Chapter 1: The Role of Experimentation in Learning

Experimentation is vital for personal and professional development. While many of us engage freely in trial and error in our private lives, we often hesitate to do the same in our careers. Establishing feedback loops is essential; your aim should be to test various inputs and observe their impact on outcomes. It's crucial to keep the process straightforward and acknowledge the ever-evolving nature of our environment.

Adaptability has become a popular term, especially given the upheaval of recent years. Despite a shared understanding of its importance, many still exhibit reluctance to change. The root of this inertia lies in the notion that adaptability is more about mindset than mere systems or tools.

This morning, during my run, I reflected on this concept. I have been alternating between running, cycling, and rucking, and while I've made progress, there are areas for improvement. This week, I aimed to establish a new routine: a 5km run on Monday, a 10km ruck on Tuesday, and a 20km cycle on Wednesday, repeating this pattern for the rest of the week, with Sunday as a rest day.

I was aware that my previous running route was just under 4km, so I adjusted it slightly to meet my new 5km goal. The beginning of my run felt easy—an illusion, as I soon discovered. As I progressed to about 20-25% of the distance, I had to push myself harder.

My objective was to complete the 5km without stopping and to maintain a consistent pace. As I exerted myself, I shifted my focus to what I could experiment with for immediate feedback. I paid close attention to my breathing patterns—depth of inhales and exhales, and the balance between nose and mouth breathing. I also evaluated my stride—length, frequency, and the feedback my body was offering. As I began to cool down, I considered how removing my hat and loosening my jacket might affect my comfort.

The goal was to adjust aspects within my control to gain insights and continuously improve. Ultimately, I completed the run as intended, without breaks and at a steady pace.

This personal experience translates well to our professional challenges. I find it fascinating that individuals often embrace certain approaches in their personal lives, yet discard them upon entering the workplace. How often have you heard a colleague or superior suggest that change can only stem from the latest tool or system? In the business world, there is a tendency to equate tools with solutions, but tools are merely instruments whose effectiveness depends on their application.

Consider adaptability in the workplace through the lens of my running experience. You will achieve success when you take the initiative. Once you pinpoint an area for improvement, don't hesitate to experiment and assess the outcomes. Are they what you anticipated? If yes, fantastic! If not, reflect on why that might be the case.

When facing unexpected results, contemplate what adjustments you can make to steer back toward your objective. Unfortunately, many organizations foster cultures that discourage experimentation. We often face rewards for success and repercussions for failure, leading to a fear of looking incompetent. This fear stifles creativity and experimentation.

As long as your focus remains on your goal and you strive for improvement, you are not failing. As one of my favorite quotes reminds us, "You haven't failed; you've simply discovered a way that doesn't work." Keep this perspective in mind.

To simplify the process:

• Clearly define your goal.
• Understand how your experiment or adjustment brings you closer to it.
• Ensure you can measure progress and receive immediate feedback.
• Compare reality against expectations.
• Don't hesitate to try again.

In a world of constant change, your mindset and strategies must evolve as well. By doing so, you will truly adapt.

In the video "Real Change Through Experimentation," explore how embracing a mindset of experimentation can lead to meaningful change and growth in both personal and professional contexts.

Chapter 2: Overcoming the Fear of Failure

In the video "Fear of Failure? Try this #Fearless #GrowthMindset #Action," discover actionable strategies to confront and overcome the fear of failure, fostering a growth mindset that encourages experimentation and resilience.