497. Tiny Experiments: The Neuroscience of Getting Unstuck with Anne-Laure Le Cunff

The ONE Thing

We all want to build better habits, be more productive, and achieve our goals—but sometimes, the pressure to be perfect gets in the way. Enter Anne-Laure Le Cunff, a former neuroscience researcher and the brains behind Ness Labs, whose new book, Tiny Experiments, offers a simple yet powerful approach to personal growth.

Anne-Laure introduces us to the concept of pacts—small commitments designed to test behaviors with curiosity instead of pressure. Her PACT framework (Purposeful, Actionable, Continuous, Trackable) makes it easier to stick to new habits without fear of failure.

We also dive into why we procrastinate and how to diagnose its root cause using the head, heart, and hand method. Is it a rational issue (head), an emotional resistance (heart), or a practical obstacle (hand)? Understanding this can help you move forward with clarity.

Finally, we discuss the trap of perfectionism and why embracing intentional imperfection can be the key to long-term excellence. By shifting focus from immediate results to sustainable progress, you set yourself up for lasting success.

Challenge of the Week:

Look at your calendar from the past week and identify one small change you'd like to make. Create a tiny experiment—a simple, low-stakes PACT to test that change for the next seven days.

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To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit: the1thing.com/pods.

We talk about:

• How tiny experiments lower the stakes and make change easier
• The head, heart, and hand method for overcoming procrastination
• Why perfectionism holds us back and how to practice intentional imperfection

Links & Tools from This Episode:

• Learn more: Ness Labs
• Read: Tiny Experiments by Anne-Laure Le Cunff
• The ONE Thing 66-Day Challenge
• Free Resources
• Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email [email protected] or send us an audio note at Speakpipe.com/the1thing.

Produced by NOVA