Anne-Laure Le Cunff, a former Googler and founder of Ness Labs, shares her insights on mindful productivity and systematic curiosity. She discusses the pitfalls of traditional goal-setting and the importance of embracing personal experimentation. Anne-Laure introduces the concept of tiny experiments, which promote joy and curiosity over rigid success metrics. She also highlights the 'arrival fallacy'—the misconception that happiness is solely tied to achieving goals—suggesting instead a focus on self-reflection and emotional regulation for meaningful fulfillment.
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insights INSIGHT
Subconscious Decisions
Many decisions are based on subconscious scripts copied from others.
Consider if choices align with personal goals, not automatic responses.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Team Experiments
Teams at Ness Labs experiment together, fostering psychological safety.
In this book, neuroscientist and entrepreneur Anne-Laure Le Cunff argues that life should be approached as a playground for experimentation rather than being molded around linear goals. She provides a science-backed toolkit to help readers break free from limiting beliefs, harness the power of imperfection, and make smarter decisions in uncertain times. The book guides readers in discovering their true ambitions through tiny personal experiments, dismantling harmful beliefs about success, and making decisions true to their own aspirations. It emphasizes the importance of embracing uncertainty as a catalyst for growth and self-discovery.
Think Again
Adam Grant
In 'Think Again', Adam Grant argues that the ability to rethink at personal, interpersonal, and collective levels is crucial in today's polarized world. He uses scientific research, personal anecdotes, and engaging stories to illustrate how people can find joy in being wrong, leverage the benefits of impostor syndrome, and cultivate environments of lifelong learning. Grant emphasizes the need to challenge our convictions, adopt a scientific mindset, and foster curiosity and humility. He provides examples of individuals who have successfully rethought their approaches, from firefighters to business leaders, and offers practical exercises for improving rethinking skills[2][4][5].
Nonviolent Communication
A Language of Life
Marshall B. Rosenberg
Nonviolent Communication (NVC) is a framework created by Marshall Rosenberg that aims to enhance communication by promoting compassion and empathy. The book outlines a four-step process for effective communication: observing what is happening without judgment, identifying and expressing feelings, recognizing and articulating needs, and making clear requests. Rosenberg emphasizes the importance of separating observations from evaluations to avoid defensiveness and promote genuine human connections. The book includes practical exercises, role-plays, and real-life examples to illustrate how NVC can be applied in various relationships and situations, including personal, professional, and conflict resolution contexts. It also discusses how NVC can help in developing self-compassion and resolving conflicts by focusing on the underlying needs rather than the actions that trigger emotions[1][3][5].
How We Learn
Why Brains Learn Better Than Any Machine . . . for Now
Stanislas Dehaene
In *How We Learn*, Stanislas Dehaene delves into the latest science on the brain's learning capabilities, highlighting its unparalleled ability to reprogram itself. He explores the biological foundations of learning and how these principles can be applied in education and everyday life. The book also introduces 'The Four Pillars of Learning', which are essential for effective learning processes.
Anne-Laure Le Cunff explains the problem with how we approach goals—and why experimenting is key to fulfillment.
Anne-Laure Le Cunff is a former Googler who decided to go back to university to pursue a PhD in neuroscience. As the founder of Ness Labs and the author of its widely read newsletter, she is the foremost expert on mindful productivity and systematic curiosity. She writes about evidence-based ways for people to navigate uncertainty and make the most of their minds. She lives in London, where she continues to research and teach people how to apply scientific insights to real-world challenges.
How to Be Awesome at Your Job 
