Why Big Goals Often Backfire

#268: Learn why setting big goals might actually be holding you back and what to do instead. Chris and Anne-Laure explore how to replace goal-setting with tiny, low-risk experiments that lead to more growth, more joy, and less burnout.

Anne-Laure Le Cunff is a neuroscientist, writer, and founder of Ness Labs, a learning community at the intersection of science and self-development. She is the author of Tiny Experiments and publishes a weekly newsletter on mindful productivity, creativity, and growth.

Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/tiny-experiments-anne-laure-le-cunff/

Partner Deals

Shopify: $1/month trial for the easiest e-commerce platform

DeleteMe: 20% off removing your personal info from the web

Gelt: Skip the waitlist on personalized tax guidance to maximize your wealth

Green Chef: 50% off on your first box + 20% off for two months with code 50ALLTHEHACKS

Superhuman: Free month of the fastest and best email with code ALLTHEHACKS

For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: ⁠chrishutchins.com/deals⁠

Resources Mentioned

Anne-Laure: Website | Newsletter | Instagram

• Tiny Experiments

• Ness Labs

ATH Podcast

• Ep #256: The Easy Way to Build and Maintain Meaningful Relationships with Nick Gray

• Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

• Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@chrishutchins.com

Full Show Notes

(00:00) Introduction

(01:01) The Problem with Setting Big Goals

(02:42) When Goal Setting Becomes Counterproductive

(03:41) Why Tiny Experiments Beat Goals

(06:07) The Missing Ingredients That Make Experiments Actually Work

(08:29) How an Experimental Mindset Rewires Your Brain

(10:11) How Anne-Laure Adopted an Experimental Mindset

(13:38) What Happened When Anne-Laure Redefined Success

(16:29) How to Run a Tiny Experiment

(18:22) Real-World Examples You Can Try Immediately

(20:10) Why Smaller Is Always Better When Starting Out

(22:28) How to Experiment Without Burning Out

(25:05) Tracking Both External Results and Internal Signals

(30:10) The Simple Weekly Review That Keeps Experiments on Track

(32:18) Balancing Experimentation With Actually Living Your Life

(35:45) Applying Experimentation to Financial Security

(39:33) The Real Reason We Over-Optimize

(42:15) When Optimizing Is Actually the Right Move

(46:09) Balancing Excitement With Long-Term Priorities

(50:12) Measuring Time Differently

(52:20) Simple Rituals for Getting Present

(53:25) Why Experimenting Publicly Accelerates Growth

(57:26) How to Run Your Very First Experiment

(59:26) Where to Find Anne-Laure and Her Work

Connect with Chris

⁠Newsletter⁠ | ⁠Membership⁠ | ⁠X⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn⁠

Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices