Big Think You don’t need a 10-year plan. You need to experiment. | Anne-Laure Le Cunff
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Nov 18, 2025 
Anne-Laure Le Cunff, a neuroscientist and author of "Tiny Experiments," promotes an experimental mindset for personal growth. She argues that rigid planning can stifle curiosity and fulfillment. Key discussions include overcoming cognitive overload with small experiments, emotional regulation for better decision-making, and breaking free from societal scripts that dictate our goals. Le Cunff encourages embracing uncertainty and exploring new pathways, highlighting how self-anthropology can lead to deeper self-understanding and enhanced productivity.
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Purpose Through Experimentation
- Purpose arises from curiosity and experimentation, not rigid planning or seeking it obsessively.
- Stumbling upon passion leads to waking up excited, emphasizing exploration over precise goal-setting.
Cognitive Overload and Tiny Experiments
- Our brains haven't evolved to handle today's cognitive overload, causing anxiety regarding speed and productivity.
- Tiny experiments focus on curiosity and fun, offering a sustainable alternative to maximizing outcomes.
Limits of Linear Success Models
- Linear success models assume fixed goals and knowing where you're going, which rarely aligns with fast-changing ambitions.
- Adapting ambitions with the evolving world allows meaningful growth and direction changes.
