2024 in reflection.

I’ve done a lot.

• Given 8 talks in public—1 at Microsoft; 1 at Columbia Business School.

• Grown Substack from 0 to 1.4K+ subscribers with 46%—52% open rate.

• Grown Medium from 0 to 1.5K+ followers.

• Grown LinkedIn from 1K+ to 2K+ followers.

• Interviewed by 2 podcasts and 1 newsletter.

• Published 2 books.

• Launched 4 courses.

• Hosted 2 UX meetups.

• 2 5K runs and 1 half marathon.

• First international trip with kids.

• First $20k online.

• Moved home.

• Wedding.

I’ve done more this year than I did in like 5 years combined during my 20s.

I had much more time in my 20s, but I wasted it.

I worked hard and seemed busy, but it was busyness without a clear vision.

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It’s the human connection that I value the most.

What makes me feel most grateful and fulfilled is not the cold numbers.

It’s the people from all over the world that I connected with, thanks to writing online.

People who are imperfect, but real.

People who also don’t settle for an ordinary life.

People who are parents, singles, creative thinkers, high school teacher, designers, solopreneurs, product managers, veteran, straight, gay, neurotypical, neurodivergent, 17-year-old, architects, artists, and AI enthusiasts...

Yes, I’m thinking of you as I write this.

The unique you.

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I struggled this year.

I wish I could provide better lives for my family.

I wish I were a better husband, dad, and son.

I felt the passing of time.

I felt the decline of health.

Many more gray hairs.

Acute hair loss.

Lack of sleep.

Fatigue.

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My goal for 2025

More disciplined with sleep and diet.

More quality time with family.

Finish 2 half marathons.

Publish 3 books.

$300K online and share my learnings in a new newsletter.

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May your holidays be filled with love and joy.

Xinran