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Yuan Chiang's avatar

Wait what! I was looking at the picture up in the mountains and thought it looks *exactly* like Taiwan...

Then I read the post and it is! I love hiking there so much, can't wait to be back there in a couple of weeks after 6 months in Europe!

Thanks for sharing your progress. When I read that you got to $100k/year I got excited but somewhat disappointed at my lack of progress. My network is unfortunately mostly about software development so I have to kind of go from zero.

I had two jobs and two young kids, and my our mental/emotional/physical health, of both me and my wife was a mess. I thought 3 months would be enough but it took longer than a year, especially since we can't fully rest.

But I feel good now and I feel it's time. Your results inspire me. Thanks for sharing everything as it is!

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Kathy Wu Brady's avatar

It is Taiwan! We were in the gorge just days before the earthquake. And my grandmother lives in Taipei. Such a small world, right?

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Yuan Chiang's avatar

That's cool, Taroko Gorge is one of the places I have the strongest memories from, unfortunate that side of TW gets so many earthquakes and typhoons.

We're luckier in Taipei. Your grandma reminds me of mine who also made it to 100 :) she was quite strict though, even in late age, hopefully you are luckier haha

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Dr. Monique Perry-Graves's avatar

Congrats on being on track towards your revenue goal and sharing this reflections!

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André Darmanin's avatar

The whole ugly section has been me to this point.. Sleepless nights, stress, and not knowing what I was all about.

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Kathy Wu Brady's avatar

Hang in there, André. It will pass.

And if you can, focus on what you can control, and let the rest go. You will figure it out. You have in the past, and you will again.

This is what I wish I had said to myself more and am saying more every day going forward when I feel the stress building.

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André Darmanin's avatar

Thanks Kathy.

I learned my lesson from the first iteration of being a solopreneur except for the definition and comfort of who I was. It was about letting go of past definitions of my career and those who tried to control who I should be. Anyway that’s a whole other conversation.

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Kathy Wu Brady's avatar

Yes! You’re so right. We have to be OK with shedding old definitions of ourselves to let new ones emerge. The process can feel fraught and uncomfortable, but if we are willing to persist, the result can be so energizing and illuminating.

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André Darmanin's avatar

Agreed. Persistence is key to succeeding in the work we do. It has been a growing process but also being comfortable with the uncomfortable. Sometimes there impostor syndrome sets in too. When you think you're not good enough when you know and have experienced a lot. Ties into our other convo.

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Jennifer Houle's avatar

Really great article. Thanks for your generosity.

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Kathy Wu Brady's avatar

I’m so happy it resonated with you! So many people made my first year memorable and so rewarding. Passing it forward is a gift.

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Kristof Schoenaerts's avatar

Super inspiring and so refreshing compared to all the “How I sold 100K digital products in 3 months” nonsense. 🙏🏻

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Kathy Wu Brady's avatar

Thanks, Kristof! That means so much to me.

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Jeanette Martin's avatar

What a great review of a year of challenge and progress and coming into your own as a solopreneur. You have so much to offer from your corporate background but even more from your generous, experienced, wise, curious, creative, progressive being.

I'm so glad we found each other online and appreciate your ongoing inspiration, friendship, and support, Kathy.

Thanks for the mention!

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Kathy Wu Brady's avatar

Oh, Jeanette! I wouldn't have made the progress I did without you -- not in my writing or in my business. This journey was so much richer with learning and joy because you were part of it.

I'm so grateful we remain buddies and I can't wait for what year 2 and beyond bring to our friendship and collaborations.

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Jennifer May's avatar

Your story is amazing and I'm so thrilled for you! Thank you for being so open, candid, and encouraging! I can't wait to see what's next!

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Kathy Wu Brady's avatar

Thanks so much, Jennifer. I'm so happy it resonated for you. I appreciate your support so much and I can't wait to stay connected in the next chapter!

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Linda Clark's avatar

Happiest of soloversaries. My business is creeping up on double digits this year at 10 and one thing I am thankful for is every time I cheered for a new solopreneur believing in themselves, and serving the population that needed them. I’m so glad for this experience for you. Way to go.

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Kathy Wu Brady's avatar

Thank you so much, Linda! I feel so fortunate to have made it through my first year!

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Joe Kwon's avatar

Really inspiring and thanks for all the details about the good things and the bumps along the way. Wishing you much continued success!

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Kathy Wu Brady's avatar

Thanks, Joe! I'm so glad to hear that it's helpful. Wishing you success as well!

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Raghav Balasubramanian's avatar

Huge congratulations to you! Setting a goal, going after it & then to hit it… you should be super proud!

Thanks for inspiring us! 🙌🏽

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Kathy Wu Brady's avatar

Thanks, Raghav! We are all learning together. Sharing it feels like a gift!

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Nick Gould's avatar

Fantastic report, Kathy. Thanks for sharing your experience so openly.

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Kathy Wu Brady's avatar

Thanks so much, Nick. I’ve learned from so many others because they were vulnerable and open.

Community and growth are only possible when we are ready to share our truth.

Love being on this journey with you!

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NJ Wilkins's avatar

Uplifting and insightful as always, Kathy.

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Kathy Wu Brady's avatar

Thanks so much @Nathaniel Wilkins!

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Mark Josephson's avatar

So many great learnings from this, Kathy. Thank you for sharing!

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Kathy Wu Brady's avatar

Thanks so much, Mark! It’s a gift to be journeying forward alongside you!

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