Approach Failure Like a Scientist
Over the past month, I’ve been part of the Curiosity Collective, an ephemeral coaching community created by Anne-Laure Le Cunff. Anne-Laure is the founder of Ness Labs, a neuroscientist, and now an author—her first book, Tiny Experiments, launches today.
Members of the Curiosity Collective were encouraged to become "scientists of their own lives" by running a tiny experiment. Mine was to explore the impact of intermittent fasting/time-restricted eating on my overall wellbeing. The formal experiment lasted five days, but I had been fasting for a few weeks prior—so this was an opportunity to observe the effects closely.
The experiment results were positive, so I’ve decided to continue for another month before reviewing again. This way of eating seems to work well for me—I feel lighter, more energetic, and more in tune with my hunger and satiety signals.
But beyond the physical benefits, this experiment reminded me how powerful it is to approach (possible) failure like a scientist—no judgement, just data. I have a perfectionist streak and a tendency to push myself hard, but I know these habits aren’t always helpful. Seeing failure as "just data" makes everything feel lighter. No data, no growth.
Here’s to learning in public.
