Stop Planning, Start Experimenting: A Science-Backed Approach to a Better Life with Anne-Laure Le Cunff
Author: Chris Hutchins
March 4, 2026
Duration: 1:00:28
#268: Learn why setting big goals might actually be holding you back and what to do instead. Chris and Anne-Laure explore how to replace goal-setting with tiny, low-risk experiments that lead to more growth, more joy, and less burnout.
Anne-Laure Le Cunff is a neuroscientist, writer, and founder of Ness Labs, a learning community at the intersection of science and self-development. She is the author of Tiny Experiments and publishes a weekly newsletter on mindful productivity, creativity, and growth.
Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/tiny-experiments-anne-laure-le-cunff/
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Resources Mentioned
Anne-Laure: Website | Newsletter | Instagram
Tiny Experiments
Ness Labs
ATH Podcast
Ep #256: The Easy Way to Build and Maintain Meaningful Relationships with Nick Gray
Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@chrishutchins.com
Full Show Notes
(00:00) Introduction
(01:01) The Problem with Setting Big Goals
(02:42) When Goal Setting Becomes Counterproductive
(03:41) Why Tiny Experiments Beat Goals
(06:07) The Missing Ingredients That Make Experiments Actually Work
(08:29) How an Experimental Mindset Rewires Your Brain
(10:11) How Anne-Laure Adopted an Experimental Mindset
(13:38) What Happened When Anne-Laure Redefined Success
(16:29) How to Run a Tiny Experiment
(18:22) Real-World Examples You Can Try Immediately
(20:10) Why Smaller Is Always Better When Starting Out
(22:28) How to Experiment Without Burning Out
(25:05) Tracking Both External Results and Internal Signals
(30:10) The Simple Weekly Review That Keeps Experiments on Track
(32:18) Balancing Experimentation With Actually Living Your Life
(35:45) Applying Experimentation to Financial Security
(39:33) The Real Reason We Over-Optimize
(42:15) When Optimizing Is Actually the Right Move
(46:09) Balancing Excitement With Long-Term Priorities
(50:12) Measuring Time Differently
(52:20) Simple Rituals for Getting Present
(53:25) Why Experimenting Publicly Accelerates Growth
(57:26) How to Run Your Very First Experiment
(59:26) Where to Find Anne-Laure and Her Work
Connect with Chris
Newsletter | Membership | X | Instagram | LinkedIn
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