... There's a pattern I keep noticing across the AI products that actually stick with people vs. the ones that get tried once and forgotten. The forgettable ones try to be impressive. They show off what the model can do -- generate faster, automate more, produce output at scale. And they're genuinely cool for about 15 minutes. The ones that last? They help you see something about yourself you couldn't see before. I've been thinking about this ... ... Comment from Alex J Jemmy(@alex_j_jemmy): For me, the strongest AI experiences feel less like software and more like clarity. The output matters less than the moment where I suddenly understand something about myself diffrently Comment from Mona

... broader question here for anyone building in the AI space: are we building tools that make humans more capable, or tools that make humans more dependent? Would love to hear from other builders thinking about this tension. Comment from Mona Truong(@monatruong

... what success looks like. Not every product should optimize for time spent. Curious if anyone else has experimented with outcome-based metrics instead of engagement. What did you measure, and how did it change your product decisions? Comment from Mona Truong(@monatruong

... months, our most requested feature at Murror was a chat function. Users wanted to talk to the AI the way they talk to a friend. It seemed obvious. Every competitor had it. Every feedback form mentioned it. So we built it. And within two weeks, our core metrics started dropping. Session length went down. Return rate went down. The thing users said they wanted was actively making the product worse. Here is what we discovered when we dug into ... ... come from the least representative group, while the highest-quality usage pattern comes from people who barely ask for anything. Really good reminder to separate expressed desire from long-term value creation. Comment from Jade Melissa(@jade_melissa1): @monatruong

... real daily use. The "constraint before speed" insight you mention is real forcing ourselves to answer "what s the one thing this feature can break" before shipping saved us from several own goals. The broader point about iteration speed vs. iteration quality is underrated. Shipping 10 mediocre things doesn t get you to the same place as shipping 3 things that actually stuck. What changed in your process once you slowed down? Comment from Sai Tharun Kakirala(@sai_tharun_kakirala ... ... those insights faster. What you described is less 'slow down' and more 'change the loop.' You didn t stop moving fast, you just replaced assumptions with real conversations. I don't know if you get me though. Comment from Mona

... nothing compelling, the problem isn't your marketing. It's your product. What's been your experience marketing AI products? Has anyone else found that leading with the human outcome works better than leading with the tech? Comment from Mona Truong(@monatruong

... experience, upgrades after launch aren t just technical. They re emotional. You re reacting to feedback, rethinking assumptions, and trying not to overcorrect. That phase can easily take a full quarter if the changes are meaningful. Comment from Mona Truong(@monatruong

... track my personal life related tasks and get them done If not, it's easy to get lost in work. Workout, hobbies (like chess, dance, music) and playing with my kid are my daily must-haves. Comment from Mona Truong(@monatruong

... patience and discipline, and help me keep my thinking structured and intentional. At the end of the day, we still matter - especially when it comes to important decisions in our lives. What s your perspective on this? Comment from Mona Truong(@monatruong

... career and not letting external circumstances control how seriously I take my work. What has your experience been like working in both remote and on-site environments, and how do you stay flexible and adapt to each? Comment from Mona Truong(@monatruong

... Understanding what I want, what I need, and how to move forward in a way that feels sustainable. How do you combine personal growth and product growth in your own journey? Comment from Nika(@busmark_w_nika): Hey Mona, I am so glad you shared your workflow and the whole path. I am almost the same  also starting the day with checking the news. My additional recommendations are: Read besides news also books (with books, you are more likely ... ... text) Discuss outside the team because of "untapped" perspectives Attend events I am still trying to learn something new and stay active. It is difficult, but without the effort, there is no growth . Comment from Nika(@busmark_w_nika): @monatruong

... felt the most grounding for you? Comment from qinhanyong(@hanyong_qin): started 2026 with a new book. began a new course on AI now, lets see how it evolved in 4 months. Comment from qinhanyong(@hanyong_qin): @monatruong_murror  programming stuff assisted by AI. a little bit hard at the beginning, but, its ok. no pains, no gains. hehe Comment from Balakrisnan H(@balakrisnan_h): Reading this made me smile. I didn't run 7km but I gave myself ... ... that grounded vibe is probably the best fuel for whatever changes are coming later. So how did that nutritious meal taste like as well as how interested the book resulted to be? Comment from Mona

... learning, and growing - one step at a time - wishing you a thoughtful year ahead. Have you written a letter to thank yourself for the year you ve just lived? Comment from Musa Molla(@musa_molla): This is beautifully reflective, Mona. What stands out most is the honesty , acknowledging fear, letting go of what no longer served you and choosing growth even when it was uncomfortable. Those are quiet decisions, but they compound. Wishing your 2025 efforts a lot of room ... ... take root and your 2026 self the confidence to keep choosing with intention. Comment from Kavyashree S(@kavyashree_s1): @monatruong

... same things: health, work, and family. These are the foundations that make everything else possible. As long as they re still there, they re worth being grateful for every single day. What are your three today? Comment from Mona Truong(@monatruong