Hello Monday with Jessi Hempel

The Science of Goal-Setting, with Anne-Laure Le Cunff

Aug 4, 2025
Anne-Laure Le Cunff, a neuroscientist and author, founded Ness Labs, emphasizing mindful productivity. In this engaging discussion, she challenges traditional goal-setting, advocating for a flexible approach centered on curiosity and self-exploration. She delves into the pressures of defining purpose, the transformative power of tiny experiments, and the dangers of hustle culture. Anne-Laure also introduces the 'Head, Heart, Hand' framework to navigate uncertainty, encouraging listeners to reflect on their evolving priorities and find peace in their choices.
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ANECDOTE

Health Scare Sparks Prioritization

  • Anne-Laure experienced imposter syndrome at her dream job, always fearing being found out as a mistake.
  • A health scare with a blood clot forced her to re-evaluate her priorities and career direction.
INSIGHT

Curiosity as Structured Inquiry

  • Curiosity can be structured like a scientist's method rather than just playful wandering.
  • Systematic curiosity helps explore the unknown through experiments for deeper understanding.
ADVICE

Self-Anthropology Exercise

  • Practice self-anthropology by observing your daily energy and interests without judgment.
  • Use observed patterns to design experiments that reveal what work and life habits suit you best.
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