Business Book Club: Tiny Experiments

I've set myself a goal to read one personal-development book each month. Here’s what I took from Tiny Experiments by Anne-Laure Le Cunff.

What’s the book about?

Former neuroscientist and founder of Ness Labs, Anne‑Laure Le Cunff challenges the idea of rigid, outcome-focused goal‑setting in today's unpredictable world. Instead, she proposes a mindset of systematic curiosity: embracing uncertainty through stacking small, time‑bound “tiny experiments” rather than chasing linear goals.

I was drawn to Tiny Experiments because I’d got a bit fed up with goal setting. I kept writing down things I wanted to achieve, only to find they didn’t really happen—either because life got in the way, or because the goals didn’t quite fit in the first place. And then I’d give myself a hard time about it. This book felt like a breath of fresh air. Instead of asking How can I be more disciplined?, it asked What could I try? That shift really helped.

Tiny Experiments by Anne-Laure Le Cunff

Rather than urging us to set rigid goals or stick to a five-year plan, Le Cunff offers something more realistic and refreshing: a framework based on curiosity, experimentation, and reflection. It’s ideal for people (like me) who enjoy learning but resist being boxed in.

What it covers

At its core, Tiny Experiments is about replacing fixed outcomes with a mindset of exploration. Drawing on research from neuroscience and behavioural psychology, Le Cunff encourages us to design mini experiments in our daily lives—testing ideas, behaviours, and routines in a low-stakes way.

What I learnt

This book introduces a refreshing alternative to goal-chasing—one grounded in curiosity, reflection and gentle action. Rather than forcing certainty, Tiny Experiments encourages us to run purposeful mini-trials in our own lives, learning and adapting as we go.

Here’s what I took away, organised by the structure the book follows.

🌱 PACT: Commit to Curiosity

1. Linear goals can limit us
We’ve been taught to aim for specific outcomes—but that can set us up for rigidity, pressure, or disillusionment. The book encourages us to favour exploration over execution, using tiny experiments to test, learn and adjust rather than striving to get it “right” first time.

2. Challenge your cognitive scripts
So much of our behaviour is driven by unseen mental scripts—stories we’ve absorbed from childhood, school or society. Le Cunff invites us to notice these with curiosity, and ask: Whose version of success am I following—and do I still choose it?

3. Design decisions with care
Big decisions are rarely black and white. Le Cunff introduces “decision frames”, which encourage us to factor in emotional cues and subconscious drivers alongside rational thinking—expanding our perspective before we commit.

4. Turn doubts into experiments
Rather than pushing through uncertainty, we can test it. Tiny experiments are built on the PACT framework:

• Purposeful – rooted in curiosity or a real-life challenge

• Actionable – small and clear enough to start

• Continuous – repeatable, to help spot patterns

• Trackable – so you can reflect on what you learn

🧠 ACT: Practice Mindful Productivity

5. Redefine productivity
Productivity isn't about doing more—it’s about doing what matters. The book introduces kairos (meaningful time) as a complement to chronos (clock time). It’s a useful lens for managing energy, not just tasks.

6. Procrastination is a message, not a flaw
Rather than battling procrastination, we’re encouraged to ask what it might be telling us. Are we overwhelmed? Unclear? Resisting something that doesn’t align with our values? This shift turns guilt into insight.

7. Practice intentional imperfection
You don’t have to do everything, or do it perfectly. Le Cunff suggests scaling your efforts based on your current energy, priorities, and resources. A small step forward is still progress.

🌊 REACT: Collaborate with Uncertainty

8. Learn to respond, not just react
Disruptions—big or small—can throw us off. Le Cunff’s “consequence cascade” reminds us to first process how we feel, then act. That order matters, especially when emotions are high.

9. Create growth loops
I loved this. A much more positive alternative to fail fast (which in my experience, people talk about but don’t love to do in practice). Instead of aiming for breakthroughs, the book encourages small, steady learning. The Plus / Minus / Next reflection method is simple but powerful: What’s going well? What’s not? What will you try next?

10. Use metacognition to self-coach
Thinking about how you think (a.k.a. metacognition) helps you spot patterns, challenge unhelpful thoughts, and make clearer decisions. It’s a habit worth building.

🌍 IMPACT: Grow with the World

11. You don’t have to go it alone
The myth of the lone genius is gently dismantled. Whether you join a community, share your work publicly, or build a “curiosity circle”, connection is key. Learning is richer when it’s social.

12. Focus on now, not just legacy
We’re often told to think long-term—but Le Cunff encourages us to focus on having a positive impact in the present. That’s where momentum lives. That’s where energy is.

What did I think?

I found Tiny Experiments really refreshing and it’s launch was timely. I have a list of goals I just haven’t stuck to and it helped me change my approach. The book is research-based but doesn’t feel heavy or preachy—more like a gentle nudge to try things out and see what works for you. The whole idea of leading with curiosity rather than forcing progress really landed with me. It felt more human than the usual “set a goal and smash it” approach.

It reminded me a little of Atomic Habits. Where Atomic Habits helps you build small consistent habits, Tiny Experiments encourages you to test, tweak, and adapt based on what you learn. They make a great pair if you're someone who wants structure but also needs breathing space. In fact, this book feels like it brings all the best books I’ve read over the last couple of years and rolls them into one practical approach.

Speaking of a practical approach, what I really liked was how usable it is.

The book comes with downloadable resources such as works sheets, summaries and guides that allow you to apply what you’ve learn, meaning that you don’t put the book down and simply forget it. Le Canff also has an active online community called ness-labs where you access more of her writing and join others in their experiments.

So, if you’re feeling a bit stuck in achieving your goals, it’s a helpful, thoughtful read. It’s not about finding the right answer. It’s about testing small things, learning as you go, and shaping your own path.