## Introduction to Tiny Experiments - Tiny experiments can be run on the side of other projects, and they don't have to completely replace existing projects, allowing individuals to transform their lives iteratively one experiment at a time [(00:00:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jntsKUT1Hkk&t=0s). - Anor, an entrepreneur and ex-[[Google]] employee, has written a book on tiny experiments, and as a neuroscientist, is obsessed with curiosity, which was encouraged during their time at Google [(00:00:08)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jntsKUT1Hkk&t=8s). - The concept of tiny experiments involves taking uncertainty and turning it into something generative and action-driven, and it's essential to fill a simple template to design these experiments [(00:00:42)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jntsKUT1Hkk&t=42s). - To run a tiny experiment, it starts with observation, where individuals take notes without judgment, and then formulate a hypothesis based on their observations [(00:02:03)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jntsKUT1Hkk&t=123s). ## Formulating a Hypothesis and Designing an Experiment - A hypothesis is formed by asking what might be different and using instinct to see if something sparks curiosity, and then designing an experiment using a template called a PCT, which involves committing to curiosity and inserting an action or duration [(00:02:28)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jntsKUT1Hkk&t=148s). - The PCT template involves making a commitment, such as writing a weekly newsletter or going on a daily walk, and conducting the experiment without judgment or analysis until it's complete [(00:02:53)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jntsKUT1Hkk&t=173s). - It's essential to withhold judgment and not try to analyze the experiment until it's done, and then look back to see how it felt, which can help individuals determine if they're running a good experiment [(00:03:24)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jntsKUT1Hkk&t=204s). ## Running a Good Experiment - Running a good experiment involves conducting it without judgment and analyzing the results after completion, and the telltale signs of a good experiment can be determined by looking back and evaluating the experience [(00:03:48)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jntsKUT1Hkk&t=228s). - To determine if an experiment is worth running, it's essential to consider whether you're excited about exploring the question and trying new things in that area of your life, as your level of curiosity is a good factor to look at [(00:03:54)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jntsKUT1Hkk&t=234s). - A good experiment should also be doable, meaning you can actually complete it, and it's better to start with something smaller and shorter to ensure you can collect the data and stick to it [(00:04:17)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jntsKUT1Hkk&t=257s). - The experiment should be something that is out of your comfort zone, where you will learn something new, and not something that is optimized for success, as an experiment needs to start from a place of uncertainty [(00:05:09)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jntsKUT1Hkk&t=309s). ## Applying Tiny Experiments - The concept of "tiny experiments" allows individuals to run experiments on the side of their daily lives, without having to completely replace other projects, and can be a way to discover new areas of life to explore [(00:05:55)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jntsKUT1Hkk&t=355s). - These tiny experiments can be applied to various areas of life, such as health, where you can try different gym routines, diets, or sleep schedules, and track their impact on creativity and productivity [(00:06:46)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jntsKUT1Hkk&t=406s). ## Tiny Experiments vs. Traditional Goal-Setting - Unlike the scientific method, where people try to prove themselves wrong, personal productivity experiments often involve a fear of failure, and it's interesting to consider how this mindset can be applied to tiny experiments [(00:07:07)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jntsKUT1Hkk&t=427s). - Having an experimental mindset can help reinvent one's relationship to failure, and this approach is more effective than traditional goal-setting methods, which can be narrow and linear [(00:07:36)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jntsKUT1Hkk&t=456s). - The traditional definition of goals can be limiting, as it focuses on achieving a specific outcome, whereas an experimental approach prioritizes learning and growth, regardless of the outcome [(00:07:56)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jntsKUT1Hkk&t=476s). - In an experimental approach, the only goal is to learn something new, and success is measured by the collection of new data and insights, rather than the achievement of a specific objective [(00:08:20)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jntsKUT1Hkk&t=500s). ## Applying Tiny Experiments to Personal Growth - Tiny experiments can be applied to personal and emotional aspects of life, such as self-curiosity, meditation, and journaling, allowing individuals to explore and understand themselves better [(00:09:01)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jntsKUT1Hkk&t=541s). ## Experiments vs. Habits - Experiments differ from habits in that they do not require a long-term commitment, and individuals can test and tweak them without feeling obligated to continue [(00:09:41)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jntsKUT1Hkk&t=581s). - The key difference between an experiment and a habit is that an experiment involves testing and collecting data, whereas a habit assumes a predetermined outcome and requires a long-term commitment [(00:10:07)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jntsKUT1Hkk&t=607s). ## Benefits and Simplicity of Tiny Experiments - Running tiny experiments in daily life can help individuals grow and learn, even with limited time, and can be as simple as committing to a short daily practice, such as walking for 20 minutes [(00:10:42)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jntsKUT1Hkk&t=642s). - The beauty of tiny experiments lies in their flexibility and low commitment, allowing individuals to test new approaches and adjust them as needed, without feeling overwhelmed or stuck [(00:10:47)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jntsKUT1Hkk&t=647s). ## Creating a Tiny Experiment - To start creating a tiny experiment, one can begin by looking at their calendar from the last week and identifying which activities gave them energy and which ones drained it, then ask themselves if there's anything they can change, no matter how small, and try it out for a short period, such as five days [(00:12:19)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jntsKUT1Hkk&t=739s). - The idea of a tiny experiment is to make a small change that can be implemented with minimal mental space and energy, such as dedicating just 20 minutes for 20 days, which can be a manageable and achievable goal [(00:11:34)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jntsKUT1Hkk&t=694s). - The process of designing a tiny experiment involves reflecting on one's current habits and activities, identifying areas for improvement, and making a small, incremental change to test its effectiveness, which can be a fun and quick process [(00:12:17)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jntsKUT1Hkk&t=737s). ## Learning More and Resources - For those who want to learn more about tiny experiments and the work of the author, they can visit nls.com to subscribe to a weekly newsletter, or look up the book "Tiny Experiments" at any bookstore [(00:13:11)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jntsKUT1Hkk&t=791s). - The book "Tiny Experiments" provides guidance and information on how to create and implement tiny experiments in one's life, and can be a valuable resource for those looking to make positive changes, with more information available below and on other platforms [(00:12:52)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jntsKUT1Hkk&t=772s). ## Sources - [website](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jntsKUT1Hkk)