How to Discover New Talents and Reach your Goals Faster with Experiments

Over the last 5 years I’ve learnt as much if not more from running ‘experiments’ as I have from any specific training programs.

The experiments I run aren’t the scientific kind, they’re about ‘life areas’ and ‘goals’.

For example, an experiment could be to ‘write a short story in a week’ or ‘take on a new project’.

I run experiments to challenge myself to do more and discover whether a ‘life area’ is something I want to pursue.

Without experiments I would run the risk of doing the same thing all the time. Experiments keep me open, stimulated and excited.

“All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Okay, So Give Me Some Examples

Here are some experiments I’ve run:

1. Do 10 x Judo / Jiu-Jitsu classes from a base of ‘no experience’
2. Lecture in a post-graduate strategy course
3. Find 2 x mentors who inspire me, but I’ve never met
4. Do a week writing retreat in the Blue Mountains
5. Setup a blog

Sure, some of these are bigger than others, and all are ‘possible’ with the potential to lead to larger things. And that’s the whole idea! The purpose of an experiment is to take a subject in which you have an interest (but have not yet tried) and give yourself an action you can start right away. The key is to ‘get the ball rolling’ and then ‘learn in the process of doing’ even if the initial action is small. This is one of the very fastest ways to build a repeatable process for success.

Experiments Target Mountaintops, One Step At A Time

Setting up experiments in your life doesn’t mean playing small. While an experiment may involve small actions, even small steps steps practiced in the context of a greater purpose can build unstoppable momentum. If ‘goals’ and ‘objectives’ are the peaks of the mountain we’re climbing, our ‘experiments’ are the new paths we discover on the way to the top. As an example, when I started martial arts as a beginner I would have been overwhelmed by the prospect of years of training. That initial experiment of 10 classes felt achievable and that gave me the courage to walk into a dojo. The experiment helped me start without over-thinking. From that experiment I’ve spent the last 5 years training every week.

The Composition Of An Experiment

So let’s recap and extend our thinking what makes for a good experiment. An experiment is:

• focused on an area of potential interest to you;

where…

• the outcome or learning you will gain is unknown before you begin;

which…

• involves an element of both excitement and fear (the reality is, if the experiment doesn’t create some anxiety for you, chances are it won’t challenge or stretch you enough to shift you out of your comfort zone)
• is time bound (eg. takes one week or one month to do)
• has a specific outcome or target
• is possible within the boundaries you’ve set yourself (for example, an experiment to ‘become the CEO of a Fortune 500 company’ by next month might not be realistic (unless that is you’re next in line for the job). This could be a ‘goal’. But the experiment of ‘interviewing 3 CEOs within a month to ask them what made them a success’ would be a great start!)

Of course this is just my definition, so if you wish to change it, feel free to experiment 🙂

How To Identify Experiments You’ll Love Doing

Here are 3 questions I ask myself to get really clear on new experiment areas:

1. What new area have I been thinking about for a long time and would love to try or do more of?
2. What skill would help me take that next step in an area of my life (whether its career, family, or other)?
3. Do I have any goals for this year that are really big where I would like to start with something smaller that’s aligned with the larger goal?

Finally, if you do run an experiment (and I very much hope you do), here are 3 questions to ask when you’ve completed it:

1. What did I learn in doing this?
2. How did the experiment change my outlook or circumstance (for example, if you acquired a new skill, did that give you a new confidence in your field)?
3. Would I continue with this experiment? If yes, what action or ‘next experiment’ could I take to continue this path?

My Question For You

What experiments have you already run in the last 2 years or are planning for this year? You can leave a comment by clicking here.