Anne-Laure Le Cunnf on Tiny Experiments: Redefining Success in a Goal-Obsessed World

Beyond the To-Do List - Productivity for Work and Life

Erik Fisher

Business, Entrepreneurship, Self-improvement, Careers, Education

4.5 • 875 Ratings

🗓️ 3 April 2025

⏱️ 48 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

In this episode, Anne-Laure Le Cunff, author of Tiny Experiments: How to Live Freely in a Goal-Obsessed World, joins the show to discuss her experimental approach to goal-setting and personal growth. Anne-Laure, a neuroscience enthusiast and founder of Ness Labs, explores how shifting from traditional goal-setting to small, iterative experiments can lead to greater fulfillment and personal discovery. In this conversation, we explore: • The Flaws of Traditional Goal Setting: Anne-Laure explains why linear goal-setting, with its rigid outcomes and assumptions, often leads to burnout and disappointment, and how this approach can be replaced with more flexible experimentation. • The Power of Small Experiments: We dive into how small, manageable experiments allow you to explore your curiosity without the pressure of fixed outcomes and why this method encourages learning and growth rather than focusing solely on achieving goals. • Reimagining Success and Failure: Anne-Laure discusses how adopting an experimental mindset allows you to redefine success and embrace failure as a crucial part of the learning process. • Shifting from Kronos to Kairos: Anne-Laure introduces the concept of Kairos, or qualitative time, and how it contrasts with the rigid, quantitative time-focused mindset (Kronos) that often fuels productivity anxiety. • Practical Tips for Conducting Tiny Experiments: We discuss how to start small with experiments—whether it’s trying out new routines or learning new skills—and how to evaluate and adjust based on your results. Anne-Laure’s fresh perspective offers a way to navigate the pressures of a goal-obsessed world with curiosity, flexibility, and a willingness to embrace the unknown. Her approach empowers you to live intentionally without the rigid constraints of traditional goal-setting. Learn more about Anne-Laure and her book Tiny Experiments at TinyExperiments.org. Connect with Erik: LinkedIn Facebook Bluesky This Podcast is Powered By: Descript Descript 101 Castmagic Ecamm Podpage Rodecaster Pro Top Productivity Books List Make sure to support the show by checking out the sponsors! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	Pst, did you know?
0:01.1	You can order McDelivery deals
0:02.4	like the Feed the Family deal from 1499.
0:05.1	That's four selected burgers,
0:06.3	two medium fries and two small fries.
0:08.3	Who's in then?
0:08.9	Oh yeah, me.
0:10.2	And me?
0:11.0	McDelivery.
0:11.9	You in?
0:13.6	Delivery only from 11am.
0:15.1	Subject to availability.
0:16.1	Participation may vary.
0:17.1	Delivery, customization and service fee
0:18.5	set by chosen restaurant apply.
0:36.2	Thank you. May vary. Delivery, customization and service fee set by chosen restaurant apply. Hello and welcome back to Beyond the To Do List, a podcast about productivity.
0:41.4	I'm your host, Eric Fisher, and I'm excited to welcome to the show, Ann Lour LeColmph.
0:46.0	She's the author of Tiny Experiments, How to Live Freely in a Goal Obsessed World, and the founder of Nest Labs.
0:53.7	In this conversation, we're talking about how to
0:55.5	break free from the linear goal-oriented mindset that often leads to burnout and frustration.
1:01.9	And she shares how adopting an experimental approach to life and goals, where you focus on the
1:07.5	process and learning rather than fixed outcomes, helps you discover what truly
	...

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