Tiny Experiments: How to Live Freely in a Goal-Obsessed World
£9.00
A transformative guide to rethinking our approach to goals, creativity and life itself from a neuroscientist and entrepreneur
‘A compelling new take on a timeless concern’ – CAL NEWPORT
‘I loved this profound, practical and generous book’ – OLIVER BURKEMAN
‘Perfect for anyone seeking more freedom in how they design their life’ – ALI ABDAAL
‘One of the best productivity books that I’ve read’ – RYDER CARROLL
‘This book will change the way you design your goals and live your life’ – NIR EYAL
We’re told productivity is all about single-minded focus, hard grind and big goals. Deviating from the linear path means failure. The problem: it’s not true.
In this transformative book, neuroscientist and entrepreneur Anne-Laure Le Cunff reveals the easier, proven method to achieve our ambitions: an experimental mindset. Ditching out-dated notions of chasing success, she demonstrates the joyful power of ‘tiny experiments’ in which goals are discovered, pursued and adapted on your own terms. Rooted in science and real-world success stories, Tiny Experiments is packed with tools to help you break free from limiting beliefs, harness the power of imperfection and apply your curiosity – to create a meaningful, productive life in an ever-changing world.
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Additional information
| Publisher | Profile Books (4 Mar. 2025) |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| File size | 16.3 MB |
| Text-to-Speech | Enabled |
| Screen Reader | Supported |
| Enhanced typesetting | Enabled |
| X-Ray | Enabled |
| Word Wise | Enabled |
| Print length | 300 pages |
| Page numbers source ISBN | 1800819153 |
by Mr I Laming
Loved this book. Great tools and practical guidance on how to make small (tiny!) steps to experiment and not take hard goals so seriously. Loved the idea of outputs not outcomes. Loved the concept of looking at time through the lens of quality not quantity. All backed with serious neuroscience and real world experience. This book has already helped me shift to a much more enjoyable path of curiosity rather than anxiety. A brilliant book.
by Seetha S.
Tiny Experiments is incredible in the way in which it nudges you out of the mundane, after just one read (I can’t wait to read it again!) it really shifted my thinking. Instead of the usual rigid success plans, it focuses on small, manageable tests that helped me rediscover a sense of curiosity I’d forgotten how much I valued and missed in my life. The book’s practical tips for challenging fixed ideas about learning and achievement were key, with actionable steps to help me actually think about how I might be able to approach things differently. Already I’ve found myself jotting down ideas for little experiments to shake up my routine and see what happens, and I can imagine this will be a priceless resource for anyone wanting to break out of a rut and find a more organic way to grow. I can’t wait to see the products of my tiny experiments!
by Unknown
Tiny Experiments is a really brilliant way to re-frame productivity and re-inspire yourself with easy, actionable frameworks. I devoured the book in less than 2 days and have already enjoyed implementing the new tools to rethink some of my goals and the way that I pursue them
by Ward Roef
Anne-Laure Le Cunff has an experimental mindset. When I heard about her book I pre-ordered the Audiobook and the Kindle and I will buy the hardcover later on because this is in my top 5 book list of all time. I have joined Ness Labs, Anne-Laure Le Cunff’s community on Circle after 4 weeks in the book launch community “Curiosity Collective” where I learned a lot about the book. It is at least a 5 star book. This is what I think about the book.
The book _Tiny Experiments: How to Live Freely in a Goal-Obsessed World_ by Anne-Laure Le Cunff presents an **alternative approach to personal and professional growth**, where linear goals are replaced by an **experimental mindset**. It encourages readers to embrace **systematic curiosity**, welcome uncertainty, and see internal resistance as valuable feedback. Through **small, repeatable experiments**, readers can explore their potential, align their actions with their authentic ambitions, and follow a non-linear path where every crossroads invites adventure. The book emphasizes the importance of **mindful productivity**, harnessing natural rhythms, **embracing imperfection**, and **learning in public** to lead a balanced and fulfilling life.
Three action points to enhance your life based on the book:
– **Make pacts:** Create small, repeatable activities with specific actions and durations to stimulate curiosity and learn from your experiences.
– **Keep field notes:** Observe and record your activities, thoughts, and emotions to identify recurring themes and gain insights.
– **Apply the “Plus Minus Next” tool:** Reflect weekly on both positive and negative observations, using these insights to shape your actions for the upcoming period.
The main **key takeaway** of the book is to **embrace an experimental approach to life**. Instead of pursuing rigid, linear goals, it encourages using curiosity as your compass, **designing small experiments**, and learning from the results—regardless of whether they are successful. This approach enables you to remain flexible, adapt to changing circumstances, and follow an **authentic path** that aligns with your personal values and interests.
by Charisma L.
SUCH a useful book for navigating the ambiguities of today’s world through leaning into curiosity, creativity and play. Packed with powerful insights and effective tactics based on science told beautifully in a simple, accessible style. Only part way through but WOW feeling super inspired to try out my own tiny experiments! Everyone needs a copy of this book as a helpful LIFE tool for exploration and growth!
by Aniruddha Mukherjee
I’m glad I got to know about this book and actually read it. I’ll highly recommend this to anyone who feels demotivated or burnt out from chasing after the traditional goals set by the society. All age groups will benefit from reading this.
by bluelotus
I haven’t had time to read the entire book yet, but having followed Anne-Laure Le Cunff’s ‘Ness Labs’ blog for nearly a year and also being chosen to participate in the Curiosity Collective, a recent online emphemeral community for tiny experiments, I know that the book will be an ‘evergreen’ tome on my bookshelf.
The chance to work with Anne-Laure (and 299 other ‘curious cats’) on her own not-so-tiny experiment of the Curiosity Collective was an incredible experience. It highlighted how we are all fallible, that failure is in fact a chance to grow, and those liminal spaces – the uncomfortable in-between places in life – that we fear are the perfect opportunity to reframe our fear and create our own tiny experiments, which can lead to safe passage across the dreaded liminal abyss. The approach that there is no-one-size-fits-all solution for being content or successful in a world obsessed with perceived perfection, is a huge relief. I learnt so much in just four weeks and my first tiny experiment was a joyful success.
Tiny Experiments is a small book holding huge potential – a simplified immersion in the complex world of neuroscience. Anne-Laure Le Cunff is, having read a multitude of ‘self-help’, ‘life coaching’ texts, one of the most important and credible voices to have emerged in recent times. Her considered, humble, non-judgemental and incredibly talented approach to how we can change our brain and minds, will be one of the most valuable books you can buy…and keep. You’ll definitely not want to share your copy with anyone, so consider buying one for all your friends and family!
I will definitely be joining Ness Labs members Learning Community and I look forward to seeing where more Tiny Experiments lead to. Huge thanks to Anne-Laure for sharing all her knowledge and wisdom.
by Michael Geer
Have you ever heard a kid refuse to eat something that they have actually never tried before and say “ew, no, it’s disgusting!” and then 2 weeks later they happen to try it and it becomes their new favorite food. Crazy kids huh?
Well, what I have learned is we are doing that all the time as adults too by limiting what we try in life because we don’t have a framework for discovering and testing things that work and don’t work for us, so we stay in ruts and miss out on a ton of amazing things that life has to offer. We all do it.
Tiny Experiments finally gave me an easy and concrete way to test all those things in life and see what brings me more joy and success. Highly recommend you get a copy and start living your fullest (and funnest) life too!
by Joe Dager
“I devoured ‘Tiny Experiments’ by Anne-Laure Le Cunff in a single morning, cover to cover, the day it arrived. That’s how engaging and practical this book is. It’s a breath of fresh air in the often overwhelming self-help genre.
Le Cunff’s approach, grounded in neuroscience and ancestral philosophy, offers a refreshing alternative to the traditional, linear goal-setting that many of us find stifling. Instead, she champions a circular growth model through ‘tiny experiments,’ turning uncertainty into an opportunity for self-discovery.
What I particularly appreciated was the tangible advice and actionable steps. This isn’t just theoretical; it’s a hands-on guide to dismantling harmful beliefs, embracing imperfection, and truly living in alignment with your aspirations. The book is beautifully written and easily understood, making complex concepts accessible and immediately applicable.
The quality of the content is exceptional. As someone who appreciates practical tools, I highlighted numerous passages and planned my tiny experiments before I even finished reading. This book is more than just a productivity guide; it’s a transformative approach to life and even small projects.
Tiny Experiments is a must-read if you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed by rigid goals, or simply looking for a more authentic way to navigate life. It’s a game-changer, and I wholeheartedly recommend it.
by Joanna
I haven’t finished Tiny Experiments yet, but after a month in the Curiosity Collective (coaching programme), I already know it’s going to be an insightful and transformative read.
Anne-Laure challenges rigid, outcome-driven success models and instead invites us to learn, grow, and problem-solve through experimentation. Low stakes, high learning. Less pressure, more curiosity.
Through the PACT framework, I’ve already seen how small, intentional shifts can lead to big insights.
Can’t wait to explore further, and even more excited to see how these ideas ripple out into systems like education, workplaces, and personal development. Tiny experiments may just be the missing link.
by Dave
“Tiny Experiments” stands out for its grounded approach in scientific reasoning, making it not only inspirational but also credible. The book offers various tangible strategies that can seamlessly be integrated into daily life, ensuring a path of personal and career growth that is both enjoyable and sustainable.
“Tiny Experiments” is an essential read for those who wish to navigate life’s complexities with ease, creativity, and joy. Dive into this enlightening book, and discover how incremental changes can lead to exponential growth. Highly recommended for anyone willing to reimagine success on their own terms!
by Milena coco
Ho scoperto il lavoro di Anne-Laure su Linkedin, poi nella community Ness Labs e ora attraverso il suo libro Tiny Experiments. Ho avuto la fortuna di leggerne qualche estratto e partecipare alla sua community effimera “The Curious Collective” dove abbiamo messo in pratica gli esercizi del libro. Me ne sono interessata perché sono una gran curiosa ma anche perfezionista – questo spesso mi ha portato a tanti nuovi inizi e poche cose portate a termine.
Grazie all’approccio dei piccoli esperimenti, ho cambiato completamente il modo di gestire la mia curiosità e ridotto enormemente i tempi per prendere azione sulle cose che mi rendono felice. In sole 4 settimane, posso dirmi su un percorso nuovo, che sta già dando dei frutti
Super consigliato, sia il libro che la community Ness Labs!
by Olivier
“Tiny Experiments” is a powerful and practical guide that brilliantly demonstrates the profound impact small, manageable changes can have on our lives. Anne-Laure skillfully combines insights from behavioral science with clear, actionable advice, making complex ideas effortlessly accessible. Each chapter is thoughtfully structured, providing compelling real-life examples and simple experiments that encourage immediate implementation.
Highly recommended for anyone interested in harnessing the power of incremental improvements to create significant, lasting change.