can be deceiving—they have the power to boost our ego or make us doubt ourselves." Thank you for sharing! I am glad you got to do many amazing things outside of Substack.

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The fall can be brutal after a bumper week or month. Best not to look at the numbers for a while. 😄

I’m so glad it came just in time!!

And thank you so much for your support Jana!

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Was just about to comment on how powerful that same line was! “Metrics can be deceiving—they have the power to boost our ego or make us doubt ourselves.”

Thanks for the reminder, Mika ^^

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I’m so glad it resonated. Thanks for popping on here and commenting. It means a lot!

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I always love seeing your metrics and the honest commentary you make. Like on regular scheduling. Thanks, as ever, for sharing!

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You're so welcome! I've always appreciated taking a peek behind the curtain, I figured others might too. 😄

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Absolutely! I find the way you do things inspires me, and I get no comparisonitis, and that's a massive relief!

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This is such a lovely perspective. Success comes in so many forms and it goes way beyond the metrics. Thank you for inspiring us with your beautiful wins. 💖

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I’m so glad you found it helpful. It means a lot. I love being able to write on Substack and make sense of it all and put things in perspective. 😊

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Love this, focusing on the non-numerical wins is a good idea. I'm still new so every subscriber is amazing to me, but it's important not to forget that that's not the only thing this is about 😊

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It truly is an unbelievable gift when someone decides to subscribe. It also feels amazing when someone decides to read and comment. Thank you so much Sophie!

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From late-night chats to landing the winning shot at pool, your July sounds amazing! It’s refreshing to see a focus on experiences and connections rather than just metrics. Keep enjoying and sharing these moments!

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It was definitely eventful! I would say my pool skills are very mediocre, so it was a fun end to the game!

I’m glad that you enjoyed the behind-the-scenes. I love sharing them!

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Love! I have spent less time only cause I travel for three weeks each summer to visit friends/family. I have kept up with some Substacks I regularly read, but I also wanted to prioritize spending time with people in real life :)

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I love that you gave that time to travel. We love to do that in our summer around Christmas to New Years. Here’s to making lasting memories. 💕

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Yes, to lasting memories!

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You nailed it, Mika! The opening rates have dropped but my own output is the same. No doubt it hurts a bit. But then I get irritated with myself for focussing on numbers. I have absolutely been enjoying my summer here in New England and am thinking I might just take August off. A little bit, maybe?

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The open rates baffle me and I sometimes want to purge my list to only have people who want to read the newsletter. But then I just have time remind myself not to spend time or energy looking at numbers that make me feel bad. I also have to remind myself to stay in my own lane. Especially when I might get distracted by others having astronomical growth. What I’m doing now is sustainable, fun and creatively fulfilling. 💕

And having a break sounds like a lovely idea! I find I come back with even more ideas!

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I love your calm approach!

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Great reminder about what really matters.

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I think if we were doing it for the numbers we would get burnt out and resentful. That’s why it’s so important to turn up in a way that makes sense with your lifestyle, have fun and make some lovely connections. 😊

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Yes. You have to love enough to do it regardless.

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I always appreciate conversations about numbers like this. It's so easy to get caught up in the metrics regardless of what social platform you use. There's often such a focus on the metrics that it's seen as the main form of success. You did a great job sharing that there is more goodness out there than the numbers! I love your honesty and openness too; the way you share your numbers but within the context of other things that are fulfilling. Congratulations on your guest post!! YAY! Loving the conversations in the DMs too. I'm here for genuine connections and meeting fellow sensitive souls.

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Thank you for your lovely comment. I’m so glad it has resonated with you.

Since I enjoy Substack so much, I’m really protective over the energy that comes with it. I know it’s easy to get focused on growing etc, but in reality, it’s conversations like this that makes it all worth while! Thank you for taking the time to leave your kind words. 😊

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You are so welcome Mika. Yes it all did resonate with me quite strongly. I love that you are inspired to protect your time and energy here because you enjoy it so much. I agree - conversations like this are the best! It feels so good to connect honestly with another human and kindred spirit. So glad we crossed paths on here! ✨

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Hi Mika! I don’t look at my numbers, but I’ve definitely been spending more time IN my life and less time on my computer and phone.

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It’s a lovely time of year to just detach about. Even though it’s now warm over here, sometimes the cold rainy days are the best to snuggle up with a book. 😊

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Love this reminder that living life is the most important thing, not metrics. Your journey is so inspiring, and shows the power of community. That's why I love Substack. The community here makes the journey rewarding. And ultimately, that's the entire point. Thanks for sharing this behind the scenes!

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I agree with you 100%! The community is awesome. Really amazing, thoughtful, wise people. It’s been a blast making a home here.

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Oh yes my time on here has at least halved over recent weeks, basically since it stopped raining all day 😇

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Glad to hear you’ve had lovely weather and that you’ve been enjoying it!

I love that we can dip in and out of Substack. 😊

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I'm slowing down this month and really enjoying our summer holiday road trip. Unfortunately, I wasn’t organised enough to have posts ready ahead of time, but I’m okay with having a slow August and not worrying about the numbers.

Thanks, Mika. You have been busy. I hope you’re getting a few sunny, warm days to break up the cold on your side of the world.

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It’s been pretty arctic and rainy days lately. But we’ve had a stunning day today. Can’t wait for spring!

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I definitely spent less time online in July. I move into my new home on the 23rd which meant I spent much more time packing, unpacking, trying to organize my life, etc. Also, my client work is strangely getting busier through summer, not less lol.

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Sounds like an eventful July! How’s the new place?

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It's getting there! Living in a bit of chaos but getting closer to settled every day.

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This was really helpful, Mika. The thing I’m weakest at is patience, so this helped me relax and know it’s a long haul. Thank you!

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Me too! It’s tricky sometimes when you’re in it. Sometimes we just need to sit back and enjoy the ride.

Thanks for your comment and for the reminder we’re in it for the long haul. 😊

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Thanks so much for the shout out, Mika! AND for sharing that beautiful image overlooking Wellington - puts the metrics into perspective for sure. ✨

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I know I need a reminder sometime, I hope it help others.

I love our city. It’s on the smaller side, but there are so many hidden gems. 💎

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