I’m a fan of experiments. Not necessarily the science kind (in high school biology class dissecting the pig sent me over the edge) but the kind that start with ideas. 

For instance, my entire entrepreneurial career (15 years) was a series of experiments. I had ideas and wanted to see what transpired.

• Launching a local health and wellness resource/website
• Hosting local/community TV programs
• Writing and publishing a couple of pocket guides
• Hosting a full day women’s conference

All of them with unknown outcomes. Some more successful than others. They provided data about who I am, what I’m skilled at, what I want to do more of and what to stop doing.

Maybe it’s my research background – start with the hypothesis, run the survey (or experiment) and figure out what the data tells you. 

Or because I’m attracted to bright shiny objects and get bored on the same project for too long. 

Who knows and it doesn’t really matter. I love a good experiment.

Experimentation Validation

In October I felt seen and validated when I heard keynote speaker, Richard Sheridan of Menlo Technologies, talk about infusing joy into leadership and work during a work conference. 

Actually, I was less interested in the whole joy piece and grabbed on to one simple phrase he said during the talk. Can you guess that phrase?

I’ll tell you. He said:

Run the experiment.

In other words, have the courage to try new ways of leading or working even when there is some risk involved. 

I mean, we don’t know what we don’t know. And if 15 years of self-employment taught me anything it’s that learning, growth, innovation and evolution don’t happen by thinking alone. You have to take the action.

Even though I’m no longer self-employed, I continue running experiments.

At home I’m trying to get my husband to cook more. I tell him, “Find a recipe and run the experiment” (we can always get take out if it doesn’t work).

At work we’re switching up the format of our events to make them more interactive and experiential. We’re running the experiment. (We can always go back to the old format.)

In my voice lessons, I’m working on singing more freely including using my body and expanding my vocal range (going high without screaming. It’s tough). I’m running the experiments.

You know what I’ve learned by running experiments?

I’ve learned to…

• Adapt more easily to change and challenge
• Be OK when projects or experiments don’t work out the way I intended (there is always a nugget of learning)
• Let go of perfection and enjoy the process (talk about joy & freedom!)
• Step more fully into who I am

What experiments do you want to run?

The opportunities to explore and experiment are everywhere. 

• New hobbies
• Giving presentations
• Starting a business
• Writing a book
• Hosting events
• Talking to strangers
• Travel
• Taking a class
• Starting an online show
• Dissecting a pig

When we have the courage and support to let go of beliefs, behaviors and expectations that weigh us down we can feel lighter, more in control and more confident taking the action.

Trust me, it’s worth it to run the experiment.