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Frank Chen's avatar

this resonated really well with me, much thanks for sharing 😌

i've read through it 3x now, because there's some takeaways that i think we align on (and great nuggets worth revisiting), but some of my old self still berates me for "taking too long" or "not converting fast enough"

i'm approaching two years off full-time and i felt like i was taking too long (and sometimes felt like i failed as i'm job searching now) - your experience helps put it in perspective and helps me find measurements that are not money-related

im also stoked you started jiujitsu, welcome! i'm coming up on 9 years of training nogi - if you ever want to drop in at 10th planet san mateo or 10th planet san jose, you'll catch me at those locations (come through, we're nice!). More than happy to share knowledge and have a roll!

i also started this (shameless self promo lol): longformjiujitsu.substack.com

Matt Yao's avatar

Thanks for the comment Frank - and for reading 3x haha. I actually recently stopped training bjj but mostly due to limited time. If things slow down a bit I might jump back in and then will hit you up. Would be great to roll sometime. Also in the meantime down to grab coffee sometime. Feel free to dm me!

Allison Tielking's avatar

So great to hear all your updates Matt!!!! Congrats on the job and your new place, missing you!

Matt Yao's avatar

Thanks Allison!! It was great to read your updates too around the same time. Missing you too!

Jen Vermet's avatar

Your rootedness as you start your year inspires me Matt. Hopeful intentions for my own 2026. And beautiful reflections. I want to join your community. Keep going and keep playing :)

Matt Yao's avatar

Thanks Jen! Here's to more to more play in 2026!

Vivian's avatar

proud of your journey and how far you've come, Matt! always happy to read up on your updates

Matt Yao's avatar

Thanks Vivian :))

Vinamrata Singal's avatar

Really well written summary of your year, Matt. Congrats on all that you've learned and figured out about yourself, genuinely a lot of exciting updates :)

Matt Yao's avatar

Thanks Vinamrata! Excited for you too!