Small Experiments and Testing

Written by Leigh Martinuzzi

I believe the quality of our life depends on the experiences we have. Yes, there are circumstances and situations external to our direct control that undoubtedly will have an impact on the condition of our life and the experiences that we are either fortunate or unfortunate enough to live through.

What if we could influence these experiences?

Shaping them in a way that allows us to receive greater benefits. Looking for the positives in any negatives and even avoiding or removing ourselves from experiences that we don’t feel fit. That is why small experiments and testing in everyday life is a marvellous practice.

The constructionist theory states that humans, as we exist today, we are a genuine melody of all past experiences, determining not only how we act and behave but how well we live. What we do next will shape our future well-being.

In reflecting on my past and the many transformations that I have traversed, I can attest to this theory. I recognise that the new experiences and moments in which I’ve pushed myself outside my comfort zone into unchartered territories have benefitted my state of being in profound ways. For this reason, I am driven to persist, motivated to try new things, dedicated to practice, and courageous not only to start yet also to stop.

We have all heard that real growth occurs outside our comfort zone. We understand that by having positive habits and behaviours that we will lead a better quality of life. The negative will be less conducive to how much freedom, fulfilment and happiness we have. Yet, even in knowing we are not always effective at living in such a manner. I can attest to that. However, there are some legitimate reasons for this including; fear, depression, lack of confidence, excuse, and blame, just to name a few.

Personally, as I discovered, what held me back from living life as I desired was a lack of integrity to how I wanted to live my life. What I wished for in life wasn’t reflected in how I was living my life. It is still a challenge, but I am becoming much, much better at being true to myself. It sounds a little quirky just writing it, but that’s how I feel. And through a study conducted by Bronnie Ware, she found that the top regret of the dying is that they felt that they didn’t live a life true to themselves. We can learn a great deal from our elders.

I allowed my mind to rule my life. That is where fear, excuse, blame and all those other limiting thoughts arise. I heard Tony Robbins talk about one of the practices that have led him to healthier pastures in life and that was when he stopped negotiating with his mind. He put himself in control, in charge, in the driver’s seat of his life. That is a habit that takes persistence, courage and time to master. Yet, it has allowed me to already be more integral to my purpose. It can do the same for you.

Know what you value, know what you believe and as often as you can, in every waking moment act accordingly. We will fall, we will fail, we will think about giving up and fall back into the conditioned patterns that have been determined by the construction of our past. Know this, each time we step up again, no matter how mild or meek, we move forward, each time we do we will have a new experience. And just like each brush stroke that Leonardo Da-Vinci used to create the masterpiece that is the Mona Lisa, so too can we create a masterful life, one experience after another.

Here is what we can do to gain a little momentum and continue in a positive trajectory in our personal life – experiment and test. It can be daunting to have new experiences and can be more comfortable to do what we know however a few strategically planned trials might help break down any barriers that exist. Of course, this doesn’t mean we need to over-analyse everything. That can often lead to procrastination and delay. Experimenting and testing allow us to try something out without going all in and this can help ease the pressure from getting started.

Let’s say that you want to try yoga, but you’ve never done it before. Now, before we go out and sign up to an extravagant 12-month membership plan find a way to trial it for a day or week. Many yoga practitioners offer trial periods. If that is too much, you can try doing it from your own home. There are YouTube and many other platforms like doyogawithme.com that have excellent beginner tutorials available at no cost or for a small donation. A simple way to test the waters before you swim the channel.

A part of testing and experimenting is trying out different formulas to see what best work for us individually. You may find you lack the motivation or discipline to stick to a routine when starting yoga at home, for example. You might like the idea of being a part of a group. The social aspect may be attracting not to mention the accountability and enhanced motivation that comes in a group environment. The key to not giving up easily is to experiment with various things and mix it up.

Here is another example. What if you want to exit your current job or career in favour of following a passion? Following the same principles as above, this is possible. Find a way to do a week of work experience in the chosen field. Reach out to your connections who might be able to offer you such an opportunity. You can ask your current employer for some time off to make this work. In this approach, you will undoubtedly reduce the risk of quitting a highly paid or secured job for something you may end up disliking.

If there is something that brings you fear but you have to pursue it, find a way to ease your way in by small comfortable tests. In saying that, I sometimes think that the best way to overcome such vices is to jump into the deep end. It works for me but it may not work for you. It depends heavily on what it is you’re doing and what works best for you.

Take public speaking for example. Find a group and environment that will encourage you to take your time and give you support to build up your confidence to have a go. Toastmasters is a great example. Find someone who looks experienced. Ask them for advice and suggestions to improve. Tell them how you feel, and it is likely that they will look after you. Again, small tests and experiments will assist you to build up experience and with experience will come to the change you desire.

I could certainly share a bunch more examples, yet I think you understand. Experimenting and testing is the best way I know to seek out and deploy new experiences in life. It will allow you to mitigate risks and reduce those barriers to entry. Experience is what will shape the future paths we walk and ultimately the quality of life we live.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this post. Please share your comments and ideas below.

Further Reading and Resources 

TED Talks: Ideas worth spreading

Psychology Today: Psychology Today is devoted exclusively to everybody’s favourite subject – Ourselves

Life Hack: Tips for Life

Elite Daily: The Voice of Generation Y

Four Hour Work Week: How to escape the 9-5, live anywhere and join the new rich.

The Minimalists: How to pursue a minimalist lifestyle and be happier.

Mind Hacks: Tips and Tricks for Using Your Brain

Rich Roll: Plantpowered Wellness Advocate

The Art of Charm: Build confidence, feel comfortable and networking differently.

American Psychological Association: The largest scientific and professional organization of psychologists in the United State

The Art of Manliness: Encouraging men to be better husbands, fathers, brothers, citizens.

Tiny Buddha: Simple wisdom for complex lives.

Brain Pickings: An inventory of cross-disciplinary interestingness, spanning art, science, design, history, philosophy, and more.

Mind Body Green: Lifestyle media brand dedicated to inspiring you to live your best life.

Zen Habits: Find simplicity and mindfulness in life.

Creative NonFiction: “true stories well told.” 

Addicted 2 Success: Motivation & Inspiration Website full of quotes and inspiring articles for entrepreneurs.

Barking Up the Wrong Tree: science-based answers and expert insight on how to be awesome at life.

The Positivity Blog: Practical articles on happiness, self-esteem, productivity and social skills.