The Importance of Small Experiments

We admire commitment. Colleagues who put in extra hours to meet a deadline. Athletes who push through the pain to achieve the win. Those who simply "gets things done" despite it all. Commitment demonstrates grit and resilience. A strength of character that is often associated with success.

Conversely, the reverse can hold true. Expressing itself as stubbornness, commitment can be a lack of flexibility and growth that leads to failure. Athletes who stay with the same team despite a poor culture, businesses who double down on a product no one wants.

Commitment only works when committed to the right things. Knowing what's "right" is the tricky part. This is where testing things out helps.

Small experiments with minimal resource commitment is a great way to gather data. Data that can point us in the right direction.

Try out different jobs. Meet different people. Visit new places. Try a variety of hobbies. Unabashedly dip your toes in the spirit of continuous learning.

Momentum is powerful. Once we get going in a direction, it's gets easier and easier to stay "committed", even when going the wrong way. Small experiments unlocks insights that can guide us.

Commitment is admirable, but only if done mindfully, balanced with strategic flexibility.

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Herman Ye

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