In a world obsessed with five-year plans and milestone achievements, neuroscientist Anne-Laure Le Cunff offers a radical alternative: stop chasing goals altogether and start running tiny experiments instead.
Her book Tiny Experiments: How to Live Freely in a Goal-Obsessed World challenges the conventional wisdom that success requires rigid goal setting. As someone who left Google to forge her own path, Le Cunff understands how limiting traditional goal frameworks can be.
Why goal-chasing keeps us stuck
Anne-Laure Le Cunff argues that predetermined outcomes create “cognitive scripts” – mental patterns that limit our imagination and keep us trapped in roles we’ve already assigned ourselves. When we focus solely on following established paths, we miss opportunities for genuine growth.
Her solution centers on curiosity over clarity. Rather than asking “What’s my five-year plan?”, Le Cunff suggests asking “What am I curious about right now?” This shift opens possibilities that goal-oriented thinking often closes off.
The power of tiny experiments
How to stop chasing goals begins with embracing experimentation. Le Cunff’s approach involves creating “pacts”—simple commitments following the format: “I will [action] for [duration].” These focus on output rather than outcomes.
Instead of setting a goal to “become a writer,” you might commit to “write one article per day for 30 days.” The experiment removes pressure while providing valuable data about what works.
From uncertainty to adventure
Anne-Laure Le Cunff reframes uncertainty as adventure rather than anxiety. She notes that we’re born with natural curiosity (just watch any child learn through trial and error) but society gradually conditions us toward performance and conformity.
Her practical suggestion involves becoming a “self-anthropologist,” observing your own life with curious detachment. Notice what energises you, what feels forced, and what sparks genuine interest.
Breaking free from productivity culture
Le Cunff addresses our obsession with productivity, noting that “being productive has become seen as a moral imperative.” She reminds us that “no one really wants to live a productive life. We want to express ourselves, connect with others and explore the world.”
Moving forward without traditional goals
Learning how to stop chasing goals doesn’t mean abandoning ambition—it means approaching life with flexibility to pivot and discover new paths. Anne-Laure Le Cunff’s approach acknowledges that careers naturally evolve in unexpected directions.
The key is building comfort with “liminal space” (not easy, we know) – those uncomfortable periods between certainties where real growth happens. Instead of rushing toward predetermined outcomes, we can use this time for reflection and small-scale experimentation. Her work offers a refreshing alternative to goal-obsessed culture, providing practical tools for those ready to trade rigid plan
