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​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/mvupe8zqr5t5hqpkd3xsmhrxkw6g4c3hwm9nm/6qhehoule03z4oc9/aHR0cHM6Ly90d2l0dGVyLmNvbS9uZXVyYW5uZQ== ) ​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/mvupe8zqr5t5hqpkd3xsmhrxkw6g4c3hwm9nm/58hvh8ug2l4qw3b7/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbnN0YWdyYW0uY29tL25ldXJhbm5l ) ​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/mvupe8zqr5t5hqpkd3xsmhrxkw6g4c3hwm9nm/25h2h9u3wnq6x6i8/aHR0cHM6Ly95b3V0dWJlLmNvbS9AbmV1cmFubmU= ) ​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/mvupe8zqr5t5hqpkd3xsmhrxkw6g4c3hwm9nm/g3hnhwumwx0r2wa3/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubGlua2VkaW4uY29tL2luL25ldXJhbm5l ) April 30th, 2026 ​A newsletter by Anne-Laure Le Cunff ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/mvupe8zqr5t5hqpkd3xsmhrxkw6g4c3hwm9nm/9qhzhdudrne08mbz/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbm5lLWxhdXJlLm5ldC8= )​ READ ON THE WEB ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/mvupe8zqr5t5hqpkd3xsmhrxkw6g4c3hwm9nm/48hvh7um8k7v3xiq/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vbmV3c2xldHRlci9wdWxsLW9mLXRoZS1uZXc= ) Hi friends, There’s a recurring thread in the Ness Labs community ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/mvupe8zqr5t5hqpkd3xsmhrxkw6g4c3hwm9nm/08hwhgu2rqpv48hp/aHR0cHM6Ly9kaXNjb3Zlci5jaXJjbGUuc28vcHJvZHVjdC9uZXNzLWxhYnMtY29tbXVuaXR5 ) that starts something like this: “Has anyone tried...?” followed by the name of a new app, framework, or workflow. It’s not surprising – this is a curious bunch, and curious people notice new things. But I’ve been thinking about the line between exploring something new because it’s genuinely useful and exploring it because it’s shiny. So this week I wanted to dig into why our brains are so drawn to novelty, what that means for how we explore and potentially adopt new tools, and a few questions worth asking before you make the switch. Stay (intentionally!) curious, Anne-Laure. P.S. Want something extra to read? My latest essay ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/mvupe8zqr5t5hqpkd3xsmhrxkw6g4c3hwm9nm/vqh3hmuor8ql5xaw/aHR0cHM6Ly9iaWd0aGluay5jb20vbWluZC1iZWhhdmlvci93aHktcmVzdC1hbG9uZS1kb2VzbnQtcmVzdG9yZS1lbmVyZ3kv ) for Big Think explores why rest alone doesn’t restore energy. --------------------- 🌟 The Pull of the New --------------------- It often starts with a reasonable thought: there must be a better way to do this. One quick search turns into a comparison of five alternatives, then a tutorial, then a plugin you might want to try. By the end of the day, you’ve learned something new, but the work you actually cared about is still untouched. There’s a name for this: the shiny toy syndrome. It’s the tendency to chase new tools, technologies, or ideas for the short-lived satisfaction they provide rather than for their actual usefulness. You see it when people switch tools repeatedly and launch side projects they don’t sustain. It shows up across creative work, entrepreneurship, and software development – anywhere the supply of interesting options outpaces the time to properly use them. There’s a biological reason this pull is so hard to resist. Research shows ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/mvupe8zqr5t5hqpkd3xsmhrxkw6g4c3hwm9nm/l2heh6ul7wdegnig/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuY2VsbC5jb20vbmV1cm9uL2Z1bGx0ZXh0L1MwODk2LTYyNzMoMDYpMDA0NzUtMg== ) that novelty activates dopamine pathways in the brain, reinforcing exploration and motivation. Dopamine signals potential – the feeling that this new tool might be the one that finally makes everything click. That promise is exciting, which is exactly why it’s so easy to follow without questioning it. Maybe you’ve swapped your project management app three times this year, each migration eating a weekend you meant to spend on actual work. Or every new coding project starts with “I’ve been wanting to try Rust” instead of picking the language that would get you to a working prototype fastest. Or you’ve enrolled in courses that still sit at 12% completion, each one abandoned when the next interesting course pops up on your feed. The problem isn’t the curiosity ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/mvupe8zqr5t5hqpkd3xsmhrxkw6g4c3hwm9nm/m2h7h6u3zwlvr9sl/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vY3VyaW9zaXR5LW1hdHJpeA== ) itself, but letting novelty become the main driver of your decisions. This can create unnecessary stress through fragmented attention and constant relearning. Over time, this drains your energy and can weaken both individual and team performance. So, how do you manage the shiny toy syndrome? 1. Add a cooling-off period before committing. Delay decisions about new tools or technologies by a few days or weeks. This gap helps reduce impulsive choices driven by novelty and allows your excitement to settle, making it easier to judge their actual value. If you still want to make the switch after the waiting period, that’s a much stronger signal than the initial rush of curiosity. 2. Clarify your reason for wanting the new tool. Ask yourself, in writing, why you want to adopt it. Is it clearly improving outcomes for users or the business, or does it mainly feel interesting? Writing it down is important as it’s harder to fool yourself on paper than in your head. 3. Calculate the true cost of switching. Consider the time, attention, and postponed priorities that come with adopting something new. Second-order thinking ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/mvupe8zqr5t5hqpkd3xsmhrxkw6g4c3hwm9nm/e0hph0u7o5d6x2i7/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vbGV2ZWxzLW9mLXRoaW5raW5n ) forces you to account for what you’re giving up, not just what you might gain. The new tool might be better in isolation, but is it better enough to justify the transition cost? 4. Use a structured decision framework. If this is a big decision, apply a matrix such as the DECIDE framework ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/mvupe8zqr5t5hqpkd3xsmhrxkw6g4c3hwm9nm/7qh7h2u953xqg4s9/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vZGVjaXNpb24tbWFraW5n ) to define the problem, set criteria, and compare alternatives objectively. This is a bit more involved, so only do this when there are quite a few options to consider (and always seriously consider the option to stick to what you’re currently using!) The idea is not to limit your curiosity, but to apply it with intention. When you slow down your decisions, reflect on your motivations, and review the potential impact of your choices, curiosity becomes a tool rather than a distraction. ----------------------------- 🔬 Tiny Experiment of the Week ----------------------------- Ready to put these ideas into practice? Try this week’s tiny experiment to be more intentional about trying shiny new toys. I will [not try any shiny new toy] for [3 weeks]. This will help you reduce impulse-driven decisions and help train your brain to create distance between curiosity and action. You can even keep a “later list” page for all the interesting tools and courses you find during those three weeks. Want to dig deeper? ​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/mvupe8zqr5t5hqpkd3xsmhrxkw6g4c3hwm9nm/owhkhwuwd50pz4uq/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vYm9vaw== )​Get your copy of Tiny Experiments​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/mvupe8zqr5t5hqpkd3xsmhrxkw6g4c3hwm9nm/p8hehqu4o8pmv4ur/aHR0cHM6Ly9teWJvb2sudG8vdGlueWV4cA== ). --------------------- 👀 Into the Mind of... --------------------- LAURA VANDERKAM Each week I ask a curious mind about their habits, routines, and rituals. This week we learn from bestselling author Laura Vanderkam, whose latest book Big Time makes the case for using our 8,760 hours a year to craft a joyful life. 1. One daily practice you can’t do without? I’ve been tracking my time since 2015. I check in 3-4 times a day and write down what I’ve done since the last check in. This takes the same amount of time I spend brushing my teeth, but these few minutes pay off in helping me spend my hours better. 2. One strategy to restart your creative engine? If I’m stuck, I go for a walk. It’s so simple, and yet there’s something magical about 15 minutes walking outside. I come back energized and in a better mood, and usually with a few ideas. 3. One mindset shift that transformed your work? People often say “24-7” but they rarely multiply that through. When I did for the first time and realized that there were 168 hours in a week, this was transformative. There may not be enough hours in the day to get to everything we want to get to, but looking at the whole week shows us how much time there is. Big Time ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/mvupe8zqr5t5hqpkd3xsmhrxkw6g4c3hwm9nm/6qhehoule03zqoi9/aHR0cHM6Ly9sYXVyYXZhbmRlcmthbS5jb20vYm9va3MvYmlnLXRpbWUv ) -------------- 🛠️ Brain Picks -------------- • Read smarter, not longer. Most bestselling nonfiction can be distilled into a handful of powerful ideas – if you know where to look. Shortform curates the world’s best books into clear, structured guides so you can learn faster, retain more, and actually apply what you read. Ness Labs readers get 20% off. Explore your next idea ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/mvupe8zqr5t5hqpkd3xsmhrxkw6g4c3hwm9nm/kkhmh2unv4or74ak/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuc2hvcnRmb3JtLmNvbS8_dXRtX3NvdXJjZT1uZXNzbGFicyZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPXBhcnRuZXImdXRtX2NvbnRlbnQ9MjAyNl8wMDE= ). • Make focus feel tangible. Most productivity tools ask you to fight distraction on the same screen that causes it. Focusaur gives you a physical focus companion, AI guidance, and a playful dinosaur-based reward system that makes consistency feel tangible, not theoretical. Designed for deep work and lasting habits every day. Secure your early bird deal on Kickstarter ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/mvupe8zqr5t5hqpkd3xsmhrxkw6g4c3hwm9nm/25h2h9u3wnq656b8/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cua2lja3N0YXJ0ZXIuY29tL3Byb2plY3RzL2ZvY3VzYXVyL2ZvY3VzYXVyLXRoZS1haS1mb2N1cy1jb25zb2xlLWZvci1kZWVwLXdvcmstYW5kLWhhYml0cz9yZWY9OWJlaDU0 ). • Stressed at work, fed up with your job and dreading Mondays in the office? “Anti-career coach” and London banker Tom Grundy has created a free guide (How To Work Your Way) for professionals wanting more freedom and fulfilment. Join his newsletter to grab the guide ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/mvupe8zqr5t5hqpkd3xsmhrxkw6g4c3hwm9nm/g3hnhwumwx0rvwt3/aHR0cHM6Ly9ob3d0b3dvcmt5b3Vyd2F5LmNvbS9ob21l ). Many thanks to our sponsors and cross-promo partners for supporting the Ness Labs newsletter! Want to appear here? Please email support@nesslabs.com ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/mvupe8zqr5t5hqpkd3xsmhrxkw6g4c3hwm9nm/3ohphdu3gvk0w5fp/bWFpbHRvOnN1cHBvcnRAbmVzc2xhYnMuY29t ) to learn more. -------------------- 🗓️ Community Events -------------------- If you enjoy the newsletter, you’ll love our community of curious minds conducting tiny experiments within a safe space and learning together. Here is an overview of upcoming events (full calendar ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/mvupe8zqr5t5hqpkd3xsmhrxkw6g4c3hwm9nm/n2hohquv0elmdza0/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vZXZlbnRz )): • Build professional influence as an introvert. Join author Stephanie Thoma today for a workshop ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/mvupe8zqr5t5hqpkd3xsmhrxkw6g4c3hwm9nm/48hvh7um8k7voxbq/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvYXV0aG9yLXNlc3Npb24tdGhlLWNvbmZpZGVudC1pbnRyb3ZlcnQtcy1wYXRoLXRvLWluZmx1ZW5jZQ== ) where she will walk you through how intentional relationship-building, strategic communication, and calm presence can help you build meaningful connections and grow your influence as an introvert.​ • Create space for every version of yourself. In this guided journaling session ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/mvupe8zqr5t5hqpkd3xsmhrxkw6g4c3hwm9nm/wnh2h6uq68lnzltl/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvY3JlYXRpdmUtaG91ci1jcmVhdGluZy1hLXNwYWNlLWZvci1ldmVyeS12ZXJzaW9uLW9mLXlvdXJzZWxm ), Gosia Fricze will help you reflect on the different versions of yourself that have existed over the years, the parts you’ve outgrown, and how to make space for who you are becoming. ​• Reimagine your relationship to retirement. In this workshop ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/mvupe8zqr5t5hqpkd3xsmhrxkw6g4c3hwm9nm/reh8h9umzno48pu6/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvd29ya3Nob3Atd2hhdC1ub2JvZHktdGVsbHMteW91LWFib3V0LXRoZS1yZXRpcmVtZW50LXRyYW5zaXRpb24= ), Jim Eagar will share what he’s learned from coaching others through the retirement transition, including the phases most retirees go through, the losses nobody warns you about, and how tiny experiments can help you find your way back to meaning. ​• Make progress on your projects. Join Kathryn Ruge for our Monday ‘body doubling’ coworking session ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/mvupe8zqr5t5hqpkd3xsmhrxkw6g4c3hwm9nm/08hwhgu2rqpv88ap/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvb2NlYW5pYS1hc2lhLXR1ZXNkYXktZXVyb3BlLWFtZXJpY2FzLW1vbmRheS1jby13b3JraW5nLTM2YmRhMQ== ) to work on personal or work-related projects that you want to make progress on, covering all timezones. ​• Improve your knowledge management system. Join our next PKM meeting ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/mvupe8zqr5t5hqpkd3xsmhrxkw6g4c3hwm9nm/8ghqh3uonk7deefl/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvdmlydHVhbC1tZWV0aW5nLXRoZS1wa20tY29sbGVjdGl2ZS0xN2I4ZmY= ) where we learn from one another through sharing how our systems work in the real world and give new PKM users a leg up. ​• Host your own workshop. Do you have an idea for a short presentation and Q&A or a workshop you’d like to trial? Test your first iteration ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/mvupe8zqr5t5hqpkd3xsmhrxkw6g4c3hwm9nm/vqh3hmuor8q02xtw/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvZG9jdW1lbnRhdGlvbi9ldmVudHMtaG9zdGluZw== ) in the Ness Labs community and get feedback. We promote all sessions here in the newsletter. -->Join the community ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/mvupe8zqr5t5hqpkd3xsmhrxkw6g4c3hwm9nm/08hwhgu2rqpv48hp/aHR0cHM6Ly9kaXNjb3Zlci5jaXJjbGUuc28vcHJvZHVjdC9uZXNzLWxhYnMtY29tbXVuaXR5 ) Join the community ( https://discover.circle.so/product/ness-labs-community )All of these and future events are included in the price of the membership (only $49 for one year), as well as access to our courses, workshop library, and a dedicated space to track your tiny experiments. Until next week, take care! Anne-Laure. You received this email because you subscribed to the Ness Labs ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/mvupe8zqr5t5hqpkd3xsmhrxkw6g4c3hwm9nm/l2heh6ul7wd25nbg/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20v ) newsletter. “-ness” is a suffix that means “state of being”, as in awareness, mindfulness, consciousness. Ness Labs is a playground for curiosity – a place where you can learn how to experiment with ideas, explore creative projects, and reflect on your progress. Of course I don’t want to see you go, but you can unsubscribe ( https://d41e12b1.unsubscribe.convertkit-mail4.com/mvupe8zqr5t5hqpkd3xsmhrxkw6g4c3hwm9nm ) at any time. If you do leave, I’d love an email to let me know what I could do better to improve the newsletter. Alternatively, you can update your profile ( https://preferences.convertkit-mail4.com/mvupe8zqr5t5hqpkd3xsmhrxkw6g4c3hwm9nm ) to use a different email address. © Ness Labs, 600 1st Ave, Ste 330 PMB 92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2246.

​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhkx20w8cphwlz77kps6hxe7re/8ghqh3uongz903fl/aHR0cHM6Ly90d2l0dGVyLmNvbS9uZXVyYW5uZQ== ) ​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhkx20w8cphwlz77kps6hxe7re/l2heh6ul7oer0zbg/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbnN0YWdyYW0uY29tL25ldXJhbm5l ) ​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhkx20w8cphwlz77kps6hxe7re/dphehmuenqv54qsl/aHR0cHM6Ly95b3V0dWJlLmNvbS9AbmV1cmFubmU= ) ​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhkx20w8cphwlz77kps6hxe7re/7qh7h2u950qzk9h9/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubGlua2VkaW4uY29tL2luL25ldXJhbm5l ) April 23rd, 2026 ​A newsletter by Anne-Laure Le Cunff ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhkx20w8cphwlz77kps6hxe7re/z2hgh7uexonw4wuz/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbm5lLWxhdXJlLm5ldC8= )​ READ ON THE WEB ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhkx20w8cphwlz77kps6hxe7re/x0hph3ue0no3rkfg/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vbmV3c2xldHRlci9idXN5bmVzcy10cmFw ) Hi friends, As you know, it’s important to reflect on your work at both the macro and the micro level. At the macro level, I had a wonderful opportunity to look back on my journey this week, when I was invited to speak on a panel for the 10th anniversary of the neuroscience program I studied at – the one that led to launching this very newsletter and to writing Tiny Experiments ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhkx20w8cphwlz77kps6hxe7re/kkhmh2unv8rmdwik/aHR0cHM6Ly9teWJvb2sudG8vdGlueWV4cA== ). As a lovely bonus, my parents were visiting me in London and were sitting in the audience. At the micro level, though, I’ve been quite busy the past few days, and not in a productive way. So in this edition, I want to explore a trap we all fall prey to from time to time: the trap of busyness. I hope you enjoy the read, and don’t forget to check out our community events at the bottom of the newsletter – we have some great ones coming up! Stay curious, Anne-Laure. ---------------------- 🪤 The Trap of Busyness ---------------------- Yesterday I ended the day exhausted. I’d been going nonstop since morning with endless emails and back-to-back meetings. It felt like a productive day, but when I sat down and asked myself what actually moved forward, I couldn’t point to a single thing that mattered. That gap between effort and impact points to a deeply rooted psychological tendency: we don’t like being idle. A well-known study on idleness aversion captured ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhkx20w8cphwlz77kps6hxe7re/25h2h9u3w76dvzc8/aHR0cHM6Ly9wdWJtZWQubmNiaS5ubG0ubmloLmdvdi8yMDU0ODA1Ny8= ) this very elegantly. Participants had to wait 15 minutes between two parts of an experiment. They could either sit and wait, or walk to a farther location and back. When both options offered the same reward, most people chose to sit still. But when the farther option meant they could choose a slightly different flavor of candy as a reward (a difference nobody actually cared about) most chose to walk. This shows we’d rather stay busy than sit with ourselves – but we need even the flimsiest reason to justify it. That’s because busyness is reassuring. It’s a numbing strategy, a way to avoid difficult thoughts by making sure there’s always something next on the list. It shields you from questions such as whether your work actually matters and whether your time reflects what you value. And it doesn’t help that our culture celebrates it. When you say you’re “crazy busy,” people assume you must be doing important work. The trouble is you can spend hours answering emails, jumping between tasks, and putting out fires, and over time you lose space for reflection and creative thinking. You feel productive, but you’re just busy. So how do you break free from mindless busyness? Here are four strategies you can start experimenting with: • Track how you spend your time. Write down what you do for a full week, including the small tasks. When you see it laid out, you’ll notice how much of your day goes to things that feel busy but don’t move anything forward. • Cut the dead weight. Find the activities that neither advance your work nor feel meaningful – meetings without clear outcomes, status updates nobody reads, or tasks you do out of habit, and try experimenting with NOT doing these for a week. What happens? Does anyone notice? • Reflect on your progress. At the end of each week, complete a quick Plus Minus Next ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhkx20w8cphwlz77kps6hxe7re/qvh8h8udp8zn7mfg/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vd2Vla2x5LXJldmlldw== ) review to ask what actually moved forward. This will help shift your focus from how busy you felt to what you actually accomplished, and what you can tweak the following week. • Get comfortable with stillness. Experiment with blocking out ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhkx20w8cphwlz77kps6hxe7re/g3hnhwumwerpd4u3/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vdGltZXNoaWVsZGluZy10aW1lLW1hbmFnZW1lbnQ= ) ten minutes a day to sit, reflect, or walk without a podcast playing. It will feel uncomfortable at first but that discomfort is exactly what you want to reconnect with. Most importantly, remember that a full calendar is not proof of a full life. It might just be proof that you never stopped long enough to ask what you’re filling it with. So if you’ve been feeling “crazy busy” lately, try those four strategies to make space for the discomfort of stillness. ----------------------------- 🔬 Tiny Experiment of the Week ----------------------------- Ready to put these ideas into practice? Try this week’s tiny experiment to make room for idleness: I will [sit idle for 5 minutes everyday] for [5 days]. You can set a timer and keep your phone in another room so you’re not tempted to reach for it. This experiment helps build awareness of how quickly the urge to “do something” shows up, and teaches your brain that nothing bad happens when you don’t act on it. Over time, this creates space for clearer thinking. Want to dig deeper? ​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhkx20w8cphwlz77kps6hxe7re/9qhzhdudrg09q5cz/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vYm9vaw== )​Get your copy of Tiny Experiments​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhkx20w8cphwlz77kps6hxe7re/kkhmh2unv8rmdwik/aHR0cHM6Ly9teWJvb2sudG8vdGlueWV4cA== ). --------------------- 👀 Into the Mind of... --------------------- TOM RATH Each week I ask a curious mind about their habits, routines, and rituals. This week we learn from researcher Tom Rath, whose latest book What's the Point? explores the science of fulfillment. 1. One daily practice you can’t do without? The major do-or-die foundation for me is getting a good night of sleep. That is the ‘reset button’ that makes or breaks everything in my daily routine. So anytime I am running on inadequate sleep, I do everything in my power to get that back on track. 2. One idea that keeps you up at night? I am increasingly convinced that at least 80% of us never even have a chance to even try the job we could’ve been best at in life. I think most of us need about ten times the exposure we actually get to different careers. 3. One strategy to restart your creative engine? I’ve tried to develop a habit of always asking myself “why aren’t you thinking bigger?” Especially in the era of AI with unbelievable resources at our disposal, most of the time I am just thinking too small. What’s the Point? ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhkx20w8cphwlz77kps6hxe7re/3ohphdu3gq0zokhp/aHR0cHM6Ly90b21yYXRoLm9yZy93aGF0cy10aGUtcG9pbnQ= ) -------------- 🛠️ Brain Picks -------------- • Want more freedom and fulfilment at work without changing career or quitting your job? Stop following everyone else’s career scripts and start writing your own. Discover how in How To Work Your Way ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhkx20w8cphwlz77kps6hxe7re/n2hohquv0nmr84f0/aHR0cHM6Ly9ob3d0b3dvcmt5b3Vyd2F5LmNvbS8= ), a free guide created by London banker and “anti-career coach” Tom Grundy.​ ​ • Writing is a terrible way to capture ideas. Your brain thinks 3x faster than you type. Whisper Memos lets you speak freely and does the rest – AI transcription, smart summaries, delivered anywhere you want. The best note you’ll ever take is the one you don’t write. Try Whisper Memos free ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhkx20w8cphwlz77kps6hxe7re/48hvh7um80vg5ocq/aHR0cHM6Ly93aGlzcGVybWVtb3MuY29tLz91dG1fc291cmNlPW5lc3NsYWJzJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249YnJhaW5fcGlja3NfYXByMjAyNg== ). • Discover a practical, no-fluff course on building self-confidence from Michael Herold. Grounded in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, it offers actionable tools, real-life exercises, and 8 hours of lessons to help you act confidently, even with anxiety or overthinking. Check it out here ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhkx20w8cphwlz77kps6hxe7re/wnh2h6uq6rngk9fl/aHR0cHM6Ly9oZXJvbGQuY29hY2gvY291cnNl ). Many thanks to our sponsors and cross-promo partners for supporting the Ness Labs newsletter! Want to appear here? Please email support@nesslabs.com ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhkx20w8cphwlz77kps6hxe7re/reh8h9umzq4x32a6/bWFpbHRvOnN1cHBvcnRAbmVzc2xhYnMuY29t ) to learn more. -------------------- 🗓️ Community Events -------------------- If you enjoy the newsletter, you’ll love our community of curious minds conducting tiny experiments within a safe space and learning together. Here is an overview of upcoming events (full calendar ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhkx20w8cphwlz77kps6hxe7re/08hwhgu2rmvz99up/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vZXZlbnRz )): • Let curiosity lead your career. In this session ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhkx20w8cphwlz77kps6hxe7re/8ghqh3uongz923hl/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvY3JlYXRpdmUtaG91ci1sZXR0aW5nLWN1cmlvc2l0eS1sZWFkLXlvdXItY2FyZWVy ), Gosia Fricze will help you explore what happens when curiosity guides your career decisions and how paying attention to what interests you can shape your path over time. ​• Build professional influence as an introvert. Join author Stephanie Thoma for a workshop ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhkx20w8cphwlz77kps6hxe7re/l2heh6ul7oernzcg/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvYXV0aG9yLXNlc3Npb24tdGhlLWNvbmZpZGVudC1pbnRyb3ZlcnQtcy1wYXRoLXRvLWluZmx1ZW5jZQ== ) where she will walk you through how intentional relationship-building, strategic communication, and calm presence can help you build meaningful connections and grow your influence as an introvert. ​• Reimagine your relationship to retirement. In this workshop ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhkx20w8cphwlz77kps6hxe7re/dphehmuenqv5oqal/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvd29ya3Nob3Atd2hhdC1ub2JvZHktdGVsbHMteW91LWFib3V0LXRoZS1yZXRpcmVtZW50LXRyYW5zaXRpb24= ), Jim Eagar will share what he’s learned from coaching others through the retirement transition, including the phases most retirees go through, the losses nobody warns you about, and how tiny experiments can help you find your way back to meaning. ​• Make progress on your project. Join Kathryn Ruge for our Monday ‘body doubling’ coworking session ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhkx20w8cphwlz77kps6hxe7re/e0hph0u7ok64l0i7/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvb2NlYW5pYS1hc2lhLXR1ZXNkYXktZXVyb3BlLWFtZXJpY2FzLW1vbmRheS1jby13b3JraW5nLTM3NDIwZQ== ) to work on personal or work-related projects that you want to make progress on, covering all timezones. ​• Improve your knowledge management system. Join our next PKM Collective meeting ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhkx20w8cphwlz77kps6hxe7re/7qh7h2u950qz69h9/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvdmlydHVhbC1tZWV0aW5nLXRoZS1wa20tY29sbGVjdGl2ZS00NTJlYWM= ) where we learn from one another through sharing how our systems work in the real world and give new PKM users a leg up. ​• Host your own workshop. Do you have an idea for a short presentation and Q&A or a workshop you’d like to trial? Test your first iteration ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhkx20w8cphwlz77kps6hxe7re/owhkhwuwd4po6gtq/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvZG9jdW1lbnRhdGlvbi9ldmVudHMtaG9zdGluZw== ) in the Ness Labs community and get feedback. We promote all sessions here in the newsletter. -->Join the community ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhkx20w8cphwlz77kps6hxe7re/z2hgh7uexonwkwiz/aHR0cHM6Ly9kaXNjb3Zlci5jaXJjbGUuc28vcHJvZHVjdC9uZXNzLWxhYnMtY29tbXVuaXR5 ) Join the community ( https://discover.circle.so/product/ness-labs-community )All of these and future events are included in the price of the membership (only $49 for one year), as well as access to our courses, workshop library, and a dedicated space to track your tiny experiments. Until next week, take care! Anne-Laure. You received this email because you subscribed to the Ness Labs ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhkx20w8cphwlz77kps6hxe7re/x0hph3ue0no3pktg/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20v ) newsletter. “-ness” is a suffix that means “state of being”, as in awareness, mindfulness, consciousness. Ness Labs is a playground for curiosity – a place where you can learn how to experiment with ideas, explore creative projects, and reflect on your progress. Of course I don’t want to see you go, but you can unsubscribe ( https://d41e12b1.unsubscribe.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhkx20w8cphwlz77kps6hxe7re ) at any time. If you do leave, I’d love an email to let me know what I could do better to improve the newsletter. Alternatively, you can update your profile ( https://preferences.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhkx20w8cphwlz77kps6hxe7re ) to use a different email address. © Ness Labs, 600 1st Ave, Ste 330 PMB 92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2246.

​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8upmr902ltrhvr803gighvk4nq5mh9hk50n5/6qhehoule559lzb9/aHR0cHM6Ly90d2l0dGVyLmNvbS9uZXVyYW5uZQ== ) ​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8upmr902ltrhvr803gighvk4nq5mh9hk50n5/kkhmh2unv55xnwhk/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbnN0YWdyYW0uY29tL25ldXJhbm5l ) ​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8upmr902ltrhvr803gighvk4nq5mh9hk50n5/58hvh8ug2nn6g2h7/aHR0cHM6Ly95b3V0dWJlLmNvbS9AbmV1cmFubmU= ) ​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8upmr902ltrhvr803gighvk4nq5mh9hk50n5/qvh8h8udp44kdmfg/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubGlua2VkaW4uY29tL2luL25ldXJhbm5l ) April 16th, 2026 ​A newsletter by Anne-Laure Le Cunff ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8upmr902ltrhvr803gighvk4nq5mh9hk50n5/g3hnhwumwllqm4h3/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbm5lLWxhdXJlLm5ldC8= )​ READ ON THE WEB ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8upmr902ltrhvr803gighvk4nq5mh9hk50n5/3ohphdu3g22p3kfp/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vbmV3c2xldHRlci93b3JrLWFueGlldHk= ) Hi friends, A couple of fun things happened this week. Tiny Experiments ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8upmr902ltrhvr803gighvk4nq5mh9hk50n5/48hvh7um8ppxmotq/aHR0cHM6Ly9teWJvb2sudG8vdGlueWV4cA== ) was shortlisted for an award, I was commissioned by The Guardian to write an essay about the experimental mindset, and I published a new paper ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8upmr902ltrhvr803gighvk4nq5mh9hk50n5/08hwhgu2r99lg9ip/aHR0cHM6Ly9saW5rLnNwcmluZ2VyLmNvbS9hcnRpY2xlLzEwLjExODYvczQwMzU5LTAyNi0wNDUwNC03 ) on hypercuriosity. When I was journaling this morning, I found myself thinking: what a good week! And yet, I’ve been struggling to fall asleep, my mind constantly buzzing, and I’ve been compensating with a bit too much caffeine to stay alert during the day. This kind of free-floating work anxiety is something I’ve learned to pay closely attention to over the years, and it’s the topic of today’s edition. I hope you enjoy the read (and maybe swap some coffee for herbal tea). Stay curious, Anne-Laure. --------------- 🕯️ Work Anxiety --------------- This is something I hear time and time again in the Ness Labs community: on the outside, everything looks fine. The job is interesting, your colleagues are smart, and there’s no obvious reason to complain. And yet, you often feel a sort of tension before meetings or a restless energy that lingers after logging off in the evening. This kind of anxiety is confusing because it doesn’t come from a job you hate, a bad client, or a micromanager. Plus, in professional environments where competence and confidence are expected, acknowledging that you’re constantly slightly on edge can feel risky. This might be especially true for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and people in independent work arrangements, as research shows ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8upmr902ltrhvr803gighvk4nq5mh9hk50n5/8ghqh3uon22rq3fl/aHR0cHM6Ly9wbWMubmNiaS5ubG0ubmloLmdvdi9hcnRpY2xlcy9QTUM5NjY4OTUxLw== ) that 68% of people expect lower chances of contract renewal if they disclose any struggles with their mental health. That’s why work anxiety often stays hidden, despite how common it is. For instance, a survey found ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8upmr902ltrhvr803gighvk4nq5mh9hk50n5/m2h7h6u3zqq4mnfl/aHR0cHM6Ly9hZGFhLm9yZy93b3JrcGxhY2Utc3RyZXNzLWFueGlldHktZGlzb3JkZXJzLXN1cnZleQ== ) that fewer than half of employees whose stress interferes with work have talked to their employer about it. Here were the reasons: * fear their boss would interpret it as lack of interest or unwillingness to do the activity (34%) * fear being labeled “weak” (31%) * fear it would affect promotion opportunities (22% * fear it would go in their file (22%) * fear being laughed at or not taken seriously (20%) The result is a quiet struggle that a lot of us carry alone, even in roles we otherwise enjoy. So, if you love your team and your projects but still struggle – what’s driving your work anxiety? One of the most common drivers is high internal pressure. Research suggests ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8upmr902ltrhvr803gighvk4nq5mh9hk50n5/e0hph0u7ollrq0b7/aHR0cHM6Ly9wdWJzb25saW5lLmluZm9ybXMub3JnL2RvaS8xMC4xMjg3L29yc2MuMjAyMy4xNjcz ) that people who care deeply about their work often set very high standards for themselves, especially in roles they find meaningful. Over time, this can create a constant fear of underperforming or needing to prove yourself. Another contributor is uncertainty. Humans are wired to try to predict what comes next. Shifting priorities, unclear feedback, and organizational changes (or even, at a higher level, broader global and economic uncertainty) can all create a hard-to-pinpoint kind of anxiety. This unpredictability alone can significantly increase anxiety even when nothing “bad” is happening directly to you. Finally, blurred boundaries play a role. Especially with remote work, your work can seep into evenings and weekends, which means your brain never fully shuts down. This can lead to what psychologists call free-floating anxiety ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8upmr902ltrhvr803gighvk4nq5mh9hk50n5/z2hgh7uexkklpwhz/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vZnJlZS1mbG9hdGluZy1hbnhpZXR5 ): a persistent sense of unease without a clear trigger. Whatever the reason behind your work anxiety, telling yourself to “just relax” rarely works. What works is focusing on small evidence-based shifts that make anxiety easier to manage. I call it the CALM toolbox ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8upmr902ltrhvr803gighvk4nq5mh9hk50n5/kkhmh2unv55x6wsk/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vd29ya3BsYWNlLWFueGlldHk= ). • Cut back on stimulants. Before reaching for more complex solutions, consider the basics. Research shows ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8upmr902ltrhvr803gighvk4nq5mh9hk50n5/g3hnhwumwllq64s3/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cucmVzZWFyY2hnYXRlLm5ldC9wdWJsaWNhdGlvbi8xODc1NDA2Ml9BbnhpZXR5X29yX2NhZmZlaW5pc21fYV9kaWFnbm9zdGljX2RpbGVtbWE= ) that caffeine can produce physiological effects that are nearly indistinguishable from anxiety symptoms, and when you’re already stressed, it amplifies them. Switching to decaf or herbal tea during high-pressure periods is a low-effort change that can make a real difference. • Active breaks instead of powering through. When anxious, the instinct is often to work harder to clear the backlog and earn some relief. But this approach backfires.Studies consistently show ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8upmr902ltrhvr803gighvk4nq5mh9hk50n5/3ohphdu3g22p4khp/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmNiaS5ubG0ubmloLmdvdi9wbWMvYXJ0aWNsZXMvUE1DMTQ3MDY1OC8= ) that physical movement, even a short walk or a quick run, meaningfully reduces anxiety. • Lean on someone you trust. Anxiety tends to feed on rumination. Conversation interrupts that loop by introducing new perspectives and ways of framing the situation. Whether it’s a colleague, a friend, or your manager (if the relationship allows for it), sharing what you’re going through can break the cycle more effectively than thinking your way out of it alone. • Monitor patterns. Metacognitive practices ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8upmr902ltrhvr803gighvk4nq5mh9hk50n5/wnh2h6uq6kk0g9sl/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vbWV0YWNvZ25pdGlvbg== ) like journaling can help you step back from day-to-day stress and notice what’s actually driving your anxiety. When you identify recurring triggers – certain meetings, specific types of tasks, particular times of the month – you gain the agency to make changes before anxiety becomes the default setting. Most importantly, experiment! See which parts of the CALM toolbox seem to have the most positive impact in terms of anxiety symptoms, and keep on iterating until your toolbox works for you. Occasional anxiety at work is, to some extent, unavoidable. But chronic, unmanaged anxiety is not something you just have to live with. By approaching it with a willingness to experiment, you can build a relationship with work that feels a lot more sustainable and a lot less like bracing for impact. ----------------------------- 🔬 Tiny Experiment of the Week ----------------------------- Ready to put these ideas into practice? Try this week’s tiny experiment to help manage work anxiety: I will [write down my work anxiety triggers] for [5 days]. Capturing specific triggers helps you spot patterns instead of experiencing anxiety as free-floating. Keep it simple: just “what happened” and “how I felt” to make it easy to stick with. Want to dig deeper? ​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8upmr902ltrhvr803gighvk4nq5mh9hk50n5/08hwhgu2r99lz9bp/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vYm9vaw== )​Get your copy of Tiny Experiments​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8upmr902ltrhvr803gighvk4nq5mh9hk50n5/48hvh7um8ppxmotq/aHR0cHM6Ly9teWJvb2sudG8vdGlueWV4cA== ). --------------------- 👀 Into the Mind of... --------------------- AYELET FISHBACH Each week I ask a curious mind about their habits, routines, and rituals. This week we learn from Ayelet Fishbach, professor of behavioral science at the University of Chicago and author of Get It Done: Surprising Lessons from the Science of Motivation. 1. One daily practice you can’t do without? Writing. I write every day. It’s how I process information and develop new ideas. I don’t feel I have true clarity on a topic until I’ve written about it. 2. One strategy to restart your creative engine? Be comfortable not having an idea (aka low need for closure). I try to welcome the time before clarity emerges. I tell myself to look forward to engaging in the process itself, rather than hoping to have a finished idea as soon as possible. 3. One mindset shift that transformed your work? Wise motivation. I used to think of motivation as willpower: highly motivated people have a stronger “motivation muscle.” Then I realized that motivation is less about pushing harder and more about being strategic. When you understand the psychology of motivation and develop insight into yourself, motivation becomes easier. You move from trying harder to working smarter. Get it Done ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8upmr902ltrhvr803gighvk4nq5mh9hk50n5/l2heh6ul7nnxrzig/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXllbGV0ZmlzaGJhY2guY29tL2Jvb2tzL2dldC1pdC1kb25l ) -------------- 🛠️ Brain Picks -------------- • Start that task you've been avoiding. FLOWN hosts hundreds of live body-doubling sessions daily for ADHD brains. Show up, name your task, and work alongside others doing the same. The simple structure quiets distractions, eases task initiation, and turns scattered energy into feel-good-focus. One month free ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8upmr902ltrhvr803gighvk4nq5mh9hk50n5/e0hph0u7ollr40c7/aHR0cHM6Ly9mbG93bi5jb20vYm9keS1kb3VibGluZy1mb3ItYWRoZD91dG1fc291cmNlPXBhcnRlbmVyc2hpcHMmdXRtX21lZGl1bT1uZXdzbGV0dGVyJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1uZXNzbGFicw== ). ​ ​ • Otio 2.0 just launched. Upload all your sources: PDFs, docs, links, Google Drive, Zotero, and chat across them with any AI model. Ask two questions at once, side by side. Highlight a passage and ask about it without leaving the page. Every answer cites the exact source. Try Pro free for 7 days ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8upmr902ltrhvr803gighvk4nq5mh9hk50n5/z2hgh7uexkklwwuz/b3Rpby5haS8_cmVmPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXJfYnJhaW5waWNrcw== ). • The 24-Hour Writing Sprint is on April 24-25. It’s 24 hours of writers around the world sitting down to write together. A brilliant chance to make a start, get back into something, or simply spend an hour in great writerly company. It’s free to join ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8upmr902ltrhvr803gighvk4nq5mh9hk50n5/p8hehqu4o22qx8ir/aHR0cDovLzI0aG91cndyaXRpbmdzcHJpbnQuY29tLw== ). Many thanks to our sponsors and cross-promo partners for supporting the Ness Labs newsletter! Want to appear here? Please email support@nesslabs.com ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8upmr902ltrhvr803gighvk4nq5mh9hk50n5/x0hph3ue0ppq3kfg/bWFpbHRvOnN1cHBvcnRAbmVzc2xhYnMuY29t ) to learn more. -------------------- 🗓️ Community Events -------------------- If you enjoy the newsletter, you’ll love our community of curious minds conducting tiny experiments within a safe space and learning together. Here is an overview of upcoming events (full calendar ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8upmr902ltrhvr803gighvk4nq5mh9hk50n5/6qhehoule559ozi9/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vZXZlbnRz )): • Build consistency without rigidity. In this session ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8upmr902ltrhvr803gighvk4nq5mh9hk50n5/kkhmh2unv55xmwfk/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvY3JlYXRpdmUtaG91ci1idWlsZGluZy1jb25zaXN0ZW5jeS13aXRob3V0LXJpZ2lkaXR5 ), Gosia Fricze will help you explore the difference between consistency and perfection, how rigid routines can sometimes work against us, and how to build habits that are steady but flexible. ​• Explore career change the balanced way. Join entrepreneurs Kat Wong and Helen McGuire in this interactive session ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8upmr902ltrhvr803gighvk4nq5mh9hk50n5/7qh7h2u9566nz5u9/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvb2gteWVhaC13b3Jrc2hvcC1zZXJpZXMtZXhwbG9yaW5nLWZvdW5kZXJzaGlw ) to learn how to become a founder while juggling life’s responsibilities. ​• Building professional influence as an introvert. Join author Stephanie Thoma for a workshop ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8upmr902ltrhvr803gighvk4nq5mh9hk50n5/z2hgh7uexkklw2bz/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvYXV0aG9yLXNlc3Npb24tdGhlLWNvbmZpZGVudC1pbnRyb3ZlcnQtcy1wYXRoLXRvLWluZmx1ZW5jZQ== ) where she will walk you through how intentional relationship-building, strategic communication, and calm presence can help you build meaningful connections, share your ideas with confidence, and grow your influence as an introvert. ​• Reimagine your relationship to retirement. In this workshop ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8upmr902ltrhvr803gighvk4nq5mh9hk50n5/6qhehoule559o3h9/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvd29ya3Nob3Atd2hhdC1ub2JvZHktdGVsbHMteW91LWFib3V0LXRoZS1yZXRpcmVtZW50LXRyYW5zaXRpb24= ), Jim Eagar will share what he’s learned from his own experience and from coaching others through the retirement transition, including the phases most retirees go through, the losses nobody warns you about, and how tiny experiments can help you find your way back to purpose and meaning.​ • Improve your knowledge management system. Join our next PKM Collective meeting ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8upmr902ltrhvr803gighvk4nq5mh9hk50n5/58hvh8ug2nn67ef7/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvdmlydHVhbC1tZWV0aW5nLXRoZS1wa20tY29sbGVjdGl2ZS00NTJlYWM= ) where we learn from one another through sharing how our systems work in the real world and give new PKM users a leg up. ​• Make progress on your project. Join Kathryn Ruge for our Monday ‘body doubling’ coworking session ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8upmr902ltrhvr803gighvk4nq5mh9hk50n5/qvh8h8udp44kq7hg/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvb2NlYW5pYS1hc2lhLXR1ZXNkYXktZXVyb3BlLWFtZXJpY2FzLW1vbmRheS1jby13b3JraW5nLWNiMjRlMw== ) to work on personal or work-related projects that you want to make progress on, covering all timezones. ​• Host your own workshop. Do you have an idea for a short presentation and Q&A or a workshop you’d like to trial? Test your first iteration ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8upmr902ltrhvr803gighvk4nq5mh9hk50n5/9qhzhdudr665nxiz/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvZG9jdW1lbnRhdGlvbi9ldmVudHMtaG9zdGluZw== ) in the Ness Labs community and get feedback. We promote all sessions here in the newsletter. -->Join the community ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8upmr902ltrhvr803gighvk4nq5mh9hk50n5/n2hohquv0xx7ekt0/aHR0cHM6Ly9kaXNjb3Zlci5jaXJjbGUuc28vcHJvZHVjdC9uZXNzLWxhYnMtY29tbXVuaXR5 ) Join the community ( https://discover.circle.so/product/ness-labs-community )All of these and future events are included in the price of the membership (only $49 for one year), as well as access to our courses, workshop library, and a dedicated space to track your tiny experiments. Until next week, take care! Anne-Laure. You received this email because you subscribed to the Ness Labs ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8upmr902ltrhvr803gighvk4nq5mh9hk50n5/wnh2h6uq6kk08rul/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20v ) newsletter. “-ness” is a suffix that means “state of being”, as in awareness, mindfulness, consciousness. Ness Labs is a playground for curiosity – a place where you can learn how to experiment with ideas, explore creative projects, and reflect on your progress. Of course I don’t want to see you go, but you can unsubscribe ( https://d41e12b1.unsubscribe.convertkit-mail4.com/v8upmr902ltrhvr803gighvk4nq5mh9hk50n5 ) at any time. If you do leave, I’d love an email to let me know what I could do better to improve the newsletter. Alternatively, you can update your profile ( https://preferences.convertkit-mail4.com/v8upmr902ltrhvr803gighvk4nq5mh9hk50n5 ) to use a different email address. © Ness Labs, 600 1st Ave, Ste 330 PMB 92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2246.

​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/0vu59kpz2vt9h9r73llclhv75zv9nbnhxe8re/z2hgh7ue6ln90ztz/aHR0cHM6Ly90d2l0dGVyLmNvbS9uZXVyYW5uZQ== ) ​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/0vu59kpz2vt9h9r73llclhv75zv9nbnhxe8re/x0hph3ue2qo8k8sg/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbnN0YWdyYW0uY29tL25ldXJhbm5l ) ​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/0vu59kpz2vt9h9r73llclhv75zv9nbnhxe8re/58hvh8ugx6qp30s7/aHR0cHM6Ly95b3V0dWJlLmNvbS9AbmV1cmFubmU= ) ​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/0vu59kpz2vt9h9r73llclhv75zv9nbnhxe8re/qvh8h8udwkzge0sg/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubGlua2VkaW4uY29tL2luL25ldXJhbm5l ) April 9th, 2026 ​A newsletter by Anne-Laure Le Cunff ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/0vu59kpz2vt9h9r73llclhv75zv9nbnhxe8re/9qhzhdudw50k4gbz/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbm5lLWxhdXJlLm5ldC8= )​ READ ON THE WEB ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/0vu59kpz2vt9h9r73llclhv75zv9nbnhxe8re/48hvh7umlxvzw6fq/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vaWxsdXNpb24tb2YtY2xhcml0eQ== ) Hi friends, It’s finally spring here in the UK and after completing some important milestones in a big research project, I have some breathing room for non-academic writing. To me this feels like a creative spring! But turning research into something anyone can use means wrestling with how to actually explain ideas, which sometimes brings the uncomfortable experience of noticing gaps in my understanding... even with things I thought I knew pretty well. Today we explore this illusion of clarity, and how to manage it in a gentle way. Stay curious, Anne-Laure. -------------------------- ✂️ The Illusion of Clarity -------------------------- When people ask me why I started the Ness Labs newsletter, I always admit that it was initially for selfish reasons. As a neuroscience student at the time, I had discovered something called the generation effect ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/0vu59kpz2vt9h9r73llclhv75zv9nbnhxe8re/reh8h9umd649knc6/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vZ2VuZXJhdGlvbi1lZmZlY3Q= ): a psychological phenomenon showing that when you create your own version of something, you both understand it and remember it better. So I decided to run an experiment: I would write 100 short articles in 100 weekdays based on my studies, trying to turn a concept from neuroscience into something practical people could apply in everyday life. But something unexpected happened. Every time I sat down and needed to actually explain a concept – really explain it, step by step, in plain language – I’d hit a wall. What I thought was knowledge didn’t survive the simple test of having to put it into my own words. This exercise forced me to confront what I’ve come to call the illusion of clarity: the confident feeling that you understand something, when in reality your grasp is full of gaps you’ve never noticed. And I’m not the only on falling prey to the illusion of clarity. In a study ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/0vu59kpz2vt9h9r73llclhv75zv9nbnhxe8re/08hwhgu2elv0nnbp/aHR0cHM6Ly9wbWMubmNiaS5ubG0ubmloLmdvdi9hcnRpY2xlcy9QTUMzMDYyOTAxLw== ), psychologists asked participants to rate how well they understood everyday devices like sewing machines, zippers, or cell phones and then asked them to write detailed explanations. After attempting the explanation, self-ratings dropped sharply. The act of actually trying to explain revealed how little people actually knew. So why does this happen? There are three main reasons we experience the illusion of clarity. 1. We rely on shallow mental models We tend to store only rough sketches of how things work. We know what a zipper does but not how. The problem is that this shallow model feels complete until we try to produce an actual explanation. This is why the simple instruction “explain it in detail” is such a powerful test of real understanding. The moment you try, the gaps in your knowledge reveal themselves. 2. We confuse familiarity with understanding You’ve used a toilet every day of your life. You can picture one. You can identify its parts. That deep familiarity makes it feel like you understand how a toilet works. But try explaining the actual flushing mechanism step by step, and most people quickly discover that familiarity and understanding are not the same thing at all. This is an example of a well-studied phenomenon in psychology called ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/0vu59kpz2vt9h9r73llclhv75zv9nbnhxe8re/vqh3hmuo0wl2m0sw/aHR0cHM6Ly9wc3ljbmV0LmFwYS5vcmcvcmVjb3JkLzIwMTgtNjYxMTQtMDAx ) processing fluency: the subjective feeling of ease you experience when processing information. When something feels easy to take in, your brain interprets that ease as a signal that you understand it. Repetition is one of the biggest culprits. Hearing or reading about a concept multiple times makes it feel increasingly familiar, and that familiarity gets reinterpreted as comprehension. When something feels familiar, we assume we’ve mastered it even when we’ve barely scratched the surface. 3. We outsource knowledge to the environment Another issue is that we blur the line between what we know and what we can access. Research shows that when people expect to have future access to information, they remember where to find it rather than the information itself. This is known ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/0vu59kpz2vt9h9r73llclhv75zv9nbnhxe8re/e0hph0u7vr69m8a7/aHR0cHM6Ly9wdWJtZWQubmNiaS5ubG0ubmloLmdvdi8yMTc2NDc1NS8= ) as the Google Effect (which maybe should be renamed the ChatGPT Effect). And the boundaries between what we personally know and what we know by accessing those external memory systems are getting blurred, inflating our sense of understanding. The easier it is to access information externally, the harder it becomes to notice that you don’t actually have that knowledge internally. The illusion of clarity is why we confidently give advice on topics we’ve only skimmed, why we commit to plans we can’t actually walk someone through, and why teams agree on strategies that nobody can articulate. The good news is that this illusion is remarkably easy to break. You just need to try explaining things. Here’s how to do it: * Step 1: Pick a concept you think you understand well. It could be something from your work, a topic you discuss often, a tool you use, or an idea you’ve been advocating for. * Step 2: Explain it step by step without looking anything up. Write it out or say it out loud as if you were teaching someone who knows nothing about it. Don’t skip the “obvious” parts. Follow the chain of cause and effect from beginning to end. * Step 3: Notice where you get stuck. Pay attention to the moments where your explanation gets vague, where you use filler phrases like “it basically works by…” or “somehow it just…” or where you realize you’re actually restating the what instead of explaining the how. Those gaps are the illusion breaking. That discomfort in Step 3 is the most valuable signal you’ll get because it tells you exactly where your actual understanding ends and where the illusion of clarity begins. Confronting the illusion of clarity is not always pleasant, especially when you realize that something you thought you knew – maybe something you’ve even taught others or built decisions on – is held together by vague assumptions rather than real understanding. But I’ve come to see this discomfort as one of the most productive feelings available to us as knowledge workers. Every time I sit down to write and hit that gap between what I thought I knew and what I can actually explain, I know I’m actually learning. ----------------------------- 🔬 Tiny Experiment of the Week ----------------------------- Ready to put these ideas into practice? Try this week’s tiny experiment to practice breaking free of the illusion of clarity: I will [explain one idea step by step everyday] for [5 days]. It might feel a bit uncomfortable at first to notice all the gaps in your knowledge, but this is how you’ll know you’re learning and growing. Want to dig deeper? ​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/0vu59kpz2vt9h9r73llclhv75zv9nbnhxe8re/p8hehqu46qmkrvfr/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vYm9vaw== )​Get your copy of Tiny Experiments​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/0vu59kpz2vt9h9r73llclhv75zv9nbnhxe8re/kkhmh2unwxrgr5sk/aHR0cHM6Ly9teWJvb2sudG8vdGlueWV4cA== ). --------------------- 👀 Into the Mind of... --------------------- HELEN LEWIS Each week I ask a curious mind about their habits, routines, and rituals. This week we learn from Helen Lewis, BBC host, The Atlantic staff writer, and author of The Genius Myth. 1. One daily practice you can’t do without? I’m very attached to my morning routine, because my brain doesn’t start working for about an hour after I wake up. I like to start the day by clearing any outstanding emails and reading all the various newsletters that I’m subscribed to. Once I’ve done that, I’m ready to do what I think of as “proper work”. 2. One mindset shift that transformed your work? I struggle with procrastination when I’m not on a hard deadline, so I often take a sheet of lined A4 paper and write “100 words”, “200 words” and so on down the margin. Then I give myself rewards (like a tea break, or a walk) at certain word counts. Doing that makes me feel less apprehensive about starting. 3. One habit you wish you had? My husband is very diligent about taking his work email off his phone when we go on holiday. I wish I could do that, but I’ve never quite plucked up the courage. I’d be terrified someone would email with a one-time offer to win $100,000 on the condition I replied within two hours. Read Helen’s book ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/0vu59kpz2vt9h9r73llclhv75zv9nbnhxe8re/25h2h9u39m6r60a8/aHR0cHM6Ly9ib29rc2hvcC5vcmcvcC9ib29rcy90aGUtZ2VuaXVzLW15dGgtYS1jdXJpb3VzLWhpc3Rvcnktb2YtYS1kYW5nZXJvdXMtaWRlYS1oZWxlbi1sZXdpcy9lZTAzMmQ4ODQ4NzEwMTNh ) -------------- 🛠️ Brain Picks -------------- • You have 80,000 hours in your career. Most advice on how to spend those hours is based on no evidence – or worse, misleading platitudes like “follow your passion.” 80,000 Hours is a tried-and-tested career guide covering what actually makes a dream job, which skills matter in the age of AI, and how to find work that makes a difference. Pre-order your copy now ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/0vu59kpz2vt9h9r73llclhv75zv9nbnhxe8re/g3hnhwum9qr7rzc3/aHR0cDovLzgwMDAwaG91cnMub3JnL25lc3NsYWJz ).​ ​ • Want to read more books or discover amazing books? Check out this newsletter by Alex & Books. You’ll get a new book summary every week, plus a list of his 100 favorite books when you sign up. Join 50,000+ readers for free here ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/0vu59kpz2vt9h9r73llclhv75zv9nbnhxe8re/n2hohquvq7mwmvs0/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbGV4YW5kYm9va3MuYmVlaGlpdi5jb20vc3Vic2NyaWJl ). • Break free from inbox overwhelm. Start using a newsletter aggregator built for reading and wake up to a personalized news briefing using smart filters to always surface the most relevant content at the right time. Join Meco ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/0vu59kpz2vt9h9r73llclhv75zv9nbnhxe8re/wnh2h6uq70n9nghl/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubWVjby5hcHAvZ2V0LzFueDE= ). Many thanks to our sponsors and cross-promo partners for supporting the Ness Labs newsletter! Want to appear here? Please email support@nesslabs.com ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/0vu59kpz2vt9h9r73llclhv75zv9nbnhxe8re/reh8h9umd6494ni6/bWFpbHRvOnN1cHBvcnRAbmVzc2xhYnMuY29t ) to learn more. -------------------- 🗓️ Community Events -------------------- If you enjoy the newsletter, you’ll love our community of curious minds conducting tiny experiments within a safe space and learning together. Here is an overview of upcoming events (full calendar ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/0vu59kpz2vt9h9r73llclhv75zv9nbnhxe8re/08hwhgu2elv0vnsp/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vZXZlbnRz )): • Make peace with unfinished work. In this Creative Hour session ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/0vu59kpz2vt9h9r73llclhv75zv9nbnhxe8re/l2heh6ul2xe5e7tg/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvY3JlYXRpdmUtaG91ci1tYWtpbmctcGVhY2Utd2l0aC11bmZpbmlzaGVkLXdvcms= ), Gosia Fricze will walk you through a self-reflection exercise to explore your relationship with unfinished projects, the pressure to complete everything you start, and how to see unfinished work as part of the creative process. ​• Design a life without burnout. Heidi Anderson for a workshop ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/0vu59kpz2vt9h9r73llclhv75zv9nbnhxe8re/dphehmue6pvzv9al/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvd29ya3Nob3Atd2h5LWhpZ2gtYWNoaWV2ZXJzLWJ1cm4tb3V0 ) where she will walk you through a guided reflection and live exploration to identify which parts are loudest in your life right now, understand what they are protecting you from, and begin to harness them for good. ​• Take balanced approach in exploring career change. Join entrepreneurs Kat Wong and Helen McGuire in this interactive session ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/0vu59kpz2vt9h9r73llclhv75zv9nbnhxe8re/p8hehqu46qmkmvhr/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvb2gteWVhaC13b3Jrc2hvcC1zZXJpZXMtZXhwbG9yaW5nLWZvdW5kZXJzaGlw ) to learn how to become a founder while juggling life’s responsibilities.​ • Improve your knowledge management system. Join our next PKM Collective meeting ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/0vu59kpz2vt9h9r73llclhv75zv9nbnhxe8re/58hvh8ugx6qpx0i7/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvdmlydHVhbC1tZWV0aW5nLXRoZS1wa20tY29sbGVjdGl2ZS00OTY4Zjk= ) where we learn from one another through sharing how our systems work in the real world and give new PKM users a leg up. ​• Make progress on your project. This is a community favorite! Join Kathryn Ruge for our Monday ‘body doubling’ coworking session ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/0vu59kpz2vt9h9r73llclhv75zv9nbnhxe8re/n2hohquvq7mwqvf0/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvb2NlYW5pYS1hc2lhLXR1ZXNkYXktZXVyb3BlLWFtZXJpY2FzLW1vbmRheS1jby13b3JraW5nLWIwMDQzNQ== ) to work on personal or work-related projects that you want to make progress on, covering all timezones. ​• Host your own workshop (anytime!). Do you have an idea for a short presentation and Q&A or a workshop you’d like to trial? Test your first iteration ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/0vu59kpz2vt9h9r73llclhv75zv9nbnhxe8re/reh8h9umd649dnt6/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvZG9jdW1lbnRhdGlvbi9ldmVudHMtaG9zdGluZw== ) in the Ness Labs community and get feedback. We promote all sessions here in the newsletter. -->Join the community ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/0vu59kpz2vt9h9r73llclhv75zv9nbnhxe8re/l2heh6ul2xe527ug/aHR0cHM6Ly9kaXNjb3Zlci5jaXJjbGUuc28vcHJvZHVjdC9uZXNzLWxhYnMtY29tbXVuaXR5 ) Join the community ( https://discover.circle.so/product/ness-labs-community )All of these and future events are included in the price of the membership (only $49 for one year), as well as access to our courses, workshop library, and a dedicated space to track your tiny experiments. Until next week, take care! Anne-Laure. You received this email because you subscribed to the Ness Labs ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/0vu59kpz2vt9h9r73llclhv75zv9nbnhxe8re/owhkhwuw9qp390hq/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20v ) newsletter. “-ness” is a suffix that means “state of being”, as in awareness, mindfulness, consciousness. Ness Labs is a playground for curiosity – a place where you can learn how to experiment with ideas, explore creative projects, and reflect on your progress. Of course I don’t want to see you go, but you can unsubscribe ( https://d41e12b1.unsubscribe.convertkit-mail4.com/0vu59kpz2vt9h9r73llclhv75zv9nbnhxe8re ) at any time. If you do leave, I’d love an email to let me know what I could do better to improve the newsletter. Alternatively, you can update your profile ( https://preferences.convertkit-mail4.com/0vu59kpz2vt9h9r73llclhv75zv9nbnhxe8re ) to use a different email address. © Ness Labs, 600 1st Ave, Ste 330 PMB 92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2246.

​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/gkupv02w5xt5hlw7v9zfrh8ex8r3wsmh7xd6x/owhkhwuw99gx6wfq/aHR0cHM6Ly90d2l0dGVyLmNvbS9uZXVyYW5uZQ== ) ​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/gkupv02w5xt5hlw7v9zfrh8ex8r3wsmh7xd6x/z2hgh7ue66p5kpiz/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbnN0YWdyYW0uY29tL25ldXJhbm5l ) ​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/gkupv02w5xt5hlw7v9zfrh8ex8r3wsmh7xd6x/p8hehqu466gr2xur/aHR0cHM6Ly95b3V0dWJlLmNvbS9AbmV1cmFubmU= ) ​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/gkupv02w5xt5hlw7v9zfrh8ex8r3wsmh7xd6x/x0hph3ue229kpxtg/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubGlua2VkaW4uY29tL2luL25ldXJhbm5l ) April 2nd, 2026 ​A newsletter by Anne-Laure Le Cunff ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/gkupv02w5xt5hlw7v9zfrh8ex8r3wsmh7xd6x/6qhehoulrrnx5xu9/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbm5lLWxhdXJlLm5ldC8= )​ READ ON THE WEB ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/gkupv02w5xt5hlw7v9zfrh8ex8r3wsmh7xd6x/kkhmh2unww6z5rik/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vbmV3c2xldHRlci90aGlua2luZy1kZWVwZXI= ) Hi friends, This week something amazing happened: my essay on hypercuriosity was published in Aeon magazine ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/gkupv02w5xt5hlw7v9zfrh8ex8r3wsmh7xd6x/58hvh8ugxxk3nxi7/aHR0cHM6Ly9hZW9uLmNvL2Vzc2F5cy9ob3ctdGhlLWh5cGVyY3VyaW9zaXR5LW9mLWFkaGQtbWF5LWhhdmUtaGVscGVkLWh1bWFucy10aHJpdmU= ). This is one of my favorite publications, so truly an honor. They’ve opened the comment section, so feel free to chime in! It's been a really busy few weeks with research, but I’ve fortunately become much better at knowing which projects to accept and which to pass on – and that’s all thanks to second-level thinking. In this edition, we’ll explore what it means to think deeper and consider the hidden layers of consequences behind our decisions. Stay curious, Anne-Laure. p.s. I’m running our Springtime Experiments ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/gkupv02w5xt5hlw7v9zfrh8ex8r3wsmh7xd6x/25h2h9u3994l8wu8/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvc3ByaW5ndGltZS1leHBlcmltZW50cy13b3Jrc2hvcC0xMzEzMDU= ) workshop in the Ness Labs community starting in about 2 hours (at 11am NYC / 4pm London / 9:30pm Delhi). Join me if you’ve been wanting to design a tiny experiment and you’re free :) ----------------- 🪏 Thinking Deeper ----------------- A few years ago, a company I really liked approached me with a project that felt like a dream opportunity. The work was exciting, the people were great, and I said yes almost immediately. What I didn’t do was look at everything else already on my plate. Within weeks, I was stretched so thin that I couldn’t do any of my work well. What started as an exciting yes turned into a dangerous dance with burnout. I made what felt like an obviously good decision. So why did it backfire? This happens more often than we think, in decisions big and small. You skip meals to save time, but by afternoon you’re too exhausted to focus. You choose a cheaper apartment, but the long commute drains your energy every day. You accept a job for the salary, but you’re constantly stressed with no time for yourself. In each case, the logic made sense on the surface. But every decision has second and third-order consequences that aren’t immediately visible. Investor Howard Marks calls this ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/gkupv02w5xt5hlw7v9zfrh8ex8r3wsmh7xd6x/qvh8h8udwwoe45hg/aHR0cHM6Ly9hY2FkZW1pYy5vdXAuY29tL2NvbHVtYmlhLXNjaG9sYXJzaGlwLW9ubGluZS9ib29rLzI5NzgzL2NoYXB0ZXItYWJzdHJhY3QvMjUxODE5NDU0P3JlZGlyZWN0ZWRGcm9tPWZ1bGx0ZXh0 ) the difference between first-level and second-level thinking: * First-level thinking is simple and superficial: it asks, “What will happen?” * Second-level thinking goes deeper: “And then what will happen after that?” Research shows ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/gkupv02w5xt5hlw7v9zfrh8ex8r3wsmh7xd6x/g3hnhwum996gl8i3/aHR0cHM6Ly9wdWJtZWQubmNiaS5ubG0ubmloLmdvdi8zOTUzMTQzNi8= ) that we naturally favor immediate rewards over long-term outcomes, which is why we so often choose what feels good now over what will be better later. First-level thinking looks at the obvious benefit right in front of you. More money, less cost, quick results. It feels logical, and sometimes it works. But many areas of life aren’t that simple. Second-level thinking forces you to zoom out. Not just the immediate reward, but the full cost. When you start thinking this way, you realize that many decisions that look smart in the short term are expensive in the long term. Skipping meals saves you an hour today but costs you three hours of low energy later. A cheaper apartment saves money but costs you time, energy, and mental bandwidth every single day. A higher salary increases your income but decreases your time, health, and happiness. So how can you cultivate second-level thinking? 1. Ask “and then what?” at least three times. Don’t stop at the first outcome. If this happens, then what? And after that? This simple chain moves you from first-order consequences to second and third-order ones and helps you look for the hidden costs. 2. Use the 10-10-10 rule. How will you feel about this decision 10 minutes from now, 10 days from now, and 10 months from now? It makes future consequences more visible in the present moment. 3. Experiment before committing fully. Test the decision on a smaller scale, like saying yes to a trial period, taking on a smaller version of the project, or trying it for a week before locking in. Experimenting ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/gkupv02w5xt5hlw7v9zfrh8ex8r3wsmh7xd6x/9qhzhdudwwz46oiz/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vcGVyc29uYWwtZXhwZXJpbWVudHM= ) gives you real data on the potential second-order consequences before they become permanent. In my case, I would have still taken that project but I would have cleared my plate first, or negotiated a later start date, or maybe experimented with a different format. Same opportunity, completely different outcome. Of course moving from first-level to second-level thinking won’t mean you always make the perfect decision, but you’ll make more informed ones, and over time these better decisions will compound. ----------------------------- 🔬 Tiny Experiment of the Week ----------------------------- Ready to put these ideas into practice? Try this week’s tiny experiment to practice thinking in layers. I will [apply the 10-10-10 rule to big decisions] for [10 days]. Many decisions feel good now but create stress later, and this exercise helps you notice that pattern. Want to dig deeper? ​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/gkupv02w5xt5hlw7v9zfrh8ex8r3wsmh7xd6x/3ohphdu3mm4x2pcp/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vYm9vaw== )​Get your copy of Tiny Experiments​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/gkupv02w5xt5hlw7v9zfrh8ex8r3wsmh7xd6x/n2hohquvqq62xla0/aHR0cHM6Ly9teWJvb2sudG8vdGlueWV4cA== ). --------------------- 👀 Into the Mind of... --------------------- ERIC ZIMMER Each week I ask a curious mind about their habits, routines, and rituals. This week we learn from Eric Zimmer, creator of The One You Feed podcast and author of How a Little Becomes a Lot, out this week! 1. One daily practice you can’t do without? Small interruptions I build into my day that help my thoughts settle into better grooves over time. For me, it’s a multiple-times-a-day reminder to look for something that is going well in my life, instead of only focusing on the problems I’m trying to solve. 2. One mindset shift that transformed your work? Reconnecting with the reasons I do something. My podcast started because it was good for me and a way to spend more time with my best friend, but it’s easy to get caught up in download numbers and advertising dollars, so the shift is giving more attention to the deeper reasons. 3. One mindset shift that transformed your work? Meditating every day. I’ve had a daily practice many times, but in the chaos of a book launch, all of my practices are a little askew – and I’m okay with that. I don’t need perfection. I need consistency. Read Eric’s book ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/gkupv02w5xt5hlw7v9zfrh8ex8r3wsmh7xd6x/48hvh7umll6wp3sq/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cub25leW91ZmVlZC5uZXQvYm9vay8= ) -------------- 🛠️ Brain Picks -------------- • Stressed at work, fed up with your job and dreading Mondays in the office? “Anti-career coach” and London banker Tom Grundy has created a free guide (How To Work Your Way) for professionals wanting more freedom and fulfilment. Join his newsletter ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/gkupv02w5xt5hlw7v9zfrh8ex8r3wsmh7xd6x/wnh2h6uq77xmkzfl/aHR0cHM6Ly9ob3d0b3dvcmt5b3Vyd2F5LmNvbS9ob21l ) to grab the guide.​ • Break free from inbox overwhelm. Wake up to a personalized news briefing using smart filters to always surface the most relevant content at the right time. Join Meco ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/gkupv02w5xt5hlw7v9zfrh8ex8r3wsmh7xd6x/reh8h9umddwk79b6/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubWVjby5hcHAvZ2V0LzFueDE= ) to start using a newsletter aggregator built for reading. ​• Build a home for your community. Bring together engaging discussions, members, live streams, chat, events, and memberships all under your own brand. Discover Circle ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/gkupv02w5xt5hlw7v9zfrh8ex8r3wsmh7xd6x/08hwhgu2eegnxotp/aHR0cHM6Ly90cnkuY2lyY2xlLnNvL3U5NmxkcmN4OTU4Zw== ), the community platform for creators and brands. Many thanks to our partners for supporting the Ness Labs newsletter! Want to appear here? Please email support@nesslabs.com ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/gkupv02w5xt5hlw7v9zfrh8ex8r3wsmh7xd6x/8ghqh3uoddqw32cl/bWFpbHRvOnN1cHBvcnRAbmVzc2xhYnMuY29t ) to learn more. -------------------- 🗓️ Community Events -------------------- If you enjoy the newsletter, you’ll love our community of curious minds conducting tiny experiments within a safe space and learning together. Here is an overview of upcoming events (full calendar ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/gkupv02w5xt5hlw7v9zfrh8ex8r3wsmh7xd6x/vqh3hmuo00em44sw/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vZXZlbnRz )): • Design your springtime experiment. Wherever you are in the world, Spring can be a great time to explore new projects, test ideas, and plant the seeds for what’s next. Join me today ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/gkupv02w5xt5hlw7v9zfrh8ex8r3wsmh7xd6x/25h2h9u3994l8wu8/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvc3ByaW5ndGltZS1leHBlcmltZW50cy13b3Jrc2hvcC0xMzEzMDU= ) in this 45-minute workshop to design your first tiny experiment of the season. ​• Sketch what you read. On Tuesday next week, Rachna Ghiya will guide you through hands-on practice ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/gkupv02w5xt5hlw7v9zfrh8ex8r3wsmh7xd6x/l2heh6ul226q4vag/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvd29ya3Nob3Atc2tldGNoLXdoYXQteW91LXJlYWQtZXZlbi1pZi15b3UtY2FuLXQtZHJhdw== ) sketching, learning, and discovering that you can think visually (even if you're convinced you can’t draw). ​• Design a life without burnout. In this workshop ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/gkupv02w5xt5hlw7v9zfrh8ex8r3wsmh7xd6x/m2h7h6u355m297cl/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvd29ya3Nob3Atd2h5LWhpZ2gtYWNoaWV2ZXJzLWJ1cm4tb3V0 ), Heidi Anderson will walk you through a guided reflection and live exploration where you will identify which parts are loudest in your life right now, understand what they are protecting you from, and begin to harness them for good.​ ​• Improve your knowledge management system. Join the next PKM Collective meeting ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/gkupv02w5xt5hlw7v9zfrh8ex8r3wsmh7xd6x/dphehmue668dk7tl/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvdmlydHVhbC1tZWV0aW5nLXRoZS1wa20tY29sbGVjdGl2ZS00OTY4Zjk= ) where we learn from one another through sharing how our systems work in the real world and give new PKM users a leg up. ​• Make progress on your project. Join Kathryn Ruge for our Monday ‘body doubling’ coworking session ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/gkupv02w5xt5hlw7v9zfrh8ex8r3wsmh7xd6x/e0hph0u7vvqmeka7/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvb2NlYW5pYS1hc2lhLXR1ZXNkYXktZXVyb3BlLWFtZXJpY2FzLW1vbmRheS1jby13b3JraW5n ) to work on personal or work-related projects that you want to make progress on, covering all timezones. ​• Host your own workshop (anytime!). Do you have an idea for a short presentation and Q&A or a workshop you’d like to trial? Test your first iteration ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/gkupv02w5xt5hlw7v9zfrh8ex8r3wsmh7xd6x/7qh7h2u9llwd8oc9/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvZG9jdW1lbnRhdGlvbi9ldmVudHMtaG9zdGluZw== ) in the Ness Labs community and get feedback. We promote all sessions here in the newsletter. -->Join the community ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/gkupv02w5xt5hlw7v9zfrh8ex8r3wsmh7xd6x/owhkhwuw99gxnwhq/aHR0cHM6Ly9kaXNjb3Zlci5jaXJjbGUuc28vcHJvZHVjdC9uZXNzLWxhYnMtY29tbXVuaXR5 ) Join the community ( https://discover.circle.so/product/ness-labs-community )All of these and future events are included in the price of the membership (only $49 for one year), as well as access to our courses, workshop library, and a dedicated space to track your tiny experiments. Until next week, take care! Anne-Laure. You received this email because you subscribed to the Ness Labs ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/gkupv02w5xt5hlw7v9zfrh8ex8r3wsmh7xd6x/z2hgh7ue66p57pbz/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20v ) newsletter. “-ness” is a suffix that means “state of being”, as in awareness, mindfulness, consciousness. Ness Labs is a playground for curiosity – a place where you can learn how to experiment with ideas, explore creative projects, and reflect on your progress. Of course I don’t want to see you go, but you can unsubscribe ( https://d41e12b1.unsubscribe.convertkit-mail4.com/gkupv02w5xt5hlw7v9zfrh8ex8r3wsmh7xd6x ) at any time. If you do leave, I’d love an email to let me know what I could do better to improve the newsletter. Alternatively, you can update your profile ( https://preferences.convertkit-mail4.com/gkupv02w5xt5hlw7v9zfrh8ex8r3wsmh7xd6x ) to use a different email address. © Ness Labs, 600 1st Ave, Ste 330 PMB 92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2246.

​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhk62g0dsphwg7qkxqt6hxe7re/x0hph3ue29r0pkag/aHR0cHM6Ly90d2l0dGVyLmNvbS9uZXVyYW5uZQ== ) ​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhk62g0dsphwg7qkxqt6hxe7re/6qhehoulrnke5zi9/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbnN0YWdyYW0uY29tL25ldXJhbm5l ) ​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhk62g0dsphwg7qkxqt6hxe7re/58hvh8ugxkv2n2t7/aHR0cHM6Ly95b3V0dWJlLmNvbS9AbmV1cmFubmU= ) ​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhk62g0dsphwg7qkxqt6hxe7re/25h2h9u394vw8zi8/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubGlua2VkaW4uY29tL2luL25ldXJhbm5l ) March 26th, 2026 ​A newsletter by Anne-Laure Le Cunff ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhk62g0dsphwg7qkxqt6hxe7re/qvh8h8udwo7p4msg/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbm5lLWxhdXJlLm5ldC8= )​ READ ON THE WEB ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhk62g0dsphwg7qkxqt6hxe7re/g3hnhwum96dwl4u3/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vbmV3c2xldHRlci9yZWJ1aWxkaW5nLW1vdGl2YXRpb24= ) Hi friends, I had a lovely week that included going to a founders retreat in Spain, attending a talk by Michael Pollan (I’m a huge fan of his work), and spending time with good friends who visited London. But this morning, when I sat down to catch up on work, I just couldn’t get going. So I decided to do something meta and actually write about how we can rebuild motivation when this happens. We also have lots of fun events in the community, including a workshop to learn how to sketch what you read and another one exploring our relationship to procrastination. You’ll find all of these at the bottom of the newsletter. I hope you enjoy this edition! Stay curious, Anne-Laure. ----------------------- 🧶 Rebuilding Motivation ----------------------- You built the to-do list. You made the coffee. You opened the doc. And then you just… didn’t do the work. For three hours. Some days, you wake up energized and ready to start work. Other days, even the projects you care about feel strangely heavy. You stare at your screen, knowing exactly what you should do, but the drive just isn’t there. This cycle happens because motivation isn’t a stable state. Research suggests ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhk62g0dsphwg7qkxqt6hxe7re/9qhzhdudwzqr65bz/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuc2NpZW5jZWRhaWx5LmNvbS9yZWxlYXNlcy8yMDEzLzAxLzEzMDExMDA5NDQxNS5odG0= ) it’s closely linked to dopamine pathways in the brain, and dopamine doesn’t just respond to rewards. It activates when you anticipate something rewarding. So when your brain stops seeing the payoff clearly, the engine stalls – even on projects you care about. This explains why motivation can feel strong one day and absent the next. But the good news is, we actually know quite a lot about how motivation works and how to rebuild it. Psychologists have found that intrinsic motivation (driven by the internal satisfaction of doing the thing itself) lasts longer than extrinsic motivation (driven by external rewards like money or recognition), and that there are three ingredients that fuel it: * Self-efficacy – believing you can actually influence the outcome. * Curiosity – noticing a gap in what you know and wanting to fill it. * Competence – the feeling that you’re getting better over time. Brain imaging studies show ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhk62g0dsphwg7qkxqt6hxe7re/3ohphdu3m4og2ksp/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuc2NpZW5jZWRpcmVjdC5jb20vc2NpZW5jZS9hcnRpY2xlL2Ficy9waWkvUzAzMDQzOTQwMTkzMDU0NTI= ) these activate overlapping dopamine pathways, which means when one kicks in, it can pull the others along with it. To rebuild motivation, the question is: how can you create conditions where that happens? Here are four simple ways you can reignite your motivation. 1) Fix your mood before you force the work. Trying to push through when you’re mentally drained rarely works. It just turns a slow day into a frustrating one. Step away for ten minutes. Meditate, go for a walk, talk to someone. It sounds unproductive, but resetting your mood makes it much easier to engage with hard tasks when you come back. 2) Track your progress so the reward stays visible. Competence is easier to feel when you can see it. Whatever the experiment ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhk62g0dsphwg7qkxqt6hxe7re/n2hohquvq680x4b0/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vcGVyc29uYWwtZXhwZXJpbWVudHM= ) you’re running, count the words you wrote, the days you showed up, the problems you solved. Even a simple streak on a calendar works to turn abstract effort into something concrete. 3) Share your commitment publicly. Intrinsic motivation is powerful on its own, but a light layer of accountability makes it stickier. It doesn’t have to be very public on social media. You can just post updates with colleagues or an online community. Learning in public ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhk62g0dsphwg7qkxqt6hxe7re/48hvh7uml658pocq/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vbGVhcm5pbmctaW4tcHVibGlj ) can carry you through the days when internal drive dips. 4) Look for a question inside the task. Reframing the task as something you’re exploring rather than something you’re completing can make it easier to stay engaged. That’s because “I have to finish this” is based on control, but “What would happen if I tried it this way?” is based on curiosity, and curiosity runs on the same dopamine systems that power intrinsic motivation. Motivation is simply a set of conditions, and most of them are smaller than you’d think. You don’t need more discipline or willpower to get unstuck – just a clearer view of the reward, a reason to be curious, and enough evidence that you’re moving forward. ------------------- 🛠️ Tool of the Week ------------------- ​Littlebird ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhk62g0dsphwg7qkxqt6hxe7re/wnh2h6uq7x5649hl/aHR0cHM6Ly9saXR0bGViaXJkLmFpLw== ) is an AI assistant designed to close the gap between your memory and your computer. By giving AI the ability to see what you see, it helps you work faster without breaking your flow. In this interview with its cofounder Alex Green, we discussed the potential of a true general AI assistant, why context is king, how to use AI as a thought partner, and much more. -->Read the interview ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhk62g0dsphwg7qkxqt6hxe7re/reh8h9umdw2z72a6/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vbGl0dGxlYmlyZC1mZWF0dXJlZC10b29s ) Read the interview ( https://nesslabs.com/littlebird-featured-tool ) ----------------------------- 🔬 Tiny Experiment of the Week ----------------------------- Ready to put these ideas into practice? Try this week’s tiny experiment to help rebuild motivation over a few days. I will [share a daily update about a project] for [5 days]. The update can be just one sentence about what you worked on or what you learned. Choose one person or one platform in advance so you don’t overthink where to share each time. Want to dig deeper? ​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhk62g0dsphwg7qkxqt6hxe7re/08hwhgu2egorx9cp/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vYm9vaw== )​Get your copy of Tiny Experiments​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhk62g0dsphwg7qkxqt6hxe7re/8ghqh3uodq0n33fl/aHR0cHM6Ly9teWJvb2sudG8vdGlueWV4cA== ). --------------------- 👀 Into the Mind of... --------------------- PAUL EASTWICK Each week I ask a curious mind about their habits, routines, and rituals. This week we learn from Paul Eastwick, Professor of Psychology at UC Davis, whose book Bonded by Evolution explores the science of human connection. 1. One daily practice you can’t do without? Every day, I go for a long walk or a run with my dog, Fia. This routine puts me in the right headspace for the day, and so ideally, I get to do it first thing. 2. One idea that keeps you up at night? I worry about how companion AI chatbots are going to change the landscape of human relationships well before we can manage to conduct the relevant research.How can we design AI chatbots to provide the short-term benefits without the long-term risks? 3. One mindset shift that transformed your work? Ten years ago, I would have advocated that scientists should be exceedingly cautious when interfacing with the public about our work. However, I think in this decade, we’re seeing the opposite problem: the public has lost touch with the value that science provides. I want to be a part of the new cohort of scientists who are making our work accessible without overclaiming or oversimplifying. Read Paul’s book ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhk62g0dsphwg7qkxqt6hxe7re/vqh3hmuo0exr43tw/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cucGVuZ3VpbnJhbmRvbWhvdXNlLmNvbS9ib29rcy83MjMwNDkvYm9uZGVkLWJ5LWV2b2x1dGlvbi1ieS1wYXVsLWVhc3R3aWNrLw== ) -------------- 🛠️ Brain Picks -------------- • A watch for more balance, focus and deeper rest. Based on insights from biology and behavioral science, Merivian is launching the first analog watch that visualizes your sleep-wake rhythm on Kickstarter. Check out the campaign ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhk62g0dsphwg7qkxqt6hxe7re/l2heh6ul26074zbg/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cua2lja3N0YXJ0ZXIuY29tL3Byb2plY3RzL21lcml2aWFuL21lcml2aWFuLXRpbWUtYXMtbmF0dXJlLWludGVuZGVkP3JlZj0yZjY5dDc= ).​ • Break free from inbox overwhelm. Use a newsletter aggregator built for reading and wake up to a personalized news briefing using smart filters to always surface the most relevant content at the right time. Join Meco ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhk62g0dsphwg7qkxqt6hxe7re/m2h7h6u35mgz9nsl/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubWVjby5hcHAvZ2V0LzFueDE= ). ​• Build a home for your community. Bring together engaging discussions, members, live streams, chat, events, and memberships all under your own brand with the community platform for creators and brands. Discover Circle ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhk62g0dsphwg7qkxqt6hxe7re/dphehmue684nkqal/aHR0cHM6Ly90cnkuY2lyY2xlLnNvL3U5NmxkcmN4OTU4Zw== ). Many thanks to our partners for supporting the Ness Labs newsletter! Want to appear here? Please email support@nesslabs.com ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhk62g0dsphwg7qkxqt6hxe7re/e0hph0u7vqpoe0b7/bWFpbHRvOnN1cHBvcnRAbmVzc2xhYnMuY29t ) to learn more. -------------------- 🗓️ Community Events -------------------- If you enjoy the newsletter, you’ll love our community of curious minds conducting tiny experiments within a safe space and learning together. Here is an overview of upcoming events (full calendar ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhk62g0dsphwg7qkxqt6hxe7re/owhkhwuw9gkdngbq/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vZXZlbnRz )): • Reimagine your relationship to procrastination. In this workshop ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhk62g0dsphwg7qkxqt6hxe7re/z2hgh7ue6p4x7wiz/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvd29ya3Nob3Atc2VlaW5nLXBhc3QtcHJvY3Jhc3RpbmF0aW9u ) with Colley Joubert you’ll explore a new lens for understanding procrastination, one that views it not as laziness or lack of willpower, but as a basic coping mechanism. ​• Sketch what you read. Rachna Ghiya will guide you through hands-on practice ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhk62g0dsphwg7qkxqt6hxe7re/p8hehqu46g3od8br/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvd29ya3Nob3Atc2tldGNoLXdoYXQteW91LXJlYWQtZXZlbi1pZi15b3UtY2FuLXQtZHJhdw== ) sketching, learning, and discovering that you can think visually (even if you're convinced you can’t draw). ​• Learn how to trust your own taste. Join Gosia Fricze on Monday for a creative hour session ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhk62g0dsphwg7qkxqt6hxe7re/x0hph3ue29r0zktg/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvY3JlYXRpdmUtaG91ci1ob3ctdG8tdHJ1c3QteW91ci1vd24tdGFzdGU= ) to explore self-doubt in creative choices, examine where your taste comes from, and learn how to trust your own judgment more deeply.​ ​• Improve your knowledge management system. Join the next PKM Collective meeting ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhk62g0dsphwg7qkxqt6hxe7re/6qhehoulrnkewzb9/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvdmlydHVhbC1tZWV0aW5nLXRoZS1wa20tY29sbGVjdGl2ZS0xMzI2MTA= ) where we learn from one another through sharing how our systems work in the real world and give new PKM users a leg up. ​• Make progress on your project. Join Kathryn Ruge for our Monday ‘body doubling’ coworking session ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhk62g0dsphwg7qkxqt6hxe7re/kkhmh2unw6dvewbk/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvb2NlYW5pYS10dWVzZGF5LWV1cm9wZS1hbWVyaWNhcy1tb25kYXktY28td29ya2luZy0zMjVlOTA= ) to work on personal or work-related projects that you want to make progress on, covering all timezones. ​• Host your own workshop (anytime!). Do you have an idea for a short presentation and Q&A or a workshop you’d like to trial? Test your first iteration ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhk62g0dsphwg7qkxqt6hxe7re/58hvh8ugxkv202u7/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvZG9jdW1lbnRhdGlvbi9ldmVudHMtaG9zdGluZw== ) in the Ness Labs community and get feedback. We promote all sessions here in the newsletter. -->Join the community ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhk62g0dsphwg7qkxqt6hxe7re/25h2h9u394vwgzb8/aHR0cHM6Ly9kaXNjb3Zlci5jaXJjbGUuc28vcHJvZHVjdC9uZXNzLWxhYnMtY29tbXVuaXR5 ) Join the community ( https://discover.circle.so/product/ness-labs-community )All of these and future events are included in the price of the membership (only $49 for one year), as well as access to our courses, workshop library, and a dedicated space to track your tiny experiments. Until next week, take care! Anne-Laure. You received this email because you subscribed to the Ness Labs ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhk62g0dsphwg7qkxqt6hxe7re/qvh8h8udwo7pvmfg/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20v ) newsletter. “-ness” is a suffix that means “state of being”, as in awareness, mindfulness, consciousness. Ness Labs is a playground for curiosity – a place where you can learn how to experiment with ideas, explore creative projects, and reflect on your progress. Of course I don’t want to see you go, but you can unsubscribe ( https://d41e12b1.unsubscribe.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhk62g0dsphwg7qkxqt6hxe7re ) at any time. If you do leave, I’d love an email to let me know what I could do better to improve the newsletter. Alternatively, you can update your profile ( https://preferences.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhk62g0dsphwg7qkxqt6hxe7re ) to use a different email address. © Ness Labs, 600 1st Ave, Ste 330 PMB 92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2246.

​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/xmu6lmo4grs6hp2kwr3u5h2dkkvz0inhvw2gw/n2hohquvq5z9dkh0/aHR0cHM6Ly90d2l0dGVyLmNvbS9uZXVyYW5uZQ== ) ​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/xmu6lmo4grs6hp2kwr3u5h2dkkvz0inhvw2gw/48hvh7umlq4do2tq/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbnN0YWdyYW0uY29tL25ldXJhbm5l ) ​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/xmu6lmo4grs6hp2kwr3u5h2dkkvz0inhvw2gw/wnh2h6uq7ve2zril/aHR0cHM6Ly95b3V0dWJlLmNvbS9AbmV1cmFubmU= ) ​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/xmu6lmo4grs6hp2kwr3u5h2dkkvz0inhvw2gw/reh8h9umdvgl80s6/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubGlua2VkaW4uY29tL2luL25ldXJhbm5l ) March 19th, 2026 ​A newsletter by Anne-Laure Le Cunff ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/xmu6lmo4grs6hp2kwr3u5h2dkkvz0inhvw2gw/08hwhgu2ew3682cp/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbm5lLWxhdXJlLm5ldC8= )​ READ ON THE WEB ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/xmu6lmo4grs6hp2kwr3u5h2dkkvz0inhvw2gw/vqh3hmuo03z95giw/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vbmV3c2xldHRlci9leHBlcmltZW50aW5nLXdpdGgtZW1vdGlvbnM= ) Hi friends, I know many readers of the Ness Labs newsletter would describe themselves as the “nerdy” type: intellectual, excited by new ideas, loves to think and solve creative problems. What I often hear from people like us is that the realm of emotions is a bit more challenging to work with. Thinking? We're great at that. We have our tools, our frameworks, our systems and mental models. Feeling? That’s where things get murky. So this week we’ll explore how to experiment with your emotions, so that instead of bottling them up or ignoring them, you can build your own emotional lab... and even make emotional processing a little more playful :) Stay curious, Anne-Laure. p.s. my work was featured on the cover of Brainz Magazine this week! You can read the interview here ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/xmu6lmo4grs6hp2kwr3u5h2dkkvz0inhvw2gw/l2heh6ul2v8mgwhg/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYnJhaW56bWFnYXppbmUuY29tL3Bvc3Qvd2h5LXRpbnktZXhwZXJpbWVudHMtbGVhZC10by1iaWctY2hhbmdlLWV4Y2x1c2l2ZS1pbnRlcnZpZXctd2l0aC1kci1hbm5lLWxhdXJlLWxlLWN1bmZm ) (no paywall). ----------------------------- 🎭 Experimenting with Emotions ----------------------------- You’re halfway through your morning coffee when a headline catches your eye. Suddenly, your stomach tightens, and your thoughts start racing. The day feels off before it’s even begun. Nothing in your immediate life has changed, yet your emotional state has shifted dramatically. This is your brain doing exactly what it evolved to do: generate emotions to help you respond to the world. More than 2,000 years ago, Aristotle argued that the aim of having emotions is not to eliminate them, but to feel the right amount, at the right time, and in the right way. And modern psychology agrees with this: research shows ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/xmu6lmo4grs6hp2kwr3u5h2dkkvz0inhvw2gw/dphehmue6wl93vtl/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cucmVzZWFyY2hnYXRlLm5ldC9wdWJsaWNhdGlvbi8yMzY2NTIzNDNfRW1vdGlvbnNfYXNfc2lnbmFsc19vZl9ub3JtYXRpdmVfY29uZHVjdA== ) that emotions are functional signals, but they can become a problem when they are poorly timed or misdirected. That’s why learning how to regulate emotions can make a big difference in how you navigate the world on a day-to-day basis. So, how do you go about it? There are many ways to experiment with your emotions, but I’ll share one model as a starting point. Psychologist James Gross developed ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/xmu6lmo4grs6hp2kwr3u5h2dkkvz0inhvw2gw/e0hph0u7vw83xvs7/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cucmVzZWFyY2hnYXRlLm5ldC9maWd1cmUvVGhlLW1vZGFsLW1vZGVsLW9mLWVtb3Rpb24tR3Jvc3MtVGhvbXBzb24tMjAwN19maWcxXzI3Mzc1NTY1NA== ) one of the most widely used scientific models of emotional regulation. His research shows that emotions do not appear all at once. They unfold through a sequence of steps, known as four stages of the emotion generative process. * First, you encounter a situation, either external (a presentation, a news story) or internal (a thought or memory). * Next, your attention locks onto certain details while ignoring others. * Then comes appraisal, where you interpret what the situation means for you. * Finally, your response shows up as feelings, physical sensations, and behavior. The key insight here is that, because emotions unfold in stages, you can intervene at multiple points before the emotions fully take hold and each point can become a playground for experimentation. As a reminder or if you haven’t read the book ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/xmu6lmo4grs6hp2kwr3u5h2dkkvz0inhvw2gw/7qh7h2u9lpr2g5t9/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vYm9vaw== ), tiny experiments always follow the same mini-protocol in the format “I will [action] for [duration].” Experiment with your environment. To manage strong emotions, limit exposure to emotionally charged situations, and schedule hard conversations for when you feel rested. For example, “I will [check the news only once per day] for [2 weeks]” or “I will [leave my phone in another room during dinner[ for [10 days]” can help lower emotional load without relying on willpower. Experiment with redirecting your attention on purpose. When emotions rise, notice where your focus goes and try shifting it. You can concentrate on your breath or posture, or redirect attention to what you can control. For example, “I will [take one deep breath before responding to any triggering message] for [1 week]” or “I will [set a 10-minute timer when I catch myself doomscrolling] for [10 days].” Experiment with reframing interpretations. Consider gentle cognitive reappraisal ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/xmu6lmo4grs6hp2kwr3u5h2dkkvz0inhvw2gw/owhkhwuw9l2mzvbq/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vY29nbml0aXZlLXJlYXBwcmFpc2Fs ) by asking if there’s an alternative explanation for what’s happening. For example, instead of viewing criticism as failure, think of it as potential feedback. For example, “I will [ask ‘is that definitely true?’ when I notice a strong negative interpretation] for [1 week].” Experiment with recovery after the moment passes. Emotional regulation continues after a situation ends. Try quick practices like taking a short walk, jotting down your thoughts, or naming your emotions aloud. For example, “I will [take a 10-min walk after any tense interaction] for [10 days]” or “I will [do a 2-minute freewrite after difficult moments] for [2 weeks]”. Experimenting with your emotions helps you move from self-judgment to self-curiosity. Over time, these tiny experiments build emotional flexibility and you gain more choice in how you respond, not because you control your emotions perfectly, but because you understand how they form and how small changes can make a big shift. --------------------- 👀 Into the Mind of... --------------------- LAUREN CURRIE Each week I ask a curious mind about their habits, routines, and rituals. This week we learn from entrepreneur and campaigner Lauren Currie, whose new book Be UPFRONT offers evidence-based ways to build confidence. 1. One idea that keeps you up at night? I think about the creativity and wealth lost to self-doubt. That loss feels enormous and motivates me to do the work I do. 2. One strategy to restart your creative engine? Make art. Any art. Bad art, messy art, unfinished art, it doesn’t matter. Momentum always comes from making. 3. One mindset shift that transformed your work? Once I stopped waiting to “feel ready” and started practising confidence instead, everything changed. Confidence is the bridge between idea and action and it’s a skill you can learn. Read Be UPFRONT ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/xmu6lmo4grs6hp2kwr3u5h2dkkvz0inhvw2gw/p8hehqu465nwvncr/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cud2VhcmV1cGZyb250LmNvbS9iZS11cGZyb250 ) -------------- 🛠️ Brain Picks -------------- • Use a newsletter aggregator built for reading. Wake up to a personalized news briefing crafted from your newsletters, using smart filters to always surface the most relevant content at the right time. Join Meco ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/xmu6lmo4grs6hp2kwr3u5h2dkkvz0inhvw2gw/x0hph3ue2d5vgqug/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubWVjby5hcHAvZ2V0LzFueDE= ) to break free from inbox overwhelm​. • Build a home for your community all under your own brand. Bring together engaging discussions, members, live streams, chat, events, and memberships with the all-in-one community platform for creators and brands. Discover Circle ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/xmu6lmo4grs6hp2kwr3u5h2dkkvz0inhvw2gw/6qhehoulr6m8q3h9/aHR0cHM6Ly90cnkuY2lyY2xlLnNvL3U5NmxkcmN4OTU4Zw== ), where all-in-one meets best-in-class. • Stressed at work, fed up with your job and dreading Mondays in the office? “Anti-career coach” and London banker Tom Grundy has created a free guide (How To Work Your Way) for professionals wanting more freedom and fulfilment. Join the newsletter ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/xmu6lmo4grs6hp2kwr3u5h2dkkvz0inhvw2gw/kkhmh2unw2k07phk/aHR0cHM6Ly9ob3d0b3dvcmt5b3Vyd2F5LmNvbS9ob21l ) to grab the guide​. Many thanks to our partners for supporting the Ness Labs newsletter! Want to appear here? Please email support@nesslabs.com ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/xmu6lmo4grs6hp2kwr3u5h2dkkvz0inhvw2gw/58hvh8ugxordeeh7/bWFpbHRvOnN1cHBvcnRAbmVzc2xhYnMuY29t ) to learn more. -------------------- 🗓️ Community Events -------------------- If you enjoy the newsletter, you’ll love our community of curious minds conducting tiny experiments within a safe space and learning together. Here is an overview of upcoming events (full calendar ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/xmu6lmo4grs6hp2kwr3u5h2dkkvz0inhvw2gw/25h2h9u390kkrrh8/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vZXZlbnRz )): • Gently explore a potential career change. If you have the feel for change but are overstretched, join Kat Wong and Anna Taylor on Tuesday as they help you take a more balanced approach and explore what’s next on your own terms.​ • Use postcards as a reflection tool. Join this workshop ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/xmu6lmo4grs6hp2kwr3u5h2dkkvz0inhvw2gw/qvh8h8udw299g7fg/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvd29ya3Nob3AtaW5jcmVhc2UteW91ci1sdWNrLXN1cmZhY2UtYXJlYS10aHJvdWdoLWFudGktbmV0d29ya2luZw== ) today with Suzanne Lees where you will use a blank postcard to create a weekly reflection on something that brings joy or meaning to your life, which you will then share with friends and family.​ • Learn how to create before you consume. Join Gosia Fricze on Monday for a creative hour session ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/xmu6lmo4grs6hp2kwr3u5h2dkkvz0inhvw2gw/g3hnhwum9o447li3/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvY3JlYXRpdmUtaG91ci1jcmVhdGluZy1iZWZvcmUtY29uc3VtaW5n ) to explore how constant consumption affects creativity, uncover your creative voice beneath the noise, and experiment with creating more. ​• Make progress on your project. Join Kathryn Ruge for a ‘body doubling’ coworking session ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/xmu6lmo4grs6hp2kwr3u5h2dkkvz0inhvw2gw/9qhzhdudw3ookxcz/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvb2NlYW5pYS10dWVzZGF5LWV1cm9wZS1hbWVyaWNhcy1tb25kYXktY28td29ya2luZy1lZWM0ZWQ= ) to work on personal or work-related projects that you want to make progress on, covering all timezones. • Improve your knowledge management system. Join the next PKM Collective meeting ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/xmu6lmo4grs6hp2kwr3u5h2dkkvz0inhvw2gw/3ohphdu3m9ee69tp/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvdmlydHVhbC1tZWV0aW5nLXRoZS1wa20tY29sbGVjdGl2ZS1mMjBhN2Y= ) where we learn from one another through sharing how our systems work in the real world and give new PKM users a leg up. ​• Host your own workshop (anytime!). Do you have an idea for a short presentation and Q&A or a workshop you’d like to trial? Test your first iteration ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/xmu6lmo4grs6hp2kwr3u5h2dkkvz0inhvw2gw/n2hohquvq5zzwki0/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvZG9jdW1lbnRhdGlvbi9ldmVudHMtaG9zdGluZw== ) in the Ness Labs community and get feedback. We promote all sessions here in the newsletter. -->Join the community ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/xmu6lmo4grs6hp2kwr3u5h2dkkvz0inhvw2gw/48hvh7umlq44z2sq/aHR0cHM6Ly9kaXNjb3Zlci5jaXJjbGUuc28vcHJvZHVjdC9uZXNzLWxhYnMtY29tbXVuaXR5 ) Join the community ( https://discover.circle.so/product/ness-labs-community )All of these and future events are included in the price of the membership (only $49 for one year), as well as access to our courses, workshop library, and a dedicated space to track your tiny experiments. Until next week, take care! Anne-Laure. You received this email because you subscribed to the Ness Labs ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/xmu6lmo4grs6hp2kwr3u5h2dkkvz0inhvw2gw/wnh2h6uq7vee9rbl/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20v ) newsletter. “-ness” is a suffix that means “state of being”, as in awareness, mindfulness, consciousness. Ness Labs is a playground for curiosity – a place where you can learn how to experiment with ideas, explore creative projects, and reflect on your progress. Of course I don’t want to see you go, but you can unsubscribe ( https://d41e12b1.unsubscribe.convertkit-mail4.com/xmu6lmo4grs6hp2kwr3u5h2dkkvz0inhvw2gw ) at any time. If you do leave, I’d love an email to let me know what I could do better to improve the newsletter. Alternatively, you can update your profile ( https://preferences.convertkit-mail4.com/xmu6lmo4grs6hp2kwr3u5h2dkkvz0inhvw2gw ) to use a different email address. © Ness Labs, 600 1st Ave, Ste 330 PMB 92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2246.

​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/75u4z8k3o9t8h6l05qxszhwr2g2q8cnhovrkv/8ghqh3uoz4q7vpal/aHR0cHM6Ly90d2l0dGVyLmNvbS9uZXVyYW5uZQ== ) ​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/75u4z8k3o9t8h6l05qxszhwr2g2q8cnhovrkv/vqh3hmuol5eq7dbw/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbnN0YWdyYW0uY29tL25ldXJhbm5l ) ​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/75u4z8k3o9t8h6l05qxszhwr2g2q8cnhovrkv/m2h7h6u3vrmlpoul/aHR0cHM6Ly95b3V0dWJlLmNvbS9AbmV1cmFubmU= ) ​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/75u4z8k3o9t8h6l05qxszhwr2g2q8cnhovrkv/dphehmuev382g0cl/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubGlua2VkaW4uY29tL2luL25ldXJhbm5l ) March 12th, 2026 ​A newsletter by Anne-Laure Le Cunff ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/75u4z8k3o9t8h6l05qxszhwr2g2q8cnhovrkv/7qh7h2u9qgwx7wt9/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbm5lLWxhdXJlLm5ldC8= )​ READ ON THE WEB ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/75u4z8k3o9t8h6l05qxszhwr2g2q8cnhovrkv/owhkhwuwpzg0vouq/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vZ3V0LWRlY2lzaW9uLW1hdHJpeA== ) Hi friends, What should you do with a strong gut reaction? In today’s newsletter, we explore a simple framework for making sense of those automatic responses. You’ll also find an interview with Nir Eyal about his new book Beyond Belief, which is out this week. If you’re based in the UK, join us for The Neuroscience of Human Potential ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/75u4z8k3o9t8h6l05qxszhwr2g2q8cnhovrkv/p8hehqu4mvgp0rfr/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZXZlbnRicml0ZS5jby51ay9lL3RoZS1uZXVyb3NjaWVuY2Utb2YtaHVtYW4tcG90ZW50aWFsLXdoeS1iZWxpZWYtY2hhbmdlcy1ldmVyeXRoaW5nLXRpY2tldHMtMTk4MjI3Mjk4Njg2NT91dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249bmEmdXRtX2NvbnRlbnQ9bmEmdXRtX21lZGl1bT1WZW51ZV9zcGVha2VyJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9VmVudWVfc3BlYWtlcg== ), an in-person conversation about how hidden assumptions shape what we notice and believe. Lastly, we have some fun community events this week, including writing postcards! Scroll to the bottom of this newsletter to learn more. Stay curious, Anne-Laure. ------------------------- 🫀 The Gut Decision Matrix ------------------------- We often talk about “trusting our gut.” But the gut feelings people refer to can actually stem from two very different sources: instinct and intuition. Because they feel so similar (fast, automatic, sometimes emotional) we tend to treat them the same, which can lead to poor decision-making in many situations. Instinct is evolutionary and biological, designed for survival. Intuition is learned pattern recognition, built through experience. When we confuse them, we may trust reactions that deserve skepticism or ignore signals that deserve attention. A helpful way to improve judgment is not to suppress these automatic responses but to identify which one we are experiencing so we can act accordingly. Two roads to action Instinct refers ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/75u4z8k3o9t8h6l05qxszhwr2g2q8cnhovrkv/x0hph3ueog946oig/aHR0cHM6Ly9wbWMubmNiaS5ubG0ubmloLmdvdi9hcnRpY2xlcy9QTUM1MTgyMTI1Lw== ) to inborn behavioral responses shaped by evolution. These responses are fast and automatic because they originate in brain systems such as the amygdala and brainstem, which process threat and survival signals. When you jump back from something that looks dangerous or feel a sudden jolt of fear, your brain is prioritizing speed over accuracy. From an evolutionary perspective, reacting quickly to possible danger increased the chances of survival. Intuition, by contrast, emerges ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/75u4z8k3o9t8h6l05qxszhwr2g2q8cnhovrkv/25h2h9u3654qzpf8/aHR0cHM6Ly9qb3VybmFscy5zYWdlcHViLmNvbS9kb2kvMTAuMTE3Ny8xNTU1MzQzNDE2Njg2NDc2 ) from experience-based pattern recognition. Research on expert decision-making ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/75u4z8k3o9t8h6l05qxszhwr2g2q8cnhovrkv/9qhzhdud07zemebz/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vZGVjaXNpb24tbWFraW5n ) shows that people who have spent years in a domain develop the ability to detect subtle signals that others miss. Psychologist Gary Klein documented this in studies ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/75u4z8k3o9t8h6l05qxszhwr2g2q8cnhovrkv/48hvh7umvo67dzsq/aHR0cHM6Ly9qb3VybmFscy5zYWdlcHViLmNvbS9kb2kvYWJzLzEwLjExNzcvMTU0MTkzMTI4NjAzMDAwNjE2 ) of firefighters and emergency responders: experienced professionals often sensed that something was wrong before they could explain why. Their intuition was not mysterious – it was the brain rapidly matching current cues to patterns learned over time. A framework for automatic responses A simple framework can help you interpret these signals before acting on them. Next time you experience an automatic response such as fear, attraction, suspicion, or confidence, take a moment to pause briefly and ask yourself the following two questions: 1. Is this instinct or intuition? ​2. Are you in immediate danger or is this a more complex situation? Then, use this simple Gut Decision Matrix to decide how much to trust the automatic response: (a) If your response is instinct in immediate danger, it usually makes sense to act right away. These survival mechanisms evolved specifically to deal with situations where hesitation could be costly. (b) However, instincts can misfire in modern contexts. When a situation is more complex, it’s often better to slow down and question the instinctive response before acting on it. (c) If you have domain-specific expertise or experience in similar fast-moving situations, a strong intuition may be worth acting on quickly. In these moments you may not have time for deliberate analysis, so it can be reasonable to rely on your brain’s automatic pattern recognition, which can detect important signals faster than conscious reasoning. (d) Finally, in slower-developing or more complex situations, it’s best to treat intuitions as hypotheses and examine them through additional thinking, evidence, or testing before committing to a decision. Instinct and intuition both operate below conscious awareness, which is why they’re often lumped together as “gut feelings”, but they arise from different mechanisms and serve different purposes. Instinct protects us from immediate threats. Intuition helps us recognize patterns we learned through experience. When we know how to distinguish between the two, our automatic responses become more useful. So instead of asking whether to trust your gut, a better question is: what kind of gut feeling is this? Once you know that, deciding what to do next becomes much easier. ----------------------------- 🔬 Tiny Experiment of the Week ----------------------------- Want to start applying the Gut Decision Matrix? This week’s tiny experiment invites you put this framework into practice: I will [question my gut responses] for [one week]. This will help you differentiate instinct from intuition so you can make better decisions. Want to dig deeper? Get your copy of the book​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/75u4z8k3o9t8h6l05qxszhwr2g2q8cnhovrkv/08hwhgu2v8gp6xfp/aHR0cHM6Ly9wcmV2aWV3LmNvbnZlcnRraXQtbWFpbDQuY29tL2NsaWNrL2RwaGVoMGh6aG0vYUhSMGNITTZMeTl0ZVdKdmIyc3VkRzh2ZEdsdWVXVjRjQT09 ). --------------------- 👀 Into the Mind of... --------------------- NIR EYAL Each week I ask a curious mind about their habits, routines, and rituals. This week we learn from Nir Eyal, whose new book Beyond Belief explores how the assumptions we carry shape our lives. 1. One daily practice you can’t do without? On Sunday evenings, I sit down and timebox the entire week ahead. I review each day, block by block, and ensure the plan aligns with the life I’m actually trying to live. Once the week is laid out, each morning becomes simple: I follow the plan I’ve already committed to. 2. One mindset shift that transformed your work? For a long time, I focused on rearranging the world around me through better tools, better systems, better routines. Eventually, I realized that external changes only get you so far if your beliefs stay the same. This shift changed my work more than any productivity method ever has. 3. One anchor ritual to reconnect with yourself? I have a small prayer ritual I use whenever I need to reconnect with myself. I pause for a few seconds and turn my attention inward. During that moment, I don’t ask for circumstances to change. I focus instead on the qualities that help me meet those circumstances. The ritual is short, but I always find that it helps remind me what’s important. Read Beyond Belief ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/75u4z8k3o9t8h6l05qxszhwr2g2q8cnhovrkv/m2h7h6u3vrml6oal/aHR0cHM6Ly9nZW5pLnVzL2JleW9uZGJlbGllZg== ) -------------- 🛠️ Brain Picks -------------- • Coule ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/75u4z8k3o9t8h6l05qxszhwr2g2q8cnhovrkv/owhkhwuwpzg0moiq/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuY291bGUuYWkvcml2ZXIvP3V0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1uZXNzbGFicy0xJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1uZXNzbGFicy1uZXdzbGV0dGVy ) scans your inbox and surfaces the potential tasks hiding in plain sight – no forwarding, no manual triage. It turns scattered asks into clear, intentional work, so your attention stays focused on what matters. Sign up for a free account and bring calm back to your workflow.​ • Meco ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/75u4z8k3o9t8h6l05qxszhwr2g2q8cnhovrkv/6qhehoulzqn38rf9/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubWVjby5hcHAvZ2V0LzFueDE= ) is the newsletter aggregator built for reading. Break free from inbox overwhelm and wake up to a personalized news briefing crafted from your newsletters, using smart filters to always surface the most relevant content at the right time. ​• The MindValley Book Club Awards ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/75u4z8k3o9t8h6l05qxszhwr2g2q8cnhovrkv/3ohphdu30w4k58tp/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubWluZHZhbGxleS5jb20vYm9va2NsdWIvMjAyNQ== ) celebrate the most impactful books each year. Vote for your favorite book and automatically enter to win over $2,000 in prizes. (note: Tiny Experiments is one of the nominated books!) Many thanks to our partners for supporting the Ness Labs newsletter! Want to appear here? Please email support@nesslabs.com ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/75u4z8k3o9t8h6l05qxszhwr2g2q8cnhovrkv/wnh2h6uqnzxle5fl/bWFpbHRvOnN1cHBvcnRAbmVzc2xhYnMuY29t ) to learn more. -------------------- 🗓️ Community Events -------------------- If you enjoy the newsletter, you’ll love our community of curious minds conducting tiny experiments within a safe space and learning together. Here is an overview of upcoming events (full calendar ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/75u4z8k3o9t8h6l05qxszhwr2g2q8cnhovrkv/vqh3hmuol5eqzdcw/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vZXZlbnRz )): • Work with your natural rhythms. Join Gosia Fricze on Monday for a creative hour session ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/75u4z8k3o9t8h6l05qxszhwr2g2q8cnhovrkv/z2hgh7uengpmq0fz/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvY3JlYXRpdmUtaG91ci13b3JraW5nLXdpdGgteW91ci1uYXR1cmFsLXJoeXRobXM= ) to explore how your energy naturally ebbs and flows, what happens when you ignore it, and how to design your days in alignment with your rhythms.​ • Use postcards as a reflection tool. Join this workshop ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/75u4z8k3o9t8h6l05qxszhwr2g2q8cnhovrkv/kkhmh2unr76okvuk/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvd29ya3Nob3AtaW5jcmVhc2UteW91ci1sdWNrLXN1cmZhY2UtYXJlYS10aHJvdWdoLWFudGktbmV0d29ya2luZw== ) with Suzanne Lees where you will use a blank postcard to create a weekly reflection on something that brings joy or meaning to your life, which you will then share with friends and family. ​• Make progress on your project. Join Kathryn Ruge for a ‘body doubling’ coworking session ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/75u4z8k3o9t8h6l05qxszhwr2g2q8cnhovrkv/3ohphdu30w4ke8up/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvb2NlYW5pYS10dWVzZGF5LWV1cm9wZS1hbWVyaWNhcy1tb25kYXktY28td29ya2luZy1hMTJjOWI= ) to work on personal or work-related projects that you want to make progress on, covering all timezones. • Improve your knowledge management system. Join the next PKM Collective meeting ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/75u4z8k3o9t8h6l05qxszhwr2g2q8cnhovrkv/l2heh6uleg6dxksg/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvdmlydHVhbC1tZWV0aW5nLXRoZS1wa20tY29sbGVjdGl2ZS1mMjBhN2Y= ) where we learn from one another through sharing how our systems work in the real world and give new PKM users a leg up. ​• Host your own workshop (anytime!). Do you have an idea for a short presentation and Q&A or a workshop you’d like to trial? Test your first iteration ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/75u4z8k3o9t8h6l05qxszhwr2g2q8cnhovrkv/p8hehqu4mvgpqrir/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvZG9jdW1lbnRhdGlvbi9ldmVudHMtaG9zdGluZw== ) in the Ness Labs community and get feedback. We promote all sessions here in the newsletter. -->Join the community ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/75u4z8k3o9t8h6l05qxszhwr2g2q8cnhovrkv/owhkhwuwpzg0qmfq/aHR0cHM6Ly9kaXNjb3Zlci5jaXJjbGUuc28vcHJvZHVjdC9uZXNzLWxhYnMtY29tbXVuaXR5 ) Join the community ( https://discover.circle.so/product/ness-labs-community )All of these and future events are included in the price of the membership (only $49 for one year), as well as access to our courses, workshop library, and a dedicated space to track your tiny experiments. Until next week, take care! Anne-Laure. You received this email because you subscribed to the Ness Labs ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/75u4z8k3o9t8h6l05qxszhwr2g2q8cnhovrkv/x0hph3ueog94q4tg/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20v ) newsletter. “-ness” is a suffix that means “state of being”, as in awareness, mindfulness, consciousness. Ness Labs is a playground for curiosity – a place where you can learn how to experiment with ideas, explore creative projects, and reflect on your progress. Of course I don’t want to see you go, but you can unsubscribe ( https://d41e12b1.unsubscribe.convertkit-mail4.com/75u4z8k3o9t8h6l05qxszhwr2g2q8cnhovrkv ) at any time. If you do leave, I’d love an email to let me know what I could do better to improve the newsletter. Alternatively, you can update your profile ( https://preferences.convertkit-mail4.com/75u4z8k3o9t8h6l05qxszhwr2g2q8cnhovrkv ) to use a different email address. © Ness Labs, 600 1st Ave, Ste 330 PMB 92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2246.

​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hnxnvkgt6h9lg5qk3anh4qg8q/58hvh8ugqdndkxa7/aHR0cHM6Ly90d2l0dGVyLmNvbS9uZXVyYW5uZQ== ) ​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hnxnvkgt6h9lg5qk3anh4qg8q/g3hnhwumr8l868i3/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbnN0YWdyYW0uY29tL25ldXJhbm5l ) ​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hnxnvkgt6h9lg5qk3anh4qg8q/n2hohquvm9x96la0/aHR0cHM6Ly95b3V0dWJlLmNvbS9AbmV1cmFubmU= ) ​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hnxnvkgt6h9lg5qk3anh4qg8q/48hvh7umvdpd63sq/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubGlua2VkaW4uY29tL2luL25ldXJhbm5l ) March 5th, 2026 ​A newsletter by Anne-Laure Le Cunff ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hnxnvkgt6h9lg5qk3anh4qg8q/wnh2h6uqn2k2xzhl/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbm5lLWxhdXJlLm5ldC8= )​ READ ON THE WEB ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hnxnvkgt6h9lg5qk3anh4qg8q/08hwhgu2v696zobp/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vbmV3c2xldHRlci93cml0aW5nLWEtYm9vaw== ) Hi friends, We’re celebrating an amazing milestone this week: 100K copies, 18 foreign translations, and countless lessons later... Tiny Experiments turns one! I thought this would be the perfect time to share seven of those lessons in case you’ve ever thought about writing a book yourself. And to celebrate the one-year anniversary, I’m offering 10% off our Ness Labs Learning Community Pass ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hnxnvkgt6h9lg5qk3anh4qg8q/g3hnhwumr8l8p8b3/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2NoZWNrb3V0L2xlYXJuaW5nLWNvbW11bml0eS1wYXNzP2NvdXBvbl9jb2RlPU9ORVlFQVI= ). Just use the special code ONEYEAR (valid until March 7th) when joining. The community is where we put tiny experiments into practice: weekly creative hours using metacognitive prompts, coworking sessions, a personal knowledge management group, a dedicated space to share your experiments, and much more. I’d love to see you there. Stay curious! Anne-Laure. P.S. I also shared my highlights and lowlights over the past year on LinkedIn ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hnxnvkgt6h9lg5qk3anh4qg8q/3ohphdu30525zpcp/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubGlua2VkaW4uY29tL3Bvc3RzL25ldXJhbm5lX3RpbnktZXhwZXJpbWVudHMtb25lLXllYXItcmVmbGVjdGlvbnMtYWN0aXZpdHktNzQzNDk2MjQ0NTg2NzEwMjIwOC1NZ2dxP3JjbT1BQ29BQUFaUzQtMEJwOWM5eVBiNm5pLTFUSWJpZU9zNFhTYXBESE0mdXRtX21lZGl1bT1tZW1iZXJfZGVza3RvcCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPXNoYXJl ) and Instagram ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hnxnvkgt6h9lg5qk3anh4qg8q/reh8h9um4l3ln9c6/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5zdGFncmFtLmNvbS9wL0RWZHlNTmtEYXVoLw== ). ----------------- 📖 Writing a Book ----------------- Today marks the one-year anniversary of Tiny Experiments! I’m not exaggerating when I say that this book changed my life. Over the past year, I have received many emails asking about the process of writing a book, and I thought this edition would be the perfect time to share what I’ve learned. Whether you’ve ever considered writing a book or are just curious about the process, I hope you find these hard-earned lessons helpful. 1. Nothing will prepare you for it. I had been writing the Ness Labs newsletter every week for years before I started working on Tiny Experiments. I assumed that a book was just a longer, more structured version of what I was already doing. I was wrong. A newsletter is a sprint: you have an idea, you write it, you publish it, you move on. A book demands sustained focus across months and a coherent through-line that connects every chapter. And unlike online writing, where you can always go back and tweak a sentence, a book is terrifyingly final. Once it’s printed, it’s printed. That permanence felt paralyzing. 2. It takes a village. Before writing Tiny Experiments, I knew the romantic image of the solitary author in a cabin was a fantasy, but I had no idea just how many people would be involved. A literary agent to shape and pitch the proposal. Editors to strengthen the manuscript. Designers and illustrators to create the visual identity. Marketing and publicity specialists. A public speaking agent. Even if you go with a small team – just you, an editor, and a designer – you’re never working alone. Those decisions about who to bring in will shape everything about how the book gets made, and it’s worth thinking about it early, before you’ve written a single chapter. 3. Collaboration will break your heart and save your book. Working with other people means giving up control, and that’s harder than it sounds. During the editing process, we decided to cut some pretty dark material about my mental health to keep the book lighter and more enjoyable to read. My editor also asked me to cut an entire chapter – painful, but ultimately the right call. These are decisions you don’t always agree with in the moment, and that means the finished book is never fully yours. You have to trust that this co-created version is better than the one that exists only in your head. 4. Your ideas aren’t as clear as you think. A book is a stress test for your thinking. I thought my ideas were solid, but when I had to organize them into a book, gaps I’d never noticed became impossible to ignore. Concepts I’d written about in the newsletter that fell apart when I tried to build a full chapter around it, ideas that worked as standalone posts but contradicted each other when placed side by side... A book will show you which of your ideas were never fully formed. 5. You’ll have to kill your darlings. Tiny Experiments was originally called Liminal Minds, but readers and collaborators found “liminality” confusing, so we changed the title. That process taught me that the book is not just for me – it’s for the readers – and forced me to choose clarity over ego. 6. You’ll face big life questions. Writing a book sounds like a creative project, but it’s also a series of identity crises. How public do you want to be? How commercial? How broad should your target audience be? How much of your personal story are you willing to share, and how much are you willing to cut? I’m still navigating some of these questions a year after publication, still in the liminal space between wanting to promote the book and wanting to protect my privacy, between the empty calendar I used to love and the keynotes and podcasts that now fill it. 7. The reward for writing is less writing. Here’s the irony nobody warned me about: what a book demands after it’s written – keynotes, podcasts, social media – will pull you away from the thing that made you want to write it in the first place. For me, the writing itself is what makes me feel most alive. But the post-book life is largely not writing. It’s talking about writing. It’s promoting the ideas you’ve already had instead of developing new ones. The reward for doing the thing you love turns out to be a calendar full of obligations that aren’t the thing you love. Now that I know this, it won’t catch me off guard for the next book. ✶ Ultimately, writing a book is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done – not because of the writing itself, but because of everything around it: the collaboration, the compromises, the identity crises, the life that follows. And yet, I would do it again. Because nothing else forces you to think this clearly, work this closely with others, and confront who you really are as a creator. If everything I just shared sounds less like a warning and more like an invitation to you, then you might be ready to write a book. ----------------------------- 🔬 Tiny Experiment of the Week ----------------------------- Have you been thinking about writing a book? This week’s tiny experiment will help you explore this idea further. I will [write down one book pitch every day] for [5 days]. You can write a short paragraph or a few bullet points. This experiment allows you to explore potential concepts without any premature pressure to decide whether one might be worth developing further. Want to dig deeper? Get your copy of the book​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hnxnvkgt6h9lg5qk3anh4qg8q/l2heh6ulemnmwvtg/aHR0cHM6Ly9wcmV2aWV3LmNvbnZlcnRraXQtbWFpbDQuY29tL2NsaWNrL2RwaGVoMGh6aG0vYUhSMGNITTZMeTl0ZVdKdmIyc3VkRzh2ZEdsdWVXVjRjQT09 ). -------------- 🛠️ Brain Picks -------------- • Meco ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hnxnvkgt6h9lg5qk3anh4qg8q/dphehmuev9o9r7il/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubWVjby5hcHAvZ2V0LzFueDE= ) is the newsletter aggregator built for reading. Break free from inbox overwhelm and wake up to a personalized news briefing crafted from your newsletters, using smart filters to always surface the most relevant content at the right time. • Think & Think Again ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hnxnvkgt6h9lg5qk3anh4qg8q/e0hph0u763l35ks7/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cudGhpbmthbmR0aGlua2FnYWluLm9yZy8_dXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPWJyYWlucGlja3NfbWFyY2hfMjAyNiZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1uZXNzbGFicw== ) is an international community built around ideas and conversation. Members share articles and podcasts, and gather both online and in person for thoughtful discussions in a contained, respectful space. The focus isn’t broadcasting opinions, but thinking things through together, with curiosity, openness, care, and genuine engagement. • Learn, Unlearn and Relearn ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hnxnvkgt6h9lg5qk3anh4qg8q/z2hgh7uen2k20psz/aHR0cHM6Ly9yZWFkc3dpdGhyYXZpLmJlZWhpaXYuY29tLw== ) is a weekly newsletter by Ravi Shah sent out every Thursday including lessons from his favorite books, inspiring passages, reading tips and more. Discover how a little bit of daily reading goes long way. Many thanks to our sponsors for supporting the Ness Labs newsletter! Want to appear here? Please email support@nesslabs.com ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hnxnvkgt6h9lg5qk3anh4qg8q/6qhehoulz8580xt9/bWFpbHRvOnN1cHBvcnRAbmVzc2xhYnMuY29t ) to learn more. -------------------- 🗓️ Community Events -------------------- If you enjoy the newsletter, you’ll love our community of curious minds conducting tiny experiments within a safe space and learning together. Here is an overview of upcoming events (full calendar ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hnxnvkgt6h9lg5qk3anh4qg8q/owhkhwuwpm6m5dtq/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vZXZlbnRz )): • Unlock the creative power of constraints. Join Gosia Fricze on Monday for a creative hour session ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hnxnvkgt6h9lg5qk3anh4qg8q/x0hph3ueovpvx5sg/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvY3JlYXRpdmUtaG91ci10aGUtY3JlYXRpdmUtcG93ZXItb2YtY29uc3RyYWludHM= ) to to challenge the myth that freedom means infinite options and to explore how intentional constraints can increase your creativity.​ • Use postcards as a reflection tool. Join this workshop ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hnxnvkgt6h9lg5qk3anh4qg8q/kkhmh2unr0504obk/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvd29ya3Nob3AtaW5jcmVhc2UteW91ci1sdWNrLXN1cmZhY2UtYXJlYS10aHJvdWdoLWFudGktbmV0d29ya2luZw== ) with Suzanne Lees where you will use a blank postcard to create a weekly reflection on something that brings joy or meaning to your life, which you will then share with friends and family. ​• Explore a career change. If you feel a need for change but are overstretched, join this interactive session ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hnxnvkgt6h9lg5qk3anh4qg8q/25h2h9u36p8pn5c8/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvd29ya3Nob3AtaG93LXRvLWdlbnRseS1leHBsb3JlLWNhcmVlci1jaGFuZ2U= ) with Kat Wong where she will walk you through her proven method to take a more balanced approach in supporting your career exploration on your own terms. ​• Make progress on your project. Join Kathryn Ruge for a ‘body doubling’ coworking session ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hnxnvkgt6h9lg5qk3anh4qg8q/qvh8h8udzm4meghg/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvb2NlYW5pYS10dWVzZGF5LWV1cm9wZS1hbWVyaWNhcy1tb25kYXktY28td29ya2luZy03OTAzNGE= ) to work on personal or work-related projects that you want to make progress on, covering all timezones. • Improve your knowledge management system. Join the next PKM Collective meeting ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hnxnvkgt6h9lg5qk3anh4qg8q/g3hnhwumr8l8gdf3/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvdmlydHVhbC1tZWV0aW5nLXRoZS1wa20tY29sbGVjdGl2ZS1mMjBhN2Y= ) where we learn from one another through sharing how our systems work in the real world and give new PKM users a leg up. ​• Host your own workshop (anytime!). Do you have an idea for a short presentation and Q&A or a workshop you’d like to trial? Test your first iteration ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hnxnvkgt6h9lg5qk3anh4qg8q/3ohphdu30525xrhp/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvZG9jdW1lbnRhdGlvbi9ldmVudHMtaG9zdGluZw== ) in the Ness Labs community and get feedback. We promote all sessions here in the newsletter. -->Join the community ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hnxnvkgt6h9lg5qk3anh4qg8q/n2hohquvm9x925t0/aHR0cHM6Ly9kaXNjb3Zlci5jaXJjbGUuc28vcHJvZHVjdC9uZXNzLWxhYnMtY29tbXVuaXR5 ) Join the community ( https://discover.circle.so/product/ness-labs-community )All of these and future events are included in the price of the membership (only $49 for one year), as well as access to our courses, workshop library, and a dedicated space to track your tiny experiments. Until next week, take care! Anne-Laure. You received this email because you subscribed to the Ness Labs ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hnxnvkgt6h9lg5qk3anh4qg8q/48hvh7umvdpdwnaq/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20v ) newsletter. “-ness” is a suffix that means “state of being”, as in awareness, mindfulness, consciousness. Ness Labs is a playground for curiosity – a place where you can learn how to experiment with ideas, explore creative projects, and reflect on your progress. Of course I don’t want to see you go, but you can unsubscribe ( https://d41e12b1.unsubscribe.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hnxnvkgt6h9lg5qk3anh4qg8q ) at any time. If you do leave, I’d love an email to let me know what I could do better to improve the newsletter. Alternatively, you can update your profile ( https://preferences.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hnxnvkgt6h9lg5qk3anh4qg8q ) to use a different email address. © Ness Labs, 600 1st Ave, Ste 330 PMB 92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2246.

​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/n4ur30p87vivhxm750di6h6wv4gvphlh76q06/reh8h9um4nrze4i6/aHR0cHM6Ly90d2l0dGVyLmNvbS9uZXVyYW5uZQ== ) ​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/n4ur30p87vivhxm750di6h6wv4gvphlh76q06/l2heh6ulew97zmsg/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbnN0YWdyYW0uY29tL25ldXJhbm5l ) ​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/n4ur30p87vivhxm750di6h6wv4gvphlh76q06/7qh7h2u9q375met9/aHR0cHM6Ly95b3V0dWJlLmNvbS9AbmV1cmFubmU= ) ​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/n4ur30p87vivhxm750di6h6wv4gvphlh76q06/owhkhwuwp5vd7ziq/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubGlua2VkaW4uY29tL2luL25ldXJhbm5l ) February 26th, 2026 ​A newsletter by Anne-Laure Le Cunff ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/n4ur30p87vivhxm750di6h6wv4gvphlh76q06/p8hehqu4m80o73fr/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbm5lLWxhdXJlLm5ldC8= )​ READ ON THE WEB ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/n4ur30p87vivhxm750di6h6wv4gvphlh76q06/x0hph3ueox607pug/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vbmV3c2xldHRlci9wcmVtYXR1cmUtY2VydGFpbnR5 ) Hi friends, I just received incredible news: Tiny Experiments has crossed more than 100,000 copies worldwide just under one year after publication! I’ll share more next week for the official one-year anniversary, but in the meantime I wanted to say thank you for reading and sharing. In our fast-paced society, decisiveness is often considered a sign of confident leadership. This week, we’ll explore the dangers of making decisions too early and how you can build a more productive relationship with uncertainty instead. Lastly, our community session with Nir Eyal about his new book Beyond Belief starts in 30 minutes! More than 150 of you have signed up. If you’re a community member, you can join here ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/n4ur30p87vivhxm750di6h6wv4gvphlh76q06/6qhehoulz0ge2wf9/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvYXV0aG9yLXNlc3Npb24tYmV5b25kLWJlbGllZg== ). Hope to see you there. Enjoy the read! Anne-Laure. --------------------- 💣 Premature Certainty --------------------- We’ve all been in meetings that feel highly effective. Someone frames the problem, another person confidently proposes a solution, and within minutes the room converges. Everyone nods, action items are assigned, and everyone leaves feeling productive. Six weeks later, the project is drifting, and no one can quite explain why. The issue is that the first plausible idea sounded confident enough to become a plan. This is premature certainty: committing to a direction before you’ve tested it. Because premature certainty is so insidious, it can actually be more dangerous than making big mistakes. Premature certainty is difficult to recognize because it can feel like leadership. Organizations often reward decisiveness and speed, while hesitation can be interpreted as confusion. Over time, teams learn to converge quickly. Yet research in organizational psychology suggests ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/n4ur30p87vivhxm750di6h6wv4gvphlh76q06/kkhmh2unr4qv92bk/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaGJzLmVkdS9mYWN1bHR5L1BhZ2VzL2l0ZW0uYXNweD9udW09NTQ4NTE= ) that groups willing to acknowledge gaps in their knowledge consistently make better decisions. That’s because people usually stop raising doubts once a direction appears settled. When uncertainty is openly expressed, it’s easier for edge cases and risks to emerge. And when we confidently make a decision ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/n4ur30p87vivhxm750di6h6wv4gvphlh76q06/25h2h9u36nzwoos8/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vZGVjaXNpb24tbWFraW5n ) too early, those signals disappear. The failure that follows comes from information that never even entered the conversation. So, how do you avoid premature certainty? The shift is less about new tools than about changing team habits: 1. Name assumptions explicitly. Before committing to a direction, ask what the team is assuming but hasn’t verified. Identify the riskiest assumption and design a tiny experiment ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/n4ur30p87vivhxm750di6h6wv4gvphlh76q06/g3hnhwumrx5wz3i3/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vcGVyc29uYWwtZXhwZXJpbWVudHM= ) that could challenge it. 2. Encourage social flow. Let team members run their own tiny experiments and share insights freely. Reduce perceived barriers and artificial hierarchy so the focus shifts from “Who is right?” to “What can we learn?” 3. Redefine success as learning. Treat unexpected outcomes as useful data. When your team understands that learning matters as much as results, people will feel more comfortable taking informed risks and testing their ideas earlier. The next time your team quickly aligns around an answer, it can be worth pausing to ask: do we have any evidence for this yet, or are we simply relieved to have certainty? If the honest answer is “not yet” that’s not a problem. Treat the uncertainty as an opportunity to learn before committing: design a tiny experiment and let the results inform your next steps. The most effective leaders are not those who rush toward answers, but those who are willing to stay uncertain long enough for liminal spaces to provide answers. ----------------------------- 🔬 Tiny Experiment of the Week ----------------------------- Ready to put these ideas into practice? Try this week’s tiny experiment to reduce premature certainty: I will [surface one untested assumption in every key meeting] for [3 weeks]. This experiment shifts your focus from providing confident answers to defining your hypotheses. I will also help normalize curiosity and make it easier for others to share both what they know and what they don’t yet know. Want to dig deeper? Get your copy of the book​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/n4ur30p87vivhxm750di6h6wv4gvphlh76q06/9qhzhdud0nmr2diz/aHR0cHM6Ly9wcmV2aWV3LmNvbnZlcnRraXQtbWFpbDQuY29tL2NsaWNrL2RwaGVoMGh6aG0vYUhSMGNITTZMeTl0ZVdKdmIyc3VkRzh2ZEdsdWVXVjRjQT09 ). --------------------- 👀 Into the Mind of... --------------------- CHRIS BAILEY Each week I ask a curious mind about their habits, routines, and rituals. This week we learn from productivity expert Chris Bailey, whose latest book Intentional explores the science of finishing what you start. 1. One strategy to restart your creative engine? I hop on a city bus. While on the bus, I mostly people-watch, listening to classical music or whatever kind of music helps me reflect. I always bring a notepad with me. By the time I get home, I will almost always return with the notepad full of ideas. 2. One daily practice you can't do without? Setting three daily intentions. Every single morning, I reflect: what three things will I want to have accomplished by the day’s end? It’s a simple ritual, but like with a lot of intention rituals, if you try it, you’ll make this time back many times over. 3. One habit you wish you had? My guilty pleasure is ordering too much takeout. Especially when it comes to sushi. So I guess the habit I wish I had would be the reverse of this: eating more home-cooked meals. But sushi is also very delicious. So, you could say I’m still contemplating this habit! Read Intentional ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/n4ur30p87vivhxm750di6h6wv4gvphlh76q06/3ohphdu30vlgd4up/aHR0cHM6Ly9nZW5pLnVzL2ludGVudGlvbmFsY2I= ) -------------------- 🗓️ Community Events -------------------- If you enjoy the newsletter, you’ll love our community of curious minds conducting tiny experiments within a safe space and learning together. Here is an overview of upcoming events (full calendar ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/n4ur30p87vivhxm750di6h6wv4gvphlh76q06/48hvh7umvke82ksq/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vZXZlbnRz )): • Discover the science of belief. In today’s author session ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/n4ur30p87vivhxm750di6h6wv4gvphlh76q06/6qhehoulz0ge2wf9/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvYXV0aG9yLXNlc3Npb24tYmV5b25kLWJlbGllZg== ) with Nir Eyal, you’ll learn how to spot the difference between liberating beliefs and limiting beliefs and how to identify the 3-5 core limiting beliefs that are quietly running your life.​ • Relearn how to rest. Join Gosia Fricze on Monday for a creative hour session ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/n4ur30p87vivhxm750di6h6wv4gvphlh76q06/wnh2h6uqn8p6ombl/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvY3JlYXRpdmUtaG91ci1yZWxlYXJuaW5nLWhvdy10by1yZXN0 ) to explore your relationship with rest, unlearn productivity-driven guilt, and rediscover rest as a vital part of creative renewal.​ • Learn the art of discernment. Join this workshop ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/n4ur30p87vivhxm750di6h6wv4gvphlh76q06/reh8h9um4nrz54b6/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvd29ya3Nob3AtaW5jcmVhc2UteW91ci1sdWNrLXN1cmZhY2UtYXJlYS10aHJvdWdoLWFudGktbmV0d29ya2luZw== ) with Laurent Marbacher, who will give you practical tools and insights to develop that skill to improve your experience of making choices that matter. ​• Make progress on your project. Join Kathryn Ruge for a ‘body doubling’ coworking session ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/n4ur30p87vivhxm750di6h6wv4gvphlh76q06/08hwhgu2vq5r7ebp/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvb2NlYW5pYS10dWVzZGF5LWV1cm9wZS1hbWVyaWNhcy1tb25kYXktY28td29ya2luZy03YWViYzI= ) to work on personal or work-related projects that you want to make progress on, covering all timezones. • Improve your knowledge management system. Join the next PKM Collective meeting ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/n4ur30p87vivhxm750di6h6wv4gvphlh76q06/8ghqh3uozkvn5ntl/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvdmlydHVhbC1tZWV0aW5nLXRoZS1wa20tY29sbGVjdGl2ZS01NDQ5ODI= ) where we learn from one another through sharing how our systems work in the real world and give new PKM users a leg up. ​• Host your own workshop (anytime!). Do you have an idea for a short presentation and Q&A or a workshop you’d like to trial? Test your first iteration ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/n4ur30p87vivhxm750di6h6wv4gvphlh76q06/vqh3hmuol87rk7cw/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvZG9jdW1lbnRhdGlvbi9ldmVudHMtaG9zdGluZw== ) in the Ness Labs community and get feedback. We promote all sessions here in the newsletter. -->Join the community ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/n4ur30p87vivhxm750di6h6wv4gvphlh76q06/l2heh6ulew97kmhg/aHR0cHM6Ly9kaXNjb3Zlci5jaXJjbGUuc28vcHJvZHVjdC9uZXNzLWxhYnMtY29tbXVuaXR5 ) Join the community ( https://discover.circle.so/product/ness-labs-community )All of these and future events are included in the price of the membership (only $49 for one year), as well as access to our courses, workshop library, and a dedicated space to track your tiny experiments. ------------------ 📚 Book of the Week ------------------ Big congrats to Leslie John, a behavioral scientist and leading privacy expert at Harvard Business School, on the launch of her new book Revealing ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/n4ur30p87vivhxm750di6h6wv4gvphlh76q06/m2h7h6u3vwpzndul/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYW1hem9uLmNvbS9SZXZlYWxpbmctVW5kZXJyYXRlZC1PdmVyc2hhcmluZy1MZXNsaWUtSm9obi9kcC8wNTkzNTQ1Mzg5Lw== ), which explores decades of research into the kind of healthy oversharing that can deepen relationships. Until next week, take care! Anne-Laure. You received this email because you subscribed to the Ness Labs ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/n4ur30p87vivhxm750di6h6wv4gvphlh76q06/7qh7h2u9q3754et9/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20v ) newsletter. “-ness” is a suffix that means “state of being”, as in awareness, mindfulness, consciousness. Ness Labs is a playground for curiosity – a place where you can learn how to experiment with ideas, explore creative projects, and reflect on your progress. Of course I don’t want to see you go, but you can unsubscribe ( https://d41e12b1.unsubscribe.convertkit-mail4.com/n4ur30p87vivhxm750di6h6wv4gvphlh76q06 ) at any time. If you do leave, I’d love an email to let me know what I could do better to improve the newsletter. Alternatively, you can update your profile ( https://preferences.convertkit-mail4.com/n4ur30p87vivhxm750di6h6wv4gvphlh76q06 ) to use a different email address. © Ness Labs, 600 1st Ave, Ste 330 PMB 92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2246.

​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8upmr902ltrhvll0vpcghv00p0lls9hk50n5/qvh8h8udz8ovzvhg/aHR0cHM6Ly90d2l0dGVyLmNvbS9uZXVyYW5uZQ== ) ​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8upmr902ltrhvll0vpcghv00p0lls9hk50n5/3ohphdu30q4r0dhp/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbnN0YWdyYW0uY29tL25ldXJhbm5l ) ​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8upmr902ltrhvll0vpcghv00p0lls9hk50n5/48hvh7umv069vrcq/aHR0cHM6Ly95b3V0dWJlLmNvbS9AbmV1cmFubmU= ) ​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8upmr902ltrhvll0vpcghv00p0lls9hk50n5/reh8h9um4qw74wa6/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubGlua2VkaW4uY29tL2luL25ldXJhbm5l ) February 19th, 2026 ​A newsletter by Anne-Laure Le Cunff ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8upmr902ltrhvll0vpcghv00p0lls9hk50n5/8ghqh3uozgq3zksl/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbm5lLWxhdXJlLm5ldC8= )​ READ ON THE WEB ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8upmr902ltrhvll0vpcghv00p0lls9hk50n5/vqh3hmuolne4lmaw/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vb21uaXBvdGVuY2UtZGlsZW1tYQ== ) Hi friends, I finally caved and installed OpenClaw, an open-source AI agent framework recently acquired by OpenAI. If you haven’t heard about it, it’s essentially a system that can research, build, and iterate on projects with very little supervision. As I started playing with it, I noticed something interesting: the easier it became to start things, the harder it felt to decide what was actually worth finishing. This week, we’ll explore why being able to do everything can make it harder to achieve anything, and how to stay both curious and focused in an age of infinite possibility. Enjoy the read! Anne-Laure. P.S. Tiny Experiments is now available to pre-order in Brazil ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8upmr902ltrhvll0vpcghv00p0lls9hk50n5/m2h7h6u3vom9v5hl/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYW1hem9uLmNvbS9QZXF1ZW5vcy1leHBlcmltZW50b3MtUHIlQzMlQTF0aWNhcy1vYmNlY2Fkby1Qb3J0dWd1ZXNlLWVib29rL2RwL0IwR0haQjFKWkI= ) and Germany ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8upmr902ltrhvll0vpcghv00p0lls9hk50n5/dphehmuevq8kvnil/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYW1hem9uLmRlL1RpbnktRXhwZXJpbWVudHMtdW5yZWFsaXN0aXNjaGVuLWV4cGVyaW1lbnRlbGxlbS1wZXJzJUMzJUI2bmxpY2hlbS9kcC8zNjkwNDYwMDM0 )! And of course you can still order the US ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8upmr902ltrhvll0vpcghv00p0lls9hk50n5/e0hph0u76kqe6gu7/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYW1hem9uLmNvbS9UaW55LUV4cGVyaW1lbnRzLUZyZWVseS1Hb2FsLU9ic2Vzc2VkLVdvcmxkL2RwLzA1OTM3MTUxMzYv ), UK ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8upmr902ltrhvll0vpcghv00p0lls9hk50n5/7qh7h2u9q0w8q2h9/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYW1hem9uLmNvLnVrL1RpbnktRXhwZXJpbWVudHMtRnJlZWx5LUdvYWwtT2JzZXNzZWQtV29ybGQvZHAvMTgwMDgxOTE3WC8= ), Spanish ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8upmr902ltrhvll0vpcghv00p0lls9hk50n5/owhkhwuwp4gnp2cq/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYW1hem9uLmVzL2RwL0IwRkYyWEZZWkov ), French ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8upmr902ltrhvll0vpcghv00p0lls9hk50n5/z2hgh7uenop7nlsz/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYW1hem9uLmZyLy0vZW4vUGV0aXRlcy1leHAlQzMlQTlyaWVuY2VzLXBvdXItdml2cmUtZ3JhbmQvZHAvMjQxNjAxMjY1Ny8= ), and Czech ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8upmr902ltrhvll0vpcghv00p0lls9hk50n5/p8hehqu4m9gdmpfr/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubWVsdmlsLmN6L2tuaWhhLW1hbGUtZXhwZXJpbWVudHkv ) editions. -------------------------- ♾️ The Omnipotence Dilemma -------------------------- This morning, I sat in front of my laptop and asked myself a simple question: what should I work on today? Looking at my projects in progress, I have three literature reviews I find interesting, an app idea that could be useful for the Ness Labs community, and a dashboard I’ve started building for my team. With AI tools like Claude Cowork and OpenClaw, each one feels only a few prompts away from a solid first draft: research outlines appear instantly, interfaces prototype themselves, and code that once required weeks is now written in minutes. Technically, I can do almost anything. Practically, I’ve noticed a worrying shift: I keep starting new things and finishing very few. It feels like being surrounded by infinite drafts. What should you work on when everything is technically possible? This question is what I call the Omnipotence Dilemma. Power without progress ---------------------- We’ve reached a point where, for the first time in humanity’s history, virtually anyone can work on anything. You have a team of infatigable skilled workers ready to do research, build apps, send emails, and answer all your questions along the way. We tend to think more capability automatically leads to more progress, so that sounds great in theory. But what I’m noticing is that when the cost of taking action approaches zero, a strange dynamic seems to appear. First, when starting something no longer requires much sacrifice, it stops functioning as a decision. You can rapidly prototype ten versions of something without ever deciding what it is actually for. You don’t choose one path instead of another – you can begin several at once, and nothing forces prioritization anymore. And when a draft, plan, or prototype can be generated instantly, creation starts to feel like selection rather than authorship. This is the rise of what’s been called autocomplete culture ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8upmr902ltrhvll0vpcghv00p0lls9hk50n5/x0hph3ueon9zombg/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmFzdGNvbXBhbnkuY29tLzkwMTI2NTY5L3RoZS1yaXNlLW9mLWF1dG9jb21wbGV0ZS1jdWx0dXJl ): instead of wrestling with an idea, you refine options already proposed to you. Yes, you can generate anything, yet less of it feels fully yours. Limited time, skills, and resources once forced us to choose, and those choices accumulated into a direction. In my first year as a neuroscience student, I also took web development classes. I loved them, and I’m still glad I learned the basics which are useful to me every day. But after a few months, I had to decide where most of my time and attention would go. This didn’t mean choosing just one thing (impossible for a hypercurious mind!), but it did mean prioritizing. I decided that I’d spend ~60% of my time on neuroscience, 20% on writing, and the remaining time on learning other skills (including webdev) as needed. And in that way, scarcity helped shape my identity. Today, that sense of scarcity is gone. Taken together, these dynamics form a dangerous loop: 1. Synthetic plausibility. AI can construct convincing plans for nearly anything. When almost every idea sounds viable and every path appears reasonable, prioritization becomes harder. 2. Cheap starts. Beginning something used to require at least some commitment, even if just in the form of time investment. But starting has become effortless – just one prompt and you’re on your way – and the stakes are so low that it’s almost a form of consumption. 3. Endless iteration. Projects are endlessly refined, abandoned or replaced, creating the sensation of progress even when nothing meaningful moves forward. The deeper cost is that you outsource the hardest but most important part of creative work: forming a view. What becomes scarce is no longer skill or access. What becomes scarce is attention, conviction, taste, trust, time, and responsibility. And what worries me the most is that this cost shows up slowly. Projects that don’t quite make sense. A subtle loss of our ability for strategic thinking and meaning-making. Being unable to articulate why in the first place you’re doing this work. Sandboxing your curiosity ------------------------- Instead of thinking like a maximizer trying to pursue every promising direction, it helps to think like a scientist running experiments ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8upmr902ltrhvll0vpcghv00p0lls9hk50n5/6qhehoulzpnwzqi9/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vcGVyc29uYWwtZXhwZXJpbWVudHM= ). An experiment has a clear scope. It has a duration. It produces learning whether it succeeds or fails. It allows you to shift from an escapist mindset to an experimental mindset by choosing projects at the intersection of curiosity and ambition – work that genuinely interests you while also stretching your capabilities and contributing something meaningful. Then, to apply that experimental mindset, turn your area of curiosity into a mini-protocol using this format: I will [action] for [duration]. Whether that’s a two-week prototype, a month of writing, ten published essays around a topic you truly care about, this kind of tiny experiment provides a clear sandbox for you to explore and actually learn and grow. At the end of your experiment, take time to reflect ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8upmr902ltrhvll0vpcghv00p0lls9hk50n5/kkhmh2unr86ewgsk/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vcGx1cy1taW51cy1uZXh0 ). What worked? What didn’t? Based on what you learned, what would you like to experiment with next? This allows you to replace the dangerous AI slop loop I described earlier with a metacognitive loop ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8upmr902ltrhvll0vpcghv00p0lls9hk50n5/7qh7h2u9q0w8lku9/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vbWV0YWNvZ25pdGlvbg== ), where each iteration is an opportunity for self-discovery. In an age of near-omnipotence, curiosity ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8upmr902ltrhvll0vpcghv00p0lls9hk50n5/owhkhwuwp4gn96fq/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vc2NpZW5jZS1vZi1jdXJpb3NpdHk= ) has never been easier to satisfy. And yet, meaningful progress still requires committing to your curiosity – not by pursuing everything at once, but by choosing an interesting path to explore deeply enough for something meaningful to emerge. Sponsored by Google Ad Sense We Make Your Niche Make Money Your content might speak to a niche. Maybe it’s true crime podcasts for cats. Or even artisanal hot sauce reviews. We love it all. The point is, no matter how specific your content is, Google AdSense finds advertisers who actually want to speak to your audience. It’s one of the largest ad networks in the world, which means someone, somewhere, is ready to pay to sponsor your oddly specific traffic (that means you, Albanian real estate bloggers). That’s why sites like Hooda Math and WikiHow trust Google AdSense. Because even your niche deserves global attention—and better ads. --> Start earning more with Google AdSense. ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8upmr902ltrhvll0vpcghv00p0lls9hk50n5/z2hgh7uenop767tz/aHR0cHM6Ly9hZHNlbnNlLmdvb2dsZS5jb20vc3RhcnQvP3N1YmlkPXVzLWVuLW90LWFkcy1raXQtYS1lYXNlMSUyMW8zJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1RMTIwMjYmdXRtX21lZGl1bT1hZG5ldHdvcmsmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1raXQ= ) Start earning more with Google AdSense. ( https://adsense.google.com/start/?subid=us-en-ot-ads-kit-a-ease1%21o3&utm_medium=adnetwork&utm_campaign=Q12026&utm_source=kit ) Many thanks to our sponsors for supporting the Ness Labs newsletter! Want to appear here? Please email support@nesslabs.com ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8upmr902ltrhvll0vpcghv00p0lls9hk50n5/kkhmh2unr86ew8tk/bWFpbHRvOnN1cHBvcnRAbmVzc2xhYnMuY29t ) to learn more. --------------------- 👀 Into the Mind of... --------------------- JOSHUA BECKER Each week I ask a curious mind about their habits, routines, and rituals. This week we learn from Joshua Becker, whose latest book Uncluttered Faith argues that true abundant life is found not in accumulation but in simplicity and generosity. 1. One daily practice you can’t do without? My 3-Item To-Do List. Every morning, I sit down and write out the three things I want to accomplish that day. The list gives me direction. But just as important, it allows me to feel accomplished at the end of the day. 2. One strategy to restart your creative engine? Short-term: a good night’s sleep. Some of my clearest answers have come after I’ve given up for the night, gone to bed, and woke up the next morning. But longer-term: reading. When I’m actively reading good books (of any kind), I consistently have more ideas and better ones. 3. One mindset shift that transformed your work? My work changed dramatically when I stopped seeing it primarily as a way to earn an income and started seeing it as a way to bring love and value into the world. When we begin to see our work as selfless service to others, we find more joy and fulfillment in our job (and usually greater compensation too). Read Uncluttered Faith ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8upmr902ltrhvll0vpcghv00p0lls9hk50n5/58hvh8ugq5k0xmi7/aHR0cHM6Ly9zaXRlcy5wcmguY29tL3VuY2x1dHRlcmVkLWZhaXRo ) -------------------- 🗓️ Community Events -------------------- If you enjoy the newsletter, you’ll love our community of curious minds conducting tiny experiments within a safe space and learning together. Here is an overview of upcoming events (full calendar ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8upmr902ltrhvll0vpcghv00p0lls9hk50n5/25h2h9u3674g93h8/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vZXZlbnRz )): • Design a life of enough. Join Gosia Fricze on Monday for a creative hour session ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8upmr902ltrhvll0vpcghv00p0lls9hk50n5/qvh8h8udz8ovwohg/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvY3JlYXRpdmUtaG91ci1ob3ctdG8tdHVybi1pZGVhcy1pbnRvLWFjdGlvbg== ) to explore explore the feeling of “never enough,” how it shapes your choices, and what it could look like to design a life grounded in sufficiency.​ • Explore the science of belief with Nir Eyal. In our next author session ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8upmr902ltrhvll0vpcghv00p0lls9hk50n5/9qhzhdud0gzxwniz/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvYXV0aG9yLXNlc3Npb24tYmV5b25kLWJlbGllZg== ), you’ll learn how to spot the difference between liberating beliefs and limiting beliefs and how to identify the 3-5 core limiting beliefs that are quietly running your life.​ • Learn the art of discernment. Join this workshop ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8upmr902ltrhvll0vpcghv00p0lls9hk50n5/n2hohquvmn6gqmc0/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvd29ya3Nob3AtaW5jcmVhc2UteW91ci1sdWNrLXN1cmZhY2UtYXJlYS10aHJvdWdoLWFudGktbmV0d29ya2luZw== ) with Laurent Marbacher, who will give you practical tools and insights to develop that skill to improve your experience of making choices that matter. • Improve your knowledge management system. Join the next PKM Collective meeting ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8upmr902ltrhvll0vpcghv00p0lls9hk50n5/48hvh7umv069llcq/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvdmlydHVhbC1tZWV0aW5nLXRoZS1wa20tY29sbGVjdGl2ZS01NDQ5ODI= ) where we learn from one another through sharing how our systems work in the real world and give new PKM users a leg up. ​• Make progress on your project. Join Kathryn Ruge for a ‘body doubling’ coworking session ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8upmr902ltrhvll0vpcghv00p0lls9hk50n5/reh8h9um4qw7dra6/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvb2NlYW5pYS10dWVzZGF5LWV1cm9wZS1hbWVyaWNhcy1tb25kYXktY28td29ya2luZy04YmNhMWM= ) to work on personal or work-related projects that you want to make progress on, covering all timezones. ​• Host your own workshop (anytime!). Do you have an idea for a short presentation and Q&A or a workshop you’d like to trial? Test your first iteration ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8upmr902ltrhvll0vpcghv00p0lls9hk50n5/08hwhgu2vmgxe6fp/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvZG9jdW1lbnRhdGlvbi9ldmVudHMtaG9zdGluZw== ) in the Ness Labs community and get feedback. We promote all sessions here in the newsletter. -->Join the community ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8upmr902ltrhvll0vpcghv00p0lls9hk50n5/8ghqh3uozgq3dmul/aHR0cHM6Ly9kaXNjb3Zlci5jaXJjbGUuc28vcHJvZHVjdC9uZXNzLWxhYnMtY29tbXVuaXR5 ) Join the community ( https://discover.circle.so/product/ness-labs-community )All of these and future events are included in the price of the membership (only $49 for one year), as well as access to our courses, workshop library, and a dedicated space to track your tiny experiments. Until next week, take care! Anne-Laure. You received this email because you subscribed to the Ness Labs ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8upmr902ltrhvll0vpcghv00p0lls9hk50n5/l2heh6uleo642dfg/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20v ) newsletter. “-ness” is a suffix that means “state of being”, as in awareness, mindfulness, consciousness. Ness Labs is a playground for curiosity – a place where you can learn how to experiment with ideas, explore creative projects, and reflect on your progress. Of course I don’t want to see you go, but you can unsubscribe ( https://d41e12b1.unsubscribe.convertkit-mail4.com/v8upmr902ltrhvll0vpcghv00p0lls9hk50n5 ) at any time. If you do leave, I’d love an email to let me know what I could do better to improve the newsletter. Alternatively, you can update your profile ( https://preferences.convertkit-mail4.com/v8upmr902ltrhvll0vpcghv00p0lls9hk50n5 ) to use a different email address. © Ness Labs, 600 1st Ave, Ste 330 PMB 92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2246.

​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/r8ux905qr7hoh34m9pvu2hdnn8n66s7hw0xe0/m2h7h6u3vgl844cl/aHR0cHM6Ly90d2l0dGVyLmNvbS9uZXVyYW5uZQ== ) ​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/r8ux905qr7hoh34m9pvu2hdnn8n66s7hw0xe0/e0hph0u76pd0rzt7/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbnN0YWdyYW0uY29tL25ldXJhbm5l ) ​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/r8ux905qr7hoh34m9pvu2hdnn8n66s7hw0xe0/z2hgh7uen4m3m4az/aHR0cHM6Ly95b3V0dWJlLmNvbS9AbmV1cmFubmU= ) ​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/r8ux905qr7hoh34m9pvu2hdnn8n66s7hw0xe0/x0hph3ueor4w4zhg/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubGlua2VkaW4uY29tL2luL25ldXJhbm5l ) February 12th, 2026 ​A newsletter by Anne-Laure Le Cunff ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/r8ux905qr7hoh34m9pvu2hdnn8n66s7hw0xe0/7qh7h2u9qkxox4h9/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbm5lLWxhdXJlLm5ldC8= )​ READ ON THE WEB ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/r8ux905qr7hoh34m9pvu2hdnn8n66s7hw0xe0/p8hehqu4m3pzp4br/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vbmV3c2xldHRlci90aGlua2luZy10b2dldGhlcg== ) Hi friends, When life is busy and uncertain, our instinct is often to put our head down and handle it alone. But both ancient practices and modern research point in the same direction: we think better together. In this edition, we’ll explore simple ways to create space for collective curiosity, especially when things feel chaotic. I’m also excited to feature two contributions from friends and fellow authors: Jonathan Goodman, with a short interview about his new book Unhinged Habits, and Nir Eyal – author of Hooked, Indistractable, and Beyond Belief – who will host a workshop in the Ness Labs community next Wednesday. Scroll down to learn more, and most importantly... stay curious! Anne-Laure. ------------------- 🤝 Thinking Together ------------------- Some of your best thinking happens outside formal meetings. It might show up during a walk with a colleague, a conversation that drifts off the agenda, or a moment when someone voices a question you did not realize you were also wondering about. In these moments, you think further than you would alone. This way of thinking with others has deep roots in our human history. At his school in ancient Athens, Aristotle encouraged students to walk through gardens while discussing ideas instead of sitting through lectures. The aim was to think aloud and explore together. That approach proved so effective that it shaped how knowledge was developed for centuries. Yet today, most learning and problem-solving still happens in isolation, even though the challenges you face are rarely individual. The idea behind Aristotle’s practice is collective curiosity ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/r8ux905qr7hoh34m9pvu2hdnn8n66s7hw0xe0/x0hph3ueor4w49ig/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vY29sbGVjdGl2ZS1jdXJpb3NpdHk= ): the practice of exploring questions together and treating uncertainty as something useful rather than something to hide. Collective curiosity runs against a familiar story — the one of the lone genius. We like that story because it’s easier to celebrate individuals than to understand complex knowledge-sharing networks. But the Wright brothers didn’t invent flight in isolation. They exchanged letters and data with other aviation enthusiasts. The Human Genome Project succeeded because thousands of scientists shared questions, failures, and discoveries rather than working alone. Solitary thinking is often just untested thinking. In contrast, learning in public ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/r8ux905qr7hoh34m9pvu2hdnn8n66s7hw0xe0/58hvh8ugqv4m43c7/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vbGVhcm5pbmctaW4tcHVibGlj ) invites feedback and exposes you to perspectives you would not reach on your own. Research on decision-making also shows ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/r8ux905qr7hoh34m9pvu2hdnn8n66s7hw0xe0/9qhzhdud0qepemiz/aHR0cHM6Ly9qb3VybmFscy5zYWdlcHViLmNvbS9kb2kvYWJzLzEwLjExNzcvMDE0OTIwNjMyMDkxNjIzMg== ) that groups that encourage respectful questioning are less prone to confirmation bias and tend to make better choices over time. Despite these benefits, collective curiosity is often resisted. In competitive environments, admitting that you don’t know can feel unsafe. Time pressure can push you toward quick answers instead of exploring better questions. So how do you make space for exploring and thinking together? • Map the unknown. Name what you don’t understand together. It can be as simple as writing it down and putting it on a shared virtual board everyone has access to. These shared “research questions” turn uncertainty into a starting point rather than something to hide. • Question assumptions aloud. Take an existing practice and trace it back to its origins by repeatedly asking why it exists. This shared metacognitive process ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/r8ux905qr7hoh34m9pvu2hdnn8n66s7hw0xe0/3ohphdu30ok7k5hp/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vbWV0YWNvZ25pdGlvbg== ) helps surface beliefs that may no longer serve the work. • Walk while thinking. Discuss open questions while walking with a colleague. Movement and informal settings tend to lower social pressure and make shared exploration feel more natural. • Experiment with others. Conduct tiny experiments ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/r8ux905qr7hoh34m9pvu2hdnn8n66s7hw0xe0/wnh2h6uqn5lwllhl/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vYm9vaw== ) and share what you’re testing even when results are unclear. This is a simple way to invite others into the learning process. You don’t have to abandon individual thinking. The key is to view it as just one path to insight rather than the only valid path, and to remember that the question you’re afraid to ask may be exactly the question someone else needs to hear. Sponsored by Google Ad Sense We Make Your Niche Make Money Your content might speak to a niche. Maybe it’s true crime podcasts for cats. Or even artisanal hot sauce reviews. We love it all. The point is, no matter how specific your content is, Google AdSense finds advertisers who actually want to speak to your audience. It’s one of the largest ad networks in the world, which means someone, somewhere, is ready to pay to sponsor your oddly specific traffic (that means you, Albanian real estate bloggers). That’s why sites like Hooda Math and WikiHow trust Google AdSense. Because even your niche deserves global attention—and better ads. --> Start earning more with Google AdSense ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/r8ux905qr7hoh34m9pvu2hdnn8n66s7hw0xe0/08hwhgu2vopdp8ap/aHR0cHM6Ly9hZHNlbnNlLmdvb2dsZS5jb20vc3RhcnQvP3N1YmlkPXVzLWVuLW90LWFkcy1raXQtYS1lYXNlMSUyMW8zJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1RMTIwMjYmdXRtX21lZGl1bT1hZG5ldHdvcmsmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1raXQ= ) Start earning more with Google AdSense ( https://adsense.google.com/start/?subid=us-en-ot-ads-kit-a-ease1%21o3&utm_medium=adnetwork&utm_campaign=Q12026&utm_source=kit ) Many thanks to our sponsors for supporting the Ness Labs newsletter! Want to appear here? Please email support@nesslabs.com ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/r8ux905qr7hoh34m9pvu2hdnn8n66s7hw0xe0/vqh3hmuolxqp6xaw/bWFpbHRvOnN1cHBvcnRAbmVzc2xhYnMuY29t ) to learn more. ----------------------------- 🔬 Tiny Experiment of the Week ----------------------------- Ready to put these ideas into practice? Try this week’s tiny experiment to help you practice thinking together with others: I will [openly voice my doubts in meetings] for [2 weeks]. This experiment helps normalize curiosity by shifting attention from having answers to exploring together, often leading to insights you would not reach alone. Want to dig deeper? Get your copy of the book​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/r8ux905qr7hoh34m9pvu2hdnn8n66s7hw0xe0/m2h7h6u3vgl8x9hl/aHR0cHM6Ly9wcmV2aWV3LmNvbnZlcnRraXQtbWFpbDQuY29tL2NsaWNrL2RwaGVoMGh6aG0vYUhSMGNITTZMeTl0ZVdKdmIyc3VkRzh2ZEdsdWVXVjRjQT09 ). --------------------- 👀 Into the Mind of... --------------------- JONATHAN GOODMAN Each week I ask a curious mind about their habits, routines, and rituals. This week we learn from Jonathan Goodman, whose latest book Unhinged Habits explores what it takes to eliminate the things, people and commitments that hold us back. 1. One strategy to restart your creative engine? The two-hour “work or do nothing” rule. When I’m doing creative work, I tend to distract myself. Then I learned that the words we use shape our habits. My rule for focused time is simple: I can do the work or I can sit quietly and do nothing. The point is, I’m in control. 2. One anchor ritual to reconnect with yourself? Recognizing that most everything is a hat I can try on opened me up to periods of intentional exploration. Most decisions are like hats: easy to take on and off. If the outcome risk is low, you can move quickly and try a lot of things. 3. One mindset shift that transformed your work? My job is what I do for money. My work is what I do for me. When it comes to money, there’s such a thing as enough. With work, however, the moment one project finishes, find the next to drive toward. It is ok to keep those goalposts moving so long as you find the infinite within the finite. Read Unhinged Habits ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/r8ux905qr7hoh34m9pvu2hdnn8n66s7hw0xe0/e0hph0u76pd0z2b7/aHR0cHM6Ly91bmhpbmdlZGhhYml0cy5jb20v ) -------------------- 🗓️ Community Events -------------------- If you enjoy the newsletter, you’ll love our community of curious minds conducting tiny experiments within a safe space and learning together. Here is an overview of upcoming events (full calendar ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/r8ux905qr7hoh34m9pvu2hdnn8n66s7hw0xe0/x0hph3ueor4wm9bg/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vZXZlbnRz )): • Explore the science of belief with Nir Eyal. In our next author session ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/r8ux905qr7hoh34m9pvu2hdnn8n66s7hw0xe0/25h2h9u36vq2x6i8/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvYXV0aG9yLXNlc3Npb24tYmV5b25kLWJlbGllZg== ), you’ll learn how to spot the difference between liberating beliefs and limiting beliefs and how to identify the 3-5 core limiting beliefs that are quietly running your life.​ • Increase your luck surface area. Join this workshop ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/r8ux905qr7hoh34m9pvu2hdnn8n66s7hw0xe0/3ohphdu30ok785sp/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvd29ya3Nob3AtaW5jcmVhc2UteW91ci1sdWNrLXN1cmZhY2UtYXJlYS10aHJvdWdoLWFudGktbmV0d29ya2luZw== ) with Carly Valancy, who will break down the semantics of anti-networking and the structure of an unignorable cold email that makes you feel amazing.​ • Turn your ideas into action. Join Gosia Fricze on Monday for a creative hour session ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/r8ux905qr7hoh34m9pvu2hdnn8n66s7hw0xe0/08hwhgu2vopd48cp/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvY3JlYXRpdmUtaG91ci1ob3ctdG8tdHVybi1pZGVhcy1pbnRvLWFjdGlvbg== ) to explore why ideas often stay stuck in our heads, what holds you back from starting, and how to move forward with clarity and momentum. • Improve your Personal Knowledge Management system. Join the weekly PKM Collective meeting ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/r8ux905qr7hoh34m9pvu2hdnn8n66s7hw0xe0/l2heh6ule0d3gnbg/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvdmlydHVhbC1tZWV0aW5nLXRoZS1wa20tY29sbGVjdGl2ZS1mYzU5MzQ= ) where we learn from one another through sharing how our systems work in the real world, brainstorm ways to smooth out friction points, and give new PKM users a leg up. ​• Make progress on your project. Join Kathryn Ruge for a ‘body doubling’ coworking session ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/r8ux905qr7hoh34m9pvu2hdnn8n66s7hw0xe0/z2hgh7uen4m3g3fz/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvb2NlYW5pYS10dWVzZGF5LWV1cm9wZS1hbWVyaWNhcy1tb25kYXktY28td29ya2luZy1mZmJjOTg= ) to work on personal or work-related projects that you want to make progress on, covering all timezones. ​• Use AI to defend your focus and create bolder work. In this interactive presentation, Adrian Avendano taught us his method for treating AI as a co-partner without letting it flatten your judgment, taste, and original thinking. Watch the recording ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/r8ux905qr7hoh34m9pvu2hdnn8n66s7hw0xe0/g3hnhwumrd03vwh3/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvbGlicmFyeS9hdXRob3Itc2Vzc2lvbi1kZWZlbmQteW91ci1mb2N1cy13aXRoLWFp ). ​• Host your own workshop (anytime!). Do you have an idea for a short presentation and Q&A or a workshop you’d like to trial? Test your first iteration ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/r8ux905qr7hoh34m9pvu2hdnn8n66s7hw0xe0/reh8h9um42o08ps6/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvZG9jdW1lbnRhdGlvbi9ldmVudHMtaG9zdGluZw== ) in the Ness Labs community and get feedback. We promote all sessions here in the newsletter. -->Join the community ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/r8ux905qr7hoh34m9pvu2hdnn8n66s7hw0xe0/8ghqh3uoz07oeehl/aHR0cHM6Ly9kaXNjb3Zlci5jaXJjbGUuc28vcHJvZHVjdC9uZXNzLWxhYnMtY29tbXVuaXR5 ) Join the community ( https://discover.circle.so/product/ness-labs-community )All of these and future events are included in the price of the membership (only $49 for one year), as well as access to our courses, workshop library, and a dedicated space to track your tiny experiments. Until next week, take care! Anne-Laure. You received this email because you subscribed to the Ness Labs ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/r8ux905qr7hoh34m9pvu2hdnn8n66s7hw0xe0/p8hehqu4m3p4k4ar/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20v ) newsletter. “-ness” is a suffix that means “state of being”, as in awareness, mindfulness, consciousness. Ness Labs is a playground for curiosity – a place where you can learn how to experiment with ideas, explore creative projects, and reflect on your progress. Of course I don’t want to see you go, but you can unsubscribe ( https://d41e12b1.unsubscribe.convertkit-mail4.com/r8ux905qr7hoh34m9pvu2hdnn8n66s7hw0xe0 ) at any time. If you do leave, I’d love an email to let me know what I could do better to improve the newsletter. Alternatively, you can update your profile ( https://preferences.convertkit-mail4.com/r8ux905qr7hoh34m9pvu2hdnn8n66s7hw0xe0 ) to use a different email address. © Ness Labs, 600 1st Ave, Ste 330 PMB 92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2246.

​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhkn7prgbphwgg8g00b6hxe7re/48hvh7umwxmwxwtq/aHR0cHM6Ly90d2l0dGVyLmNvbS9uZXVyYW5uZQ== ) ​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhkn7prgbphwgg8g00b6hxe7re/vqh3hmuomwomw9hw/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbnN0YWdyYW0uY29tL25ldXJhbm5l ) ​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhkn7prgbphwgg8g00b6hxe7re/dphehmuedpedp2cl/aHR0cHM6Ly95b3V0dWJlLmNvbS9AbmV1cmFubmU= ) ​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhkn7prgbphwgg8g00b6hxe7re/owhkhwuwxqwx03uq/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubGlua2VkaW4uY29tL2luL25ldXJhbm5l ) February 5th, 2026 ​A newsletter by Anne-Laure Le Cunff ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhkn7prgbphwgg8g00b6hxe7re/kkhmh2unzxnzo3bk/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbm5lLWxhdXJlLm5ldC8= )​ READ ON THE WEB ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhkn7prgbphwgg8g00b6hxe7re/qvh8h8udekdelrhg/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vbmV3c2xldHRlci9jcmVhdGl2ZS1mbG93LXN0YXRl ) Hi friends, January is behind us! And from what many of you have shared, that comes as a relief. At the start of the year, I wrote that I hoped 2026 would be a year of calm and creative flow. So far, 2026 is not cooperating. I’m excited about the projects I’m working on, but I’ve also been reminded how hard it can be to protect uninterrupted time – the kind where you can focus fully and make real progress. So this week, let’s explore why creative flow can feel so elusive and how we can create conditions that allow it to emerge more often. Enjoy the read, and stay curious! Anne-Laure. P.S. If you’re in the mood for a bit more inspiration, my work was recently featured in Fast Company ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhkn7prgbphwgg8g00b6hxe7re/48hvh7umwxmw7wuq/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmFzdGNvbXBhbnkuY29tLzkxNDgwMzQ0L2EtbmV1cm9zY2llbnRpc3RzLTEwLXNpZ25zLXlvdXJlLWRvaW5nLWJldHRlci10aGFuLXlvdS10aGluay1pbi1saWZl ) (on our relationship to success), Big Think ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhkn7prgbphwgg8g00b6hxe7re/vqh3hmuomwomq9sw/aHR0cHM6Ly9iaWd0aGluay5jb20vc21hcnQtc2tpbGxzLzUtbXl0aHMtYWJvdXQtbWFzdGVyeS8= ) (on mastery), HELLO! Mag ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhkn7prgbphwgg8g00b6hxe7re/7qh7h2u9dn9dxgi9/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaGVsbG9tYWdhemluZS5jb20vaGVhbHRoYW5kYmVhdXR5L2hlYWx0aC1hbmQtZml0bmVzcy84NzM2NzEvd2h5LXJlYWRpbmctY3VyZXMtb3ZlcmFjdGl2ZS1uZXJ2b3VzLXN5c3RlbS1leHBlcnRzLWV4cGxhaW4v ) (on the benefits of reading), and Inc Magazine ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhkn7prgbphwgg8g00b6hxe7re/owhkhwuwxqwxe4cq/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5jLmNvbS9qZXNzaWNhLXN0aWxsbWFuL25ldXJvc2NpZW5jZS1zYXlzLXlvdS1uZWVkLWEtcGVyc29uYWwtY3VycmljdWx1bS1mb3ItMjAyNi85MTI3Njg2OQ== ) (on creating a personal curriculum). ----------------------- 🌀 Finding Creative Flow ----------------------- Sometimes, you sit down to work on a task and suddenly it’s three hours later. You were completely absorbed: ideas connecting easily, distractions fading away. This state of creative flow doesn’t happen often ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhkn7prgbphwgg8g00b6hxe7re/kkhmh2unzxnzp4fk/aHR0cHM6Ly9wbWMubmNiaS5ubG0ubmloLmdvdi9hcnRpY2xlcy9QTUM1NTUwODM1Lw== ), which makes it feel almost magical when it does. On most days, doing any kind of deep work can feel like a struggle against constant interruptions and mental noise, so these rare moments of effortless concentration stand out. Which raises an obvious question: why does getting into a state of creative flow feel effortless sometimes and impossible at others? It’s because flow is fragile. First, it rarely emerges in environments filled with interruptions, notifications, and competing demands for attention. Creative flow requires conditions that our modern life often disrupts. Flow also depends on a very specific kind of balance, when the challenge you’re tackling stretches your skills without being overwhelming. Tasks that are too easy tend to trigger boredom, while those that exceed our current abilities can trigger anxiety. So creative flow depends on two conditions: undivided attention and work that stretches you without overwhelming you. And the encouraging part is that this balance can be found by following four simple principles: • Select the right task. Choose work that feels engaging but manageable. If a project feels too large, break it into smaller parts so you can stay focused without overloading your cognitive resources. • Prepare materials ahead of time. Gather everything you need before you begin, whether that means opening documents, organizing notes, or having water/coffee next to you. Reducing small interruptions will help protect your state of creative flow. • Create distance from distractions. The mere sight of your phone beside you can drain cognitive resources. Silence notifications and place your phone out of reach or in another room. • Ground your attention before starting. Research on mindfulness indicates that brief breathing practices can reduce stress and improve concentration, creating conditions that support flow. So take a slow breath and bring your awareness to the present moment. Creative flow is less about pushing yourself to stay focused and more about learning to regulate your attention. By shaping your environment and designing tasks mindfully, you’ll give your mind space to engage more deeply. Sponsored by Google AdSense You create. We'll help you earn. "I can be hands off and trust the ads being shown are making me money with Google AdSense" DIY Eule, one of Germany's largest sewing content creators. Google AI takes the guesswork out of ad placement, saving you time and effort so you can focus on what you do best: creating content. Google AdSense gives you a simple set up and makes it the better way for you to earn from your content. --> Get started now and turn your content into revenue. ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhkn7prgbphwgg8g00b6hxe7re/3ohphdu3xp3x85sp/aHR0cHM6Ly9hZHNlbnNlLmdvb2dsZS5jb20vc3RhcnQvP3N1YmlkPXVzLWVuLW90LWFkcy1raXQtYS1lYXNlMSUyMW8zJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1sZWN1bmZmJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09YWRuZXR3b3JrJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9a2l0 ) Get started now and turn your content into revenue. ( https://adsense.google.com/start/?subid=us-en-ot-ads-kit-a-ease1%21o3&utm_medium=adnetwork&utm_campaign=lecunff&utm_source=kit ) Many thanks to our sponsors for supporting the Ness Labs newsletter! Want to appear here? Please email support@nesslabs.com ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhkn7prgbphwgg8g00b6hxe7re/08hwhgu2nl2n48hp/bWFpbHRvOnN1cHBvcnRAbmVzc2xhYnMuY29t ) to learn more. ----------------------------- 🔬 Tiny experiment of the week ----------------------------- Ready to put these ideas into practice? Try this week’s tiny experiment to help you enter a creative flow state: I will [take one deep breath before creative tasks] for [5 days]. Count your breath slowly to five on the inhale and five on the exhale to keep your mind from drifting. This experiment will help you transition into a mental state conducive of flow, and repeating it daily will reinforce the link between calm attention and creative effort. Want to dig deeper? Get your copy of the book​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhkn7prgbphwgg8g00b6hxe7re/vqh3hmuomwom5xuw/aHR0cHM6Ly9wcmV2aWV3LmNvbnZlcnRraXQtbWFpbDQuY29tL2NsaWNrL2RwaGVoMGh6aG0vYUhSMGNITTZMeTl0ZVdKdmIyc3VkRzh2ZEdsdWVXVjRjQT09 ). --------------------- 👀 Into the mind of... --------------------- Carly Valancy, founder of ​TETHER ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhkn7prgbphwgg8g00b6hxe7re/m2h7h6u32432r9sl/aHR0cHM6Ly9jYXJseXZhbGFuY3kuY29tL3RldGhlcg== ) and Reach Out Party ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhkn7prgbphwgg8g00b6hxe7re/7qh7h2u9dn9dg4h9/aHR0cHM6Ly9jYXJseXZhbGFuY3kuY29tL3JlYWNoLW91dC1wYXJ0eQ== ), is on a mission to reimagine digital networking by building tools that help people find, grow, and nurture their network with intention and joy. She’s currently running an experiment of reaching out to one person every day for 100 days. In this exclusive interview, we talked about meaningful connections as a competitive advantage, treating your personal and professional network like a garden, and much more. Enjoy the read! -->Read the interview ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhkn7prgbphwgg8g00b6hxe7re/owhkhwuwxqwxz4sq/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vdGV0aGVyLWZlYXR1cmVkLXRvb2w= ) Read the interview ( https://nesslabs.com/tether-featured-tool ) ------------------------------ 🗓️ Community events this week ------------------------------ If you enjoy the newsletter, you’ll love our community of curious minds conducting tiny experiments within a safe space and learning together. Here is an overview of upcoming events (full calendar ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhkn7prgbphwgg8g00b6hxe7re/x0hph3uekqekg9ag/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vZXZlbnRz )): • Turn your ideas into action. Join Gosia Fricze on Monday for a creative hour session ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhkn7prgbphwgg8g00b6hxe7re/25h2h9u3lm3l56b8/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvY3JlYXRpdmUtaG91ci1ob3ctdG8tdHVybi1pZGVhcy1pbnRvLWFjdGlvbg== ) to explore why ideas often stay stuck in our heads, what holds you back from starting, and how to move forward with clarity and momentum. ​• Use AI to defend your focus and create bolder work. In this interactive presentation ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhkn7prgbphwgg8g00b6hxe7re/g3hnhwumgqmgvwa3/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvYXV0aG9yLXNlc3Npb24tdXNpbmctYWktdG8tZGVmZW5kLXlvdXItZm9jdXMtYW5kLWNyZWF0ZS1ib2xkZXItd29yaw== ) on Tuesday, Adrian Avendano will teach you his method for treating AI as a co-partner for strategy or psychological feedback without that system slowly flattens judgment, taste, and original thinking. ​• Increase your luck surface area through anti-networking. Join this workshop ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhkn7prgbphwgg8g00b6hxe7re/08hwhgu2nl2n88ap/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvd29ya3Nob3AtaW5jcmVhc2UteW91ci1sdWNrLXN1cmZhY2UtYXJlYS10aHJvdWdoLWFudGktbmV0d29ya2luZw== ) with Carly Valancy (our interviewee of the week, currently running an experiment of reaching out to one person every day for 100 days) who will break down the secrets and semantics of anti-networking, and the structure of an unignorable cold email that makes you feel amazing. ​• Make progress on your project. Join Kathryn Ruge for a ‘body doubling’ coworking session ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhkn7prgbphwgg8g00b6hxe7re/m2h7h6u3243vk9fl/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvb2NlYW5pYS10dWVzZGF5LWV1cm9wZS1hbWVyaWNhcy1tb25kYXktY28td29ya2luZy0wMDc0NjM= ) to work on personal or work-related projects that you want to make progress on, covering all timezones. ​• Host your own workshop (anytime!). Do you have an idea for a short presentation and Q&A or a workshop you’d like to trial? Test your first iteration ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhkn7prgbphwgg8g00b6hxe7re/e0hph0u7mr7692s7/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvZG9jdW1lbnRhdGlvbi9ldmVudHMtaG9zdGluZw== ) in the Ness Labs community and get feedback. We promote all sessions here in the newsletter. -->Join the community ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhkn7prgbphwgg8g00b6hxe7re/z2hgh7ue5len93iz/aHR0cHM6Ly9kaXNjb3Zlci5jaXJjbGUuc28vcHJvZHVjdC9uZXNzLWxhYnMtY29tbXVuaXR5 ) Join the community ( https://discover.circle.so/product/ness-labs-community )All of these and future events are included in the price of the membership (only $49 for one year), as well as access to our courses, workshop library, and a dedicated space to track your tiny experiments. Until next week, take care! Anne-Laure. You received this email because you subscribed to the Ness Labs ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhkn7prgbphwgg8g00b6hxe7re/6qhehoulx9lzvoc9/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20v ) newsletter. “-ness” is a suffix that means “state of being”, as in awareness, mindfulness, consciousness. Ness Labs is a playground for curiosity – a place where you can learn how to experiment with ideas, explore creative projects, and reflect on your progress. Of course I don’t want to see you go, but you can unsubscribe ( https://d41e12b1.unsubscribe.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhkn7prgbphwgg8g00b6hxe7re ) at any time. If you do leave, I’d love an email to let me know what I could do better to improve the newsletter. Alternatively, you can update your profile ( https://preferences.convertkit-mail4.com/zlu5oe9r2ntnhkn7prgbphwgg8g00b6hxe7re ) to use a different email address. © Ness Labs, 600 1st Ave, Ste 330 PMB 92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2246.

​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hn347rlt6h92qw344bnh4qg8q/dphehmuedvq9ndsl/aHR0cHM6Ly90d2l0dGVyLmNvbS9uZXVyYW5uZQ== ) ​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hn347rlt6h92qw344bnh4qg8q/qvh8h8udez8m5gfg/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbnN0YWdyYW0uY29tL25ldXJhbm5l ) ​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hn347rlt6h92qw344bnh4qg8q/reh8h9umk4qlrqh6/aHR0cHM6Ly95b3V0dWJlLmNvbS9AbmV1cmFubmU= ) ​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hn347rlt6h92qw344bnh4qg8q/x0hph3uekonv5pbg/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubGlua2VkaW4uY29tL2luL25ldXJhbm5l ) January 29th, 2026 ​A newsletter by Anne-Laure Le Cunff ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hn347rlt6h92qw344bnh4qg8q/7qh7h2u9dq02rea9/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbm5lLWxhdXJlLm5ldC8= )​ READ ON THE WEB ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hn347rlt6h92qw344bnh4qg8q/kkhmh2unzr80x2hk/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vbmV3c2xldHRlci93cml0aW5nLWxldmVyYWdl ) Hi friends, Thank you for all the lovely feedback on my TEDx talk ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hn347rlt6h92qw344bnh4qg8q/g3hnhwumgre8q3s3/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cueW91dHViZS5jb20vd2F0Y2g_dj1zeHhucWMxbXUwOA== ) last week. It’s been great to read your own stories of trying the scary thing, getting it wrong sometimes, and learning along the way. Looking back, none of those opportunities would have existed without my writing experiments, including this very newsletter you’re reading. Writing has been the engine behind the work: a place to think and share something useful even if it’s not fully formed. This week, I want to explore how you can use writing in the same way: as a tool for thinking, learning, and self-discovery. If you’d like to go deeper, we also have a Writing for Self-Discovery ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hn347rlt6h92qw344bnh4qg8q/48hvh7umwv0dxkuq/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvY3JlYXRpdmUtaG91ci13cml0aW5nLWFzLWEtdG9vbC1mb3Itc2VsZi1kaXNjb3Zlcnk= ) session in the Ness Labs community on Monday. It will be hosted by the wonderful Gosia, who will guide you through a simple but powerful metacognitive exercise. Enjoy the read, and stay curious :) Anne-Laure. ---------------------- ✍️ Writing as Leverage ---------------------- Writing is one of the few tools that can reliably change how you think. It forces you to commit to a line of thought and to turn half-formed ideas into something you can examine. People who write regularly don’t just produce more and better work, they understand themselves and their work more clearly. Regular writing also makes you better at explaining things ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hn347rlt6h92qw344bnh4qg8q/l2heh6ulqeomxmfg/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vZmV5bm1hbi10ZWNobmlxdWU= ), whether that’s in emails, presentations, or conversations. You develop an instinct for what works and what doesn’t when communicating complex ideas. Plus, you create a record of your thinking ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hn347rlt6h92qw344bnh4qg8q/dphehmuedvq92pil/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vd3JpdGluZy10aGlua2luZy10b29s ) that becomes valuable over time – patterns emerge, forgotten insights resurface, and you can see how your perspective has evolved. But most people never get that leverage, because they treat writing as something that requires the right mood, the right idea, or the right moment. If you want to write more, you need to design a writing practice that works with your actual life, not the idealized version where you have three uninterrupted hours and perfect clarity. Here are five principles to implement: 1. Decide what writing is doing for you. It might help you think through problems, build ideas in public, teach, or clarify what you actually believe. When you know what writing is supposed to do for you, you can stop judging each session by how good it feels and start judging it by whether it did its job. 2. Lower the bar until it’s impossible to avoid. Most writing habits ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hn347rlt6h92qw344bnh4qg8q/x0hph3uekonvmpbg/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vd3JpdGluZy1oYWJpdC1sb29w ) fail because the minimum is too high. Instead, design a tiny experiment: “I will [action] for [duration].” Commit to a protocol that feels almost too easy: five sentences daily, one short piece weekly, 15 minutes on weekend mornings. This removes the daily negotiation about whether today is the right day. 3. Put writing on the calendar, not on the to-do list. When writing lives on a to-do list, it competes with all your other “someday” tasks. When it lives on your calendar, it becomes a rendez-vous with yourself and a ritual worth protecting. You just need to show up and write until the end of the calendar block. 4. Remember that first drafts are for thinking. Do the thinking before you optimize. First drafts are where you figure out what you think. You’re choosing what matters, what connects, and what you actually believe. That work can’t be outsourced ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hn347rlt6h92qw344bnh4qg8q/25h2h9u3l67pxof8/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vaXMtY2hhdGdwdC1yZWFsbHktcm90dGluZy1vdXItYnJhaW5z ). Use AI tools for research and refinement only after you’ve wrestled with the ideas on the page so you can call these ideas yours. 5. Close the loop every time. After you finish a piece, write one sentence about what you learned and one sentence about what you’ll change next time. This metacognitive practice can even be part of your weekly review ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hn347rlt6h92qw344bnh4qg8q/9qhzhdud40gv8diz/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vd2Vla2x5LXJldmlldw== ) and will help you iterate and improve your writing over time. When you focus on consistency over quality, writing transforms from a thing you should do into a tool you actually use. You’re not trying to write beautifully under perfect conditions anymore. You’re just trying to write regularly under normal conditions. ----------------------------- 🔬 Tiny Experiment of the Week ----------------------------- Ready to put this edition’s ideas into practice? Try this week’s tiny experiment to build a writing habit: I will [write for 5 minutes every day] for [5 days]. This trains your brain to notice opportunities for creative thinking and makes generating topics easier when it’s time to write longer pieces. Want to dig deeper into designing your own tiny experiments? Get your copy of the book​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hn347rlt6h92qw344bnh4qg8q/reh8h9umk4qlp4s6/aHR0cHM6Ly9wcmV2aWV3LmNvbnZlcnRraXQtbWFpbDQuY29tL2NsaWNrL2RwaGVoMGh6aG0vYUhSMGNITTZMeTl0ZVdKdmIyc3VkRzh2ZEdsdWVXVjRjQT09 ). 🛠️ TOOL OF THE WEEK ----------------------- ​Inflow ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hn347rlt6h92qw344bnh4qg8q/8ghqh3uowzg68nul/aHR0cHM6Ly90cnkuZ2V0aW5mbG93LmlvL3BhcnRuZXJzaGlwcy8_dXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPXRvb2xzLWZvci10aG91Z2h0LWFydGljbGUmdXRtX21lZGl1bT1ibG9nJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmVzc2xhYnM= ) is a science-based app created by ADHD clinicians and psychologists. In this interview with its co-founder Dr George Sachs, we talk about the importance of self-reflection, strategies for time management and task initiation, the power of combining psychoeducation and practical tools with in-the-moment support, and much more. Enjoy the read! -->Read the interview ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hn347rlt6h92qw344bnh4qg8q/l2heh6ulqeompmfg/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vaW5mbG93LWZlYXR1cmVkLXRvb2w= ) Read the interview ( https://nesslabs.com/inflow-featured-tool ) --------------------- 👀 Into the Mind of... --------------------- KATE MURPHY Each week I ask a curious mind about their habits, routines, and rituals. This week we learn from journalist and bestselling author Kate Murphy, whose latest book Why We Click is out today. 1. One daily practice you can’t do without? Smiling at people. Extensive research shows that human beings have an instinct to sync or mirror one another. When you smile, people tend to reflexively smile back. The result is that you both experience a frisson of pleasure. 2. One strategy to restart my creative engine? Time to myself. While the human instinct to sync is adaptive in many ways, it can also make us lose touch with where we end and others begin. That’s why it’s important to have time alone to reclaim ourselves and recalibrate, particularly when it comes to developing unique and innovative ideas free from outside influence. 3. One mindset shift that transformed your work? Awareness of “bad apples” and how they can subtly chip away at our well-being and productivity. While not everyone has a great emotional vocabulary, everyone can relate to people who are “hard to be around” versus “easy to be around” and we subconsciously sync with not only others’ facial expressions, postures and gestures; but also, uncannily, their respiration, heart rates and hormonal activity. Read Kate’s book ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hn347rlt6h92qw344bnh4qg8q/dphehmuedvq9xpfl/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYW1hem9uLmNvbS9XaHktV2UtQ2xpY2stSW50ZXJwZXJzb25hbC1TeW5jaHJvbnkvZHAvMTI1MDM1MjQ1Mg== ) -------------- 🛠️ Brain Picks -------------- • Speak your thoughts, keep your privacy. Speakmac ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hn347rlt6h92qw344bnh4qg8q/7qh7h2u9dq02eeu9/aHR0cDovL3NwZWFrbWFjLmFwcC8_dXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPWJyYWlucGlja3MmdXRtX21lZGl1bT1uZXdzbGV0dGVyJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmVzc2xhYnM= ) is offline dictation for Mac that actually works. No cloud uploads, no subscriptions, no nonsense – just native speech-to-text that feels like it's always been part of macOS. $19 once, yours forever. • Reimagine community strategy for 2026. Join the free Circle Community Trends Live Workshop ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hn347rlt6h92qw344bnh4qg8q/owhkhwuwxp4mezcq/aHR0cHM6Ly9jaXJjbGUuc28vMjAyNi1jb21tdW5pdHktc3RyYXRlZ3ktZXZlbnQ_dXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPTIwMjYtY29tbXVuaXR5LXRyZW5kcy1ldmVudCZ1dG1fY29udGVudD1hbm5lLWxhdXJlJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09cGFydG5lciZ1dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXI= ) for three expert-led sessions to translate what’s evolving into clear decisions about where to invest, how to experiment, and what it really takes to build a community for the long run. • Discover a fresh take on iPhone note-taking. Popt ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hn347rlt6h92qw344bnh4qg8q/p8hehqu4rm9wv3tr/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cucG9wdC5hcHAvP3V0bV9pZD1uZXNzbGFicyZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWJhbm5lciZ1dG1fc291cmNlPU5lc3NsYWJzJTIwZmVhdHVyZQ== ) is private, fast and fun, yet packs more smarts than meets the eye. As you type, it quietly suggests tags for dates, contacts, places and even movies and TV shows. Just a tap and words become reminders, show up on a timeline, and tags are saved for films and places as your personal database. Free for early adopters: no sign-up, no ads, just Popt! Many thanks to our sponsors for supporting the Ness Labs newsletter! Want to appear here? Please email support@nesslabs.com ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hn347rlt6h92qw344bnh4qg8q/x0hph3uekonvgphg/bWFpbHRvOnN1cHBvcnRAbmVzc2xhYnMuY29t ) to learn more. ---------------------- 🗓️ Events of the Week ---------------------- If you enjoy the newsletter, you’ll love our community of curious minds conducting tiny experiments within a safe space and learning together. Here is an overview of upcoming events (full calendar ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hn347rlt6h92qw344bnh4qg8q/6qhehoulxzp8qwf9/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vZXZlbnRz )): • Explore writing as a tool for self-discovery. Join Gosia Fricze on Monday for a creative hour session ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hn347rlt6h92qw344bnh4qg8q/48hvh7umwv0dxkuq/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvY3JlYXRpdmUtaG91ci13cml0aW5nLWFzLWEtdG9vbC1mb3Itc2VsZi1kaXNjb3Zlcnk= ) where you’ll learn how writing can help you better understand yourself, uncover the stories shaping your thoughts and behaviors, and reconnect with your inner voice. ​• Heal through journaling. Join this workshop ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hn347rlt6h92qw344bnh4qg8q/x0hph3uekonvgeag/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvYXV0aG9yLXNlc3Npb24tdGhlLXJlc2VhcmNoLWJhY2tlZC13YXktdG8taGVhbC10aHJvdWdoLWpvdXJuYWxpbmc= ) on Wednsday next week with bestselling author Tara Schuster to discover and practice expressive writing, the most researched journaling method for improving emotional and physical well-being. ​• Use AI to defend your focus and create bolder work In this interactive presentation ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hn347rlt6h92qw344bnh4qg8q/6qhehoulxzp8qnu9/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvYXV0aG9yLXNlc3Npb24tdXNpbmctYWktdG8tZGVmZW5kLXlvdXItZm9jdXMtYW5kLWNyZWF0ZS1ib2xkZXItd29yaw== ), Adrian Avendano will teach you his method for treating AI as a co-partner for strategy or psychological feedback without that system slowly flattens judgment, taste, and original thinking. ​• Make progress on your project. Join Kathryn Ruge for a ‘body doubling’ coworking session ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hn347rlt6h92qw344bnh4qg8q/qvh8h8udez8mxzhg/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvb2NlYW5pYS10dWVzZGF5LWV1cm9wZS1hbWVyaWNhcy1tb25kYXktY28td29ya2luZy1lZDliMGY= ) to work on personal or work-related projects that you want to make progress on, covering all timezones. ​• Host your own workshop (anytime!). Do you have an idea for a short presentation and Q&A or a workshop you’d like to trial? Test your first iteration ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hn347rlt6h92qw344bnh4qg8q/48hvh7umwv0do4bq/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvZG9jdW1lbnRhdGlvbi9ldmVudHMtaG9zdGluZw== ) in the Ness Labs community and get feedback. We promote all sessions here in the newsletter. -->Join the community ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hn347rlt6h92qw344bnh4qg8q/m2h7h6u32vodkqil/aHR0cHM6Ly9kaXNjb3Zlci5jaXJjbGUuc28vcHJvZHVjdC9uZXNzLWxhYnMtY29tbXVuaXR5 ) Join the community ( https://discover.circle.so/product/ness-labs-community )All of these and future events are included in the price of the membership (only $49 for one year), as well as access to our courses, workshop library, and a dedicated space to track your tiny experiments. Until next week, take care! Anne-Laure. You received this email because you subscribed to the Ness Labs ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hn347rlt6h92qw344bnh4qg8q/owhkhwuwxp4238hq/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20v ) newsletter. “-ness” is a suffix that means “state of being”, as in awareness, mindfulness, consciousness. Ness Labs is a playground for curiosity – a place where you can learn how to experiment with ideas, explore creative projects, and reflect on your progress. Of course I don’t want to see you go, but you can unsubscribe ( https://d41e12b1.unsubscribe.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hn347rlt6h92qw344bnh4qg8q ) at any time. If you do leave, I’d love an email to let me know what I could do better to improve the newsletter. Alternatively, you can update your profile ( https://preferences.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hn347rlt6h92qw344bnh4qg8q ) to use a different email address. © Ness Labs, 600 1st Ave, Ste 330 PMB 92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2246.

​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/75u4z8k3o9t8h6dl2l3fzhweg7o66bnhovrkv/25h2h9u3l26ln9s8/aHR0cHM6Ly90d2l0dGVyLmNvbS9uZXVyYW5uZQ== ) ​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/75u4z8k3o9t8h6dl2l3fzhweg7o66bnhovrkv/3ohphdu3x70xveup/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbnN0YWdyYW0uY29tL25ldXJhbm5l ) ​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/75u4z8k3o9t8h6dl2l3fzhweg7o66bnhovrkv/48hvh7umwrvwk7fq/aHR0cHM6Ly95b3V0dWJlLmNvbS9AbmV1cmFubmU= ) ​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/75u4z8k3o9t8h6dl2l3fzhweg7o66bnhovrkv/reh8h9umk04kn8c6/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubGlua2VkaW4uY29tL2luL25ldXJhbm5l ) January 22nd, 2026 ​A newsletter by Anne-Laure Le Cunff ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/75u4z8k3o9t8h6dl2l3fzhweg7o66bnhovrkv/vqh3hmuomplmmvbw/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbm5lLWxhdXJlLm5ldC8= )​ READ ON THE WEB ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/75u4z8k3o9t8h6dl2l3fzhweg7o66bnhovrkv/m2h7h6u328v220ul/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vbmV3c2xldHRlci9jb21wZW5zYXRvcnktY29udHJvbA== ) Hi friends, My TEDx talk ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/75u4z8k3o9t8h6dl2l3fzhweg7o66bnhovrkv/e0hph0u7m06mmnb7/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cueW91dHViZS5jb20vd2F0Y2g_dj1zeHhucWMxbXUwOA== ) is live! Yes, the one where I blanked in front of 800 people and had to admit I forgot what I was supposed to say next. They kept the moment in the final edit (shortened, but you can still see it at 09:50). The talk is about compensatory control: what we do when life feels uncertain and we try to restore order by tightening our grip. That’s also the theme of today’s newsletter: how the urge to feel in control can keep us stuck, and how tiny experiments can help us find our way forward again. Enjoy the read :) Anne-Laure. P.S. In the spirit of learning in public, I’d love to watch the talk with you and discuss what I learned. If you’re a member of the Ness Labs community ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/75u4z8k3o9t8h6dl2l3fzhweg7o66bnhovrkv/z2hgh7ue53n55ehz/aHR0cHM6Ly9kaXNjb3Zlci5jaXJjbGUuc28vcHJvZHVjdC9uZXNzLWxhYnMtY29tbXVuaXR5 ), join me for an impromptu watch party and Q&A ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/75u4z8k3o9t8h6dl2l3fzhweg7o66bnhovrkv/25h2h9u3l26ll9f8/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvaW1wcm9tcHR1LXRlZHgtd2F0Y2gtcGFydHktcS1h ) today at 5pm London / 12pm NYC / 9am SF / 10:30pm Delhi. We’ll talk about our fears of public speaking, our relationship with control, and much more. ---------------------- 🔒 Compensatory Control ---------------------- Imagine that you’re sitting in a doctor’s office receiving frightening news, and your first instinct isn’t to process the gravity of the situation… It’s to check your calendar. As I explain in my TEDx talk, this is exactly what happened to me a few years ago. Faced with uncertainty, I reached for the one thing that had always made me feel safe: the identity of being the one who never falls behind. In moments of disruption – illness, career shifts, loss, transitions – our instinct is rarely to pause. Instead, we tighten. We make more plans, add more systems, double down on routines, or cling to an identity that once made us feel safe. The irony is that the more uncertain things feel, the more certain we try to appear – both to ourselves and to others. Psychologists call ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/75u4z8k3o9t8h6dl2l3fzhweg7o66bnhovrkv/qvh8h8uderzeepfg/aHR0cHM6Ly9qb3VybmFscy5zYWdlcHViLmNvbS9kb2kvYWJzLzEwLjExMTEvai4xNDY3LTg3MjEuMjAwOS4wMTY0OS54 ) this compensatory control: the tendency to create artificial order when real control is threatened. Research shows that when people feel powerless or uncertain, they are more likely to seek structure, rules, clear hierarchies, or rigid explanations of the world. These substitutes can calm the nervous system in the short term, but they don’t restore actual agency. They only create the feeling of control. Here’s what you can do instead to break free from compensatory control: 1. Name the story. Instead of saying “I need to be more organized,” notice when you’re reaching for structure to soothe anxiety. This will help you loosen your grip on who you think you need to be when life feels unstable. 2. Shift from big goals to tiny experiments. Compensatory control is future-obsessed. Experiments are present-focused. Try something small for a fixed time using this simple protocol: “I will [action] for [duration]. This will help you restore agency without requiring certainty. 3. Lower the stakes on purpose. When the core issue feels too charged, experiment in a different domain. This kind of lateral experimentation will bypass resistance more effectively than forcing yourself to tackle the issue head on. Compensatory control is a protective reflex. It exists because the brain is trying to keep you safe when the world stops making sense. But over time, it narrows not only what you do, but who you believe you are allowed to be. Letting go of compensatory control isn’t about eliminating uncertainty; it’s about increasing your tolerance for it. This is why experimentation is so powerful: it gives you momentum without requiring a map. It loosens the grip of identity and reopens a sense of possibility. And in that space between knowing and not knowing, you can discover versions of yourself that control would never have allowed you to meet. Experimentation helps loosen the grip of identity and reopen a sense of possibility. And in that space between knowing and not knowing, you can discover new versions of yourself that control would never have allowed you to meet. -->Full talk + Transcript ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/75u4z8k3o9t8h6dl2l3fzhweg7o66bnhovrkv/g3hnhwumg3rgg5c3/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vdGlueS1leHBlcmltZW50cy10ZWR4LW5hc2h2aWxsZS10cmFuc2NyaXB0 ) Full talk + Transcript ( https://nesslabs.com/tiny-experiments-tedx-nashville-transcript ) ----------------------------- 🔬 Tiny Experiment of the Week ----------------------------- Ready to put this edition’s ideas into practice? Try this tiny experiment to help you break free from compensatory control: I will [notice and name “I’m trying to control this”] for [5 days]. It can be as simple as catching yourself when you open a new tab to plan, rewrite a message one more time, or reorganize your to-do list. Want to dig deeper into designing your own tiny experiments? Get your copy of the book​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/75u4z8k3o9t8h6dl2l3fzhweg7o66bnhovrkv/9qhzhdud4p044vcz/aHR0cHM6Ly9wcmV2aWV3LmNvbnZlcnRraXQtbWFpbDQuY29tL2NsaWNrL2RwaGVoMGh6aG0vYUhSMGNITTZMeTl0ZVdKdmIyc3VkRzh2ZEdsdWVXVjRjQT09 ). --------------------- 👀 Into the Mind of... --------------------- BRAD STULBERG Each week I ask a curious mind about their habits, routines, and rituals. This week we learn from bestselling author Brad Stulberg. Brad is offering exclusive bonuses for Ness Labs subscribers who order a copy of The Way of Excellence now! To get the bonus package, just fill out this form ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/75u4z8k3o9t8h6dl2l3fzhweg7o66bnhovrkv/n2hohquv23m227f0/aHR0cHM6Ly9mb3Jtcy5nbGUvRGpDTEZGNW50cUdOYTg1Tjc= ) with your order number. 1. One daily practice you can’t do without? Carving out (and protecting on your calendar) at least 60 minutes for distraction free, deep-focus engagement on a meaningful project or activity. Few things are more satisfying and fulfilling than fully exerting ourselves toward something that matters, and yet all too often we let a default environment of ceaseless distractions get in the way. 2. One idea that keeps you up at night? We are at a point in history where everyone is going to have to decide if they are content to numb themselves with an endless stream of fentanyl-like digital slop or if they are going to fight for their humanity and touch grass and challenge themselves and create and contribute and love. We have agency to make this choice. 3. One mindset shift that transformed your work? Caring is cool. You are not going to be the best anything, including the best version of yourself, with an attitude of nonchalance. Excellence is not just about reaching destinations; it is a process of becoming. Read Brad’s book ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/75u4z8k3o9t8h6dl2l3fzhweg7o66bnhovrkv/48hvh7umwrvww7hq/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYW1hem9uLmNvbS9XYXktRXhjZWxsZW5jZS1HcmVhdG5lc3MtU2F0aXNmYWN0aW9uLUNoYW90aWMvZHAvMDA2MzM4NTk0NQ== ) -------------- 🛠️ Brain Picks -------------- • Reimagine community strategy for 2026. Join the free Circle Community Trends Live Workshop ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/75u4z8k3o9t8h6dl2l3fzhweg7o66bnhovrkv/wnh2h6uqmwnmmdil/aHR0cHM6Ly9jaXJjbGUuc28vMjAyNi1jb21tdW5pdHktc3RyYXRlZ3ktZXZlbnQ_dXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPTIwMjYtY29tbXVuaXR5LXRyZW5kcy1ldmVudCZ1dG1fY29udGVudD1hbm5lLWxhdXJlJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09cGFydG5lciZ1dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXI= ) for three expert-led sessions to translate what’s evolving into clear decisions about where to invest, how to experiment, and what it really takes to build a community for the long run. • Start your mornings with All Healthy. All Healthy ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/75u4z8k3o9t8h6dl2l3fzhweg7o66bnhovrkv/08hwhgu2ndvnv0hp/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuY2xrbWcuY29tL08tUGxhdGZvcm0vbmVzc2xhYnM= ) delivers wellness to your inbox, from nutrition and fitness tips to important health news, all in just 5 minutes. Trusted by 1M+ readers. Subscribe here. • Discover a fresh take on iPhone note-taking. Popt ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/75u4z8k3o9t8h6dl2l3fzhweg7o66bnhovrkv/8ghqh3uowlzwz0tl/aHR0cHM6Ly9iaXQubHkvNHBacjgxaQ== ) is private, fast and fun, yet packs more smarts than meets the eye. As you type, it quietly suggests tags for dates, contacts, places and even movies and TV shows. Just a tap and words become reminders, show up on a timeline, and tags are saved for films and places as your personal database. Free for early adopters: no sign-up, no ads, just Popt! Many thanks to our sponsors for supporting the Ness Labs newsletter! Want to appear here? Please email support@nesslabs.com ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/75u4z8k3o9t8h6dl2l3fzhweg7o66bnhovrkv/l2heh6ulq3eqe4hg/bWFpbHRvOnN1cHBvcnRAbmVzc2xhYnMuY29t ) to learn more. ---------------------- 🗓️ Events of the Week ---------------------- If you enjoy the newsletter, you’ll love our community of curious minds conducting tiny experiments within a safe space and learning together. Here is an overview of upcoming events (full calendar ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/75u4z8k3o9t8h6dl2l3fzhweg7o66bnhovrkv/e0hph0u7m06m6nu7/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vZXZlbnRz )): • Break free from compensatory control. Join me for an intimate watch party and Q&A ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/75u4z8k3o9t8h6dl2l3fzhweg7o66bnhovrkv/25h2h9u3l26ll9f8/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvaW1wcm9tcHR1LXRlZHgtd2F0Y2gtcGFydHktcS1h ) today in the community, where we’ll discuss the research behind my TEDx talk and your own stories of experimenting with public speaking. ​• Learn how to be heard at work. Join this workshop ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/75u4z8k3o9t8h6dl2l3fzhweg7o66bnhovrkv/owhkhwuwxrpxprbq/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvYXV0aG9yLXNlc3Npb24tcGVyc29uYWwtYnJhbmRpbmctZm9yLWludHJvdmVydHMtaG93LXRvLWJlLWhlYXJkLWF0LXdvcms= ) tomorrow with personal branding expert Goldie Chan to explore how introverts can build authentic, lasting visibility without sacrificing energy, boundaries, or joy. ​• Embrace change as a creative catalyst. Join Gosia Fricze on Monday for a creative hour session ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/75u4z8k3o9t8h6dl2l3fzhweg7o66bnhovrkv/p8hehqu4rzmrmgsr/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvY3JlYXRpdmUtaG91ci1lbWJyYWNpbmctY2hhbmdlLWFzLWEtY3JlYXRpdmUtY2F0YWx5c3Q= ) where you’ll use metacognitive reflection prompts to reflect on your relationship with transitions, uncover opportunities that shifts create, and design ways to use change to fuel creativity and growth. ​• Build mental and emotional health from the inside out. In this interactive presentation ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/75u4z8k3o9t8h6dl2l3fzhweg7o66bnhovrkv/6qhehoulx7zxz0h9/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvYXV0aG9yLXNlc3Npb24tdGhlLTctdHJhaXRzLW9mLWVtb3Rpb25hbC1maXRuZXNz ) next week, Dr Emily Anhalt will help you develop emotional fitness and learn practical, concrete tips for building a true culture of wellness. ​• Make progress on your project. Join Kathryn Ruge for a ‘body doubling’ coworking session ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/75u4z8k3o9t8h6dl2l3fzhweg7o66bnhovrkv/kkhmh2unzlrzrzuk/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvb2NlYW5pYS10dWVzZGF5LWV1cm9wZS1hbWVyaWNhcy1tb25kYXktY28td29ya2luZy1iNTkyZTA= ) to work on personal or work-related projects that you want to make progress on, covering all timezones. ​• Host your own workshop (anytime!). Do you have an idea for a short presentation and Q&A or a workshop you’d like to trial? Test your first iteration ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/75u4z8k3o9t8h6dl2l3fzhweg7o66bnhovrkv/qvh8h8uderzezphg/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvZG9jdW1lbnRhdGlvbi9ldmVudHMtaG9zdGluZw== ) in the Ness Labs community and get feedback. We promote all sessions here in the newsletter. -->Join the community ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/75u4z8k3o9t8h6dl2l3fzhweg7o66bnhovrkv/z2hgh7ue53n55ehz/aHR0cHM6Ly9kaXNjb3Zlci5jaXJjbGUuc28vcHJvZHVjdC9uZXNzLWxhYnMtY29tbXVuaXR5 ) Join the community ( https://discover.circle.so/product/ness-labs-community )All of these and future events are included in the price of the membership (only $49 for one year), as well as access to our courses, workshop library, and a dedicated space to track your tiny experiments. Until next week, take care! Anne-Laure. You received this email because you subscribed to the Ness Labs ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/75u4z8k3o9t8h6dl2l3fzhweg7o66bnhovrkv/9qhzhdud4p040viz/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20v ) newsletter. “-ness” is a suffix that means “state of being”, as in awareness, mindfulness, consciousness. Ness Labs is a playground for curiosity – a place where you can learn how to experiment with ideas, explore creative projects, and reflect on your progress. Of course I don’t want to see you go, but you can unsubscribe ( https://d41e12b1.unsubscribe.convertkit-mail4.com/75u4z8k3o9t8h6dl2l3fzhweg7o66bnhovrkv ) at any time. If you do leave, I’d love an email to let me know what I could do better to improve the newsletter. Alternatively, you can update your profile ( https://preferences.convertkit-mail4.com/75u4z8k3o9t8h6dl2l3fzhweg7o66bnhovrkv ) to use a different email address. © Ness Labs, 600 1st Ave, Ste 330 PMB 92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2246.

​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/27uqlk6dgrtoh8l4gkxc3hgz5m744hghqx8ox/qvh8h8ude47e96sg/aHR0cHM6Ly90d2l0dGVyLmNvbS9uZXVyYW5uZQ== ) ​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/27uqlk6dgrtoh8l4gkxc3hgz5m744hghqx8ox/g3hnhwumgldg4et3/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbnN0YWdyYW0uY29tL25ldXJhbm5l ) ​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/27uqlk6dgrtoh8l4gkxc3hgz5m744hghqx8ox/9qhzhdud46q4opbz/aHR0cHM6Ly95b3V0dWJlLmNvbS9AbmV1cmFubmU= ) ​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/27uqlk6dgrtoh8l4gkxc3hgz5m744hghqx8ox/3ohphdu3x2oxe3sp/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubGlua2VkaW4uY29tL2luL25ldXJhbm5l ) January 15th, 2026 ​A newsletter by Anne-Laure Le Cunff ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/27uqlk6dgrtoh8l4gkxc3hgz5m744hghqx8ox/n2hohquv2x82z6a0/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbm5lLWxhdXJlLm5ldC8= )​ READ ON THE WEB ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/27uqlk6dgrtoh8l4gkxc3hgz5m744hghqx8ox/48hvh7umwp5w4gbq/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vc29tYXRpYy1yZWd1bGF0aW9u ) Hi friends, It’s only January and I heard from many of you that you’re already feeling a bit stuck: long to-do lists, too many projects, not enough clarity. If you’re the curious, nerdy analytical type, your default response might be to think harder, plan more, or improve your productivity systems. But this seemingly logical approach can actually make you feel even more stuck. This week, we’re exploring a different approach: the science of using the body to change your cognitive and emotional state and help you get unstuck more quickly. We also have several new workshops coming up in the community ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/27uqlk6dgrtoh8l4gkxc3hgz5m744hghqx8ox/wnh2h6uqmk5me8fl/aHR0cHM6Ly9kaXNjb3Zlci5jaXJjbGUuc28vcHJvZHVjdC9uZXNzLWxhYnMtY29tbXVuaXR5 ), scroll down to see the full list of events! Enjoy the read, Anne-Laure. --------------------- ⛓️ How to Get Unstuck --------------------- When we’re stuck creatively, productively or intellectually, we often tend to frame the problem as a lack of ideas, discipline, or motivation. So we try to push, to think harder, or to optimize our tools and systems. But “stuckness” is rarely a thinking problem. It’s a nervous system state, which can be regulated much more efficiently through the body than through effortful thought. Why thinking harder doesn’t work -------------------------------- Cognition doesn’t operate in isolation. It’s continuously shaped ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/27uqlk6dgrtoh8l4gkxc3hgz5m744hghqx8ox/reh8h9umk32kgku6/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuc2NpZW5jZWRpcmVjdC5jb20vdG9waWNzL25ldXJvc2NpZW5jZS9lbWJvZGllZC1jb2duaXRpb24= ) by signals from the body, whether that’s your posture, movement, breathing, muscle tension, or other sensory input. These signals all modulate arousal, attention, and threat perception before conscious thought even begins. This is why small physiological changes can have surprisingly large cognitive effects. A slight change in breathing pace, a brief bout of movement, or a shift in posture can alter how clearly you think and how flexible your cognition is. Somatic regulation is the practice of using your body to change cognitive and emotional states instead of relying on top-down thinking alone. You may have heard the term somatic healing. Somatic regulation uses similar tools, but with a different orientation: Somatic regulation treats bodily signals as useful inputs, creating the conditions for movement – mental movement included. Practical ways to get unstuck ----------------------------- There are many ways to feel stuck. Rumination, avoidance, and perfectionism… These loops tend to persist because there’s a mismatch between what the task requires and your current physiological state. Change the state, and the loop often loosens on its own. Here are three ways to get unstuck, depending on the kind of “stuckness” you’re experiencing: 1) Creatively stuck. Creative work benefits from variability. Changing posture – such as sitting to standing, collapsed to upright – or changing location can be enough to introduce new sensory input. A short walk outside without additional stimulation (no phone, no podcast) can also help when you feel creatively stuck. 2) Productively stuck. Difficulties with being productive ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/27uqlk6dgrtoh8l4gkxc3hgz5m744hghqx8ox/08hwhgu2n9on3vip/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vbmV1cm9wcm9kdWN0aXZpdHk= ) often reflect an arousal mismatch: your energy may be too low or too high for the task. Brief, gentle movement such as stretching, swaying, or light dancing can help bring your arousal level into a workable range. So get up from your desk, put your favorite song on, dance like no one’s watching, and then only get back to work! 3) Intellectually stuck. Deep thinking relies on working memory and a sense of safety to give the task your full attention, both of which degrade under stress. Slowing the breath slightly, especially by lengthening the exhale, can help reduce stress and give your nervous system a cue of safety before returning to the problem you’re trying to solve. After the state shift, reflect to notice patterns. What kind of stuckness was this? What changed after adjusting the state? This simple metacognitive practice ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/27uqlk6dgrtoh8l4gkxc3hgz5m744hghqx8ox/l2heh6ulqn0q89ig/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vbWV0YWNvZ25pdGlvbg== ) doesn’t have to take a lot of time. One or two sentences in your journal or note-taking app. Over time, these field notes ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/27uqlk6dgrtoh8l4gkxc3hgz5m744hghqx8ox/7qh7h2u9d6kdrxf9/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vc2VsZi1hbnRocm9wb2xvZ3ktZmllbGQtbm90ZXM= ) will become a personal map of how different states interact with different kinds of work and tasks. Getting unstuck is rarely about better ideas or stronger discipline. It’s about restoring movement – first physical, then emotional and cognitive. When you feel stuck, start below the neck. Change the state first. ----------------------------- 🔬 Tiny Experiment of the Week ----------------------------- Ready to put this edition’s ideas into practice? Try this tiny experiment to help you practice somatic regulation: I will [try one somatic regulation practice whenever I feel stuck] for [the next week]. It can be as simple as stretching before a big task or taking a short walk before an important meeting. Want to dig deeper into designing your own tiny experiments? Get your copy of the book​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/27uqlk6dgrtoh8l4gkxc3hgz5m744hghqx8ox/p8hehqu4r23rqkbr/aHR0cHM6Ly9wcmV2aWV3LmNvbnZlcnRraXQtbWFpbDQuY29tL2NsaWNrL2RwaGVoMGh6aG0vYUhSMGNITTZMeTl0ZVdKdmIyc3VkRzh2ZEdsdWVXVjRjQT09 ). --------------------- 👀 Into the Mind of... --------------------- STEFANIE SWORD-WILLIAMS Each week I ask a curious mind about their habits, routines, and rituals. This week we learn from entrepreneur, public speaker, and community builder Stefanie Sword-Williams, author of two books including Career Comedown, out today. 1. One anchor ritual to reconnect with yourself? Journaling has become a gateway into understanding why I’m feeling the way I am and what I need to release. I often joke it’s the cheapest form of therapy, but it’s more than that. When you allow yourself to write without a purpose, some of the most honest thoughts come to the surface. 2. One mindset shift that transformed your work? Can I cheat and say the name of my business? If yes, ‘F*ck Being Humble’ is a mantra that reminds me to never play small and that I’ve already got what it takes. 3. One idea that keeps you up at night? As someone who loves living in major cities, I’d also love to see them become spaces where we don’t have to shrink ourselves, scan for exits, or second-guess our right to simply be. Read her book ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/27uqlk6dgrtoh8l4gkxc3hgz5m744hghqx8ox/6qhehoulx5kx95i9/aHR0cHM6Ly91ay5ib29rc2hvcC5vcmcvcC9ib29rcy9jYXJlZXItY29tZWRvd24tc3RlZmFuaWUtc3dvcmQtd2lsbGlhbXMvNzgzMzkzOQ== ) -------------- 🛠️ Brain Picks -------------- • A Simple Methodology for Life ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.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 ) offers a calm, neuroscience-aware approach to navigating life: reduce friction, build sustainable habits, and make clearer decisions under pressure. Filled with one-page tools, golden rules and resilience frameworks, it’s a practical guide for students, professionals, and anyone seeking greater clarity, balance, and steady progress. • Too many goals, no system to achieve them. You don’t need more motivation. You need a system that turns “I want to be healthier” into “run 2 miles Tuesday morning.” That‘s LifeGrid ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/27uqlk6dgrtoh8l4gkxc3hgz5m744hghqx8ox/g3hnhwumgldgqeu3/aHR0cHM6Ly9saWZlZ3JpZC5kby8_dXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPW5ld3llYXIyMDI2JnV0bV9tZWRpdW09bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYWlucGlja3M= ). Health, career, relationships – all broken down until they‘re just... tasks. Wake up knowing exactly what to do, and why it actually matters. ​ ​• A free 3-step guide that helps busy moms and dads restore work-life balance and sanity – fast. Feeling stretched thin between family and finances? Melissa Broughton – licensed accountant and bookkeeping coach – created a free 3-step guide ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/27uqlk6dgrtoh8l4gkxc3hgz5m744hghqx8ox/9qhzhdud46q45pcz/aHR0cHM6Ly9naWZ0LjFob3VyYm9va2tlZXBlci5jb20vbWVsaXNzYS0zZjAwOGFiOA== ) to help busy moms and dads reclaim balance, clarity, and sanity. It’s a quick read that’s already changing homes for the better. Many thanks to our affiliate partners and sponsors for supporting the Ness Labs newsletter! Want to appear here? Please email support@nesslabs.com ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/27uqlk6dgrtoh8l4gkxc3hgz5m744hghqx8ox/3ohphdu3x2oxp3fp/bWFpbHRvOnN1cHBvcnRAbmVzc2xhYnMuY29t ). ---------------------- 🗓️ Events of the Week ---------------------- If you enjoy the newsletter, you’ll love our community of curious minds conducting tiny experiments within a safe space and learning together. Here is an overview of upcoming events (full calendar ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/27uqlk6dgrtoh8l4gkxc3hgz5m744hghqx8ox/wnh2h6uqmk5m08hl/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vZXZlbnRz )): • Start the new year with an experimental mindset. Join Gosia Fricze for a creative hour session ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/27uqlk6dgrtoh8l4gkxc3hgz5m744hghqx8ox/8ghqh3uow20wrdfl/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvY3JlYXRpdmUtaG91ci1ob3ctdG8tc3RheS1tb3RpdmF0ZWQtdGhyb3VnaC1wbGF0ZWF1cw== ) where you’ll use metacognitive reflection prompts to explore the start of the new year with curiosity.​ • Learn how to be heard at work. Join this workshop ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/27uqlk6dgrtoh8l4gkxc3hgz5m744hghqx8ox/vqh3hmuomvxmwrtw/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvYXV0aG9yLXNlc3Npb24tcGVyc29uYWwtYnJhbmRpbmctZm9yLWludHJvdmVydHMtaG93LXRvLWJlLWhlYXJkLWF0LXdvcms= ) with personal branding expert Goldie Chan to explore how introverts can build authentic, lasting visibility without sacrificing energy, boundaries, or joy. ​• Build mental and emotional health from the inside out. In this interactive presentation ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/27uqlk6dgrtoh8l4gkxc3hgz5m744hghqx8ox/m2h7h6u32qg246fl/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvYXV0aG9yLXNlc3Npb24tdGhlLTctdHJhaXRzLW9mLWVtb3Rpb25hbC1maXRuZXNz ), Dr Emily Anhalt will help you develop emotional fitness and learn practical, concrete tips for building a true culture of wellness. ​• Make progress on your project. Join Kathryn Ruge for a ‘body doubling’ coworking session ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/27uqlk6dgrtoh8l4gkxc3hgz5m744hghqx8ox/e0hph0u7mlpmrrb7/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvb2NlYW5pYS10dWVzZGF5LWV1cm9wZS1hbWVyaWNhcy1tb25kYXktY28td29ya2luZy1hNzBkYWY= ) to work on personal or work-related projects that you want to make progress on, covering all timezones. ​• Host your own workshop (anytime!). Do you have an idea for a short presentation and Q&A or a workshop you’d like to trial? Test your first iteration ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/27uqlk6dgrtoh8l4gkxc3hgz5m744hghqx8ox/owhkhwuwx6kxqeiq/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvZG9jdW1lbnRhdGlvbi9ldmVudHMtaG9zdGluZw== ) in the Ness Labs community and get feedback. We promote all sessions here in the newsletter. -->Join the community ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/27uqlk6dgrtoh8l4gkxc3hgz5m744hghqx8ox/wnh2h6uqmk5me8fl/aHR0cHM6Ly9kaXNjb3Zlci5jaXJjbGUuc28vcHJvZHVjdC9uZXNzLWxhYnMtY29tbXVuaXR5 ) Join the community ( https://discover.circle.so/product/ness-labs-community )All of these and future events are included in the price of the membership (only $49 for one year), as well as access to our courses, workshop library, and a dedicated space to track your tiny experiments. Until next week, take care! Anne-Laure. You received this email because you subscribed to the Ness Labs ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/27uqlk6dgrtoh8l4gkxc3hgz5m744hghqx8ox/p8hehqu4r23rpktr/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20v ) newsletter. “-ness” is a suffix that means “state of being”, as in awareness, mindfulness, consciousness. Ness Labs is a playground for curiosity – a place where you can learn how to experiment with ideas, explore creative projects, and reflect on your progress. Of course I don’t want to see you go, but you can unsubscribe ( https://d41e12b1.unsubscribe.convertkit-mail4.com/27uqlk6dgrtoh8l4gkxc3hgz5m744hghqx8ox ) at any time. If you do leave, I’d love an email to let me know what I could do better to improve the newsletter. Alternatively, you can update your profile ( https://preferences.convertkit-mail4.com/27uqlk6dgrtoh8l4gkxc3hgz5m744hghqx8ox ) to use a different email address. © Ness Labs, 600 1st Ave, Ste 330 PMB 92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2246.

​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/lmulpnovdmfmhnqveoqb6h8kxn400igh8r4zr/wnh2h6uq8ege4vcl/aHR0cHM6Ly90d2l0dGVyLmNvbS9uZXVyYW5uZQ== ) ​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/lmulpnovdmfmhnqveoqb6h8kxn400igh8r4zr/08hwhgu2q3z3x7hp/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbnN0YWdyYW0uY29tL25ldXJhbm5l ) ​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/lmulpnovdmfmhnqveoqb6h8kxn400igh8r4zr/l2heh6ulw8r84lsg/aHR0cHM6Ly95b3V0dWJlLmNvbS9AbmV1cmFubmU= ) ​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/lmulpnovdmfmhnqveoqb6h8kxn400igh8r4zr/e0hph0u75848e5t7/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubGlua2VkaW4uY29tL2luL25ldXJhbm5l ) January 8th, 2026 ​A newsletter by Anne-Laure Le Cunff ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/lmulpnovdmfmhnqveoqb6h8kxn400igh8r4zr/z2hgh7ue0qwq76tz/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbm5lLWxhdXJlLm5ldC8= )​ READ ON THE WEB ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/lmulpnovdmfmhnqveoqb6h8kxn400igh8r4zr/x0hph3uex535z6ug/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vZGV2b3Rpb24tZnJpY3Rpb24tbWF0cml4 ) Hi friends, Thank you so much for all the birthday wishes ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/lmulpnovdmfmhnqveoqb6h8kxn400igh8r4zr/kkhmh2un4kmkekik/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5zdGFncmFtLmNvbS9wL0RURFJNOUZEQzZELw== ) last week! I spent some time reflecting on what I want more of in my life, and one thing kept coming up: flow. That feeling of ease and absorption where things move forward without force. I’ve learned the hard way that relying on discipline alone and muscling through resistance can get results in the short term, but almost always leads to burnout. So this week, we’ll explore what you can replace discipline with to access those flow states more reliably and open magic windows of creativity and mindful productivity. Enjoy the read, and stay curious! Anne-Laure. P.S. If you haven’t designed your first tiny experiment of the year yet, join me ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/lmulpnovdmfmhnqveoqb6h8kxn400igh8r4zr/58hvh8uglr7r06c7/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvd29ya3Nob3AtZGVzaWduLXlvdXItbmV3LXllYXItZXhwZXJpbWVudA== ) on Monday at 4pm UTC for a 45-min workshop to do just that! (included as usual in your Ness Labs community membership) ------------------------- ⛔ Discipline is overrated ------------------------- Most advice about consistency sounds the same: try harder, be more disciplined, push through resistance. Discipline is often seen as the difference between people who succeed and people who don’t. And if you fall off, the explanation is usually moralized: not enough willpower, lack of grit, laziness. But people don’t fail because they don’t try hard enough. They fail because the system they’re operating in makes sustained effort too costly. From discipline to devotion --------------------------- From a scientific perspective, discipline is the ability to apply self-control to override impulses in service of longer-term goals. Decades of research suggest ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/lmulpnovdmfmhnqveoqb6h8kxn400igh8r4zr/25h2h9u3nkdkgqf8/aHR0cHM6Ly9qb3VybmFscy5zYWdlcHViLmNvbS9kb2kvMTAuMTE3Ny8xOTQ4NTUwNjI1MTM4NTAwNw== ) that self-control does predict positive outcomes. But it also shows something more subtle: self-control works best when it’s used sparingly. When people rely on constant “effortful inhibition” (forcing themselves to act) their performance degrades over time. That’s because this kind of effortful inhibition activates brain networks that are metabolically expensive and sensitive to stress and fatigue. Instead, research finds ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/lmulpnovdmfmhnqveoqb6h8kxn400igh8r4zr/qvh8h8udq9n9v3fg/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuc2NpZW5jZWRpcmVjdC5jb20vc2NpZW5jZS9hcnRpY2xlL3BpaS9TMjM1MjI1MFgyNDAwMDk1Mg== ) that people who appear highly disciplined are not constantly exerting more willpower. Rather, they tend to rely on habits, routines, rituals ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/lmulpnovdmfmhnqveoqb6h8kxn400igh8r4zr/g3hnhwumx4p4nvs3/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vaGFiaXRzLXJvdXRpbmVzLXJpdHVhbHMtaW50ZW50aW9uYWxpdHktY3VydmU= ) to maintain their wellbeing, and ways to design their environment that reduce the need for active control. This is where devotion becomes a more useful tool than discipline. Etymologically, devotion comes from the Latin devovēre: to dedicate by a vow, to promise solemnly. Devotion implies commitment rooted in meaning and identity rather than forceful compliance with a rule. When you’re devoted to an action, you don’t force yourself to act; the action expresses something you value. Instead of effortful inihibition, this maps onto what researchers call ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/lmulpnovdmfmhnqveoqb6h8kxn400igh8r4zr/9qhzhdudno9o3kcz/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuc2NpZW5jZWRpcmVjdC5jb20vdG9waWNzL3BzeWNob2xvZ3kvaGFybW9uaW91cy1wYXNzaW9u ) “harmonious passion” – engagement that is freely chosen and integrated into your identity. Harmonious passion has been linked to greater persistence, better well-being, and being more likely to get in the flow. How to design for devoted action -------------------------------- You’ve probably noticed that caring deeply about something doesn’t guarantee that you can act on it consistently. That’s because devotion doesn’t exist in a vacuum, and its impact depends heavily on friction – the total resistance between intention and action. Friction can come from your environment, from a lack of skills or routines, or from the activation energy required to get started. Two people can be equally devoted and have radically different outcomes because one is operating in a low-friction system and the other in a high-friction one. The Devotion-Friction Matrix of devoted action has four states: • Flow (high devotion, low friction) where action feels natural and repeatable; ​• Strain (high devotion, high friction) where caring is high but the cost of doing it is high too; ​• Coasting (low devotion, low friction) where you keep going mostly because it’s easy; ​• Avoidance (low devotion, high friction) where the task feels both unrewarding and hard to start, so it gets postponed or completely dropped. There’s no point optimizing for maximal devotion or minimal friction in isolation. To get in the flow, you need to optimize for devoted action, where what you care about deeply is also easy enough to do repeatedly. Here are three evidence-backed ways to do that: 1. Lower your activation energy. You might care a lot about working out or writing, but find yourself procrastinating. When that happens, stop focusing on finishing and focus on starting instead. For example, don’t say you’ll do a work out. Just put on your running shoes and step outside. Don’t say you’ll write the piece. Just open the document and write one sentence. 2. Design your environment. Make the desired action the default and the distractions slightly inconvenient. For instance, eave your book on your pillow and charge your phone in another room, or make unhealthy ones high-friction by putting them out of reach. 3. Run tiny experiments: Turn curiosity itself into an act of devotion. Pick one action to test for a specific duration ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/lmulpnovdmfmhnqveoqb6h8kxn400igh8r4zr/n2hohquvezrz5xt0/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vcGVyc29uYWwtZXhwZXJpbWVudHM= ), playing with variables such as timing, location or accountability, then observe what reduces effort and increases intrinsic reward. If you want to show up reliably, don’t ask how to force yourself to work harder. Ask what you’re devoted to and what unnecessary friction is standing in the way. This way, consistency becomes a property of the system itself. ----------------------------- 🔬 Tiny Experiment of the Week ----------------------------- Ready to put this edition’s ideas into practice? Try this tiny experiment to help you practice self-curiosity: I will [remove one source of friction in my work environment every day] for [3 workdays]. It can be as simple as creating a template your can re-use, using a better tool, or setting up your desk the evening before. Want to dig deeper into designing your own tiny experiments? Get your copy of the book​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/lmulpnovdmfmhnqveoqb6h8kxn400igh8r4zr/48hvh7umk4g4q9uq/aHR0cHM6Ly9wcmV2aWV3LmNvbnZlcnRraXQtbWFpbDQuY29tL2NsaWNrL2RwaGVoMGh6aG0vYUhSMGNITTZMeTl0ZVdKdmIyc3VkRzh2ZEdsdWVXVjRjQT09 ). --------------------- 👀 Into the Mind of... --------------------- CORINNE LOW Each week I ask a curious mind about their habits, routines, and rituals. This week we learn from economist Corinne Low, associate professor at Wharton and author of Having it All. 1. One daily practice you can’t do without? Turning my time into joy and meaning. Economists have a concept called “utility” for the sum total of your joy, meaning, and contentment over a lifetime. We often think of productivity as being about making money so we can buy things that bring us utility, but according to economics, it’s just as productive to spend your time making utility directly. So, hugging my kids, having tea with my wife, sitting in the sunshine – all super productive! 2. One anchor ritual to reconnect with yourself? Journaling and reading past journal entries. It gets me through emotional turbulence and ups and downs, by staying connected to my “constant self” and her preferences. 3. One mindset shift that transformed your work? Mentally switching to think “this IS the point” to quiet some of my mental noise that comes from not being able to control outcomes. For example, switching from the objective being to achieve a certain milestone to just being writing and sharing about my research. Read her book ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/lmulpnovdmfmhnqveoqb6h8kxn400igh8r4zr/wnh2h6uq8egevvil/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYW1hem9uLmNvbS9kcC8xMjUwMzY5NTE3 ) -------------- 🛠️ Brain Picks -------------- • Break free from inbox overwhelm. Your inbox wasn’t built for reading. Move to Meco ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/lmulpnovdmfmhnqveoqb6h8kxn400igh8r4zr/8ghqh3uokm9mpgul/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubWVjby5hcHAvZ2V0LzFueDE= ) to wake up to a personalized news briefing crafted from your newsletters and use smart filters to always surface the most relevant content at the right time. ​• Build a home for your community. Circle ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/lmulpnovdmfmhnqveoqb6h8kxn400igh8r4zr/m2h7h6u3wded0mal/aHR0cHM6Ly90cnkuY2lyY2xlLnNvL3U5NmxkcmN4OTU4Zw== ) is the all-in-one community platform. This year, connect deeper with your audience by bringing together engaging discussions, members, live streams, chat, events, and memberships. ​• Start a newsletter in 2026. Connect with your fans, foster your community, and earn a living online with Kit ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/lmulpnovdmfmhnqveoqb6h8kxn400igh8r4zr/7qh7h2u93rzrpdt9/aHR0cHM6Ly9wYXJ0bmVycy5raXQuY29tL2psdTRsazhremRqei1wcmljaW5n ), the only platform built for creators, by creators. Many thanks to our affiliate partners and sponsors for supporting the Ness Labs newsletter! Want to appear here? Please email support@nesslabs.com ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/lmulpnovdmfmhnqveoqb6h8kxn400igh8r4zr/owhkhwuw52o2lpbq/bWFpbHRvOnN1cHBvcnRAbmVzc2xhYnMuY29t ). ---------------------- 🗓️ Events of the Week ---------------------- If you enjoy the newsletter, you’ll love our community of curious minds conducting tiny experiments within a safe space and learning together. Here is an overview of upcoming events (full calendar ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/lmulpnovdmfmhnqveoqb6h8kxn400igh8r4zr/z2hgh7ue0qwqr6cz/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vZXZlbnRz )): • Design your first experiment of the year. The beginning of the year is a liminal moment that provides an amazing opportunity to start afresh. Join me for a 45-minute workshop ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/lmulpnovdmfmhnqveoqb6h8kxn400igh8r4zr/58hvh8uglr7r06c7/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvd29ya3Nob3AtZGVzaWduLXlvdXItbmV3LXllYXItZXhwZXJpbWVudA== ) to make the most of that new-year energy and design your first experiment of 2026.​ • Rediscover your inner compass. There are seasons in life when the old ways no longer fit. Join this workshop ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/lmulpnovdmfmhnqveoqb6h8kxn400igh8r4zr/p8hehqu48nxn5oir/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvd29ya3Nob3AtYnJlYWtpbmctZnJlZS1mcm9tLXRoZS1idXJub3V0LWN5Y2xl ) with Paula Amiama to slow down, map where you are in your own creative season, and tune into what’s most alive for you now. • Develop your experimental mindset. Join Gosia Fricze for a one-hour interactive session ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/lmulpnovdmfmhnqveoqb6h8kxn400igh8r4zr/x0hph3uex535d6ag/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvY3JlYXRpdmUtaG91ci1ob3ctdG8tc3RheS1tb3RpdmF0ZWQtdGhyb3VnaC1wbGF0ZWF1cw== ) where you’ll use metacognitive reflection prompts to explore the start of the new year with curiosity. ​• Make progress on your project. Join Kathryn Ruge for a ‘body doubling’ coworking session ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/lmulpnovdmfmhnqveoqb6h8kxn400igh8r4zr/6qhehoul0mom68h9/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvb2NlYW5pYS10dWVzZGF5LWV1cm9wZS1hbWVyaWNhcy1tb25kYXktY28td29ya2luZy05YTYxMjA= ) on Monday to work on personal or work-related projects that you want to make progress on, covering all timezones. ​• Host your own workshop (anytime!). Do you have an idea for a short presentation and Q&A or a workshop you’d like to trial? Test your first iteration ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/lmulpnovdmfmhnqveoqb6h8kxn400igh8r4zr/kkhmh2un4kmk2kbk/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvZG9jdW1lbnRhdGlvbi9ldmVudHMtaG9zdGluZw== ) in the Ness Labs community and get feedback. We promote all sessions here in the newsletter. -->Join the community ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/lmulpnovdmfmhnqveoqb6h8kxn400igh8r4zr/58hvh8uglr7ro6i7/aHR0cHM6Ly9kaXNjb3Zlci5jaXJjbGUuc28vcHJvZHVjdC9uZXNzLWxhYnMtY29tbXVuaXR5 ) Join the community ( https://discover.circle.so/product/ness-labs-community )All of these and future events are included in the price of the membership (only $49 for one year), as well as access to our courses, workshop library, and a dedicated space to track your tiny experiments. Until next week, take care! Anne-Laure. You received this email because you subscribed to the Ness Labs ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/lmulpnovdmfmhnqveoqb6h8kxn400igh8r4zr/25h2h9u3nkdk0qh8/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20v ) newsletter. “-ness” is a suffix that means “state of being”, as in awareness, mindfulness, consciousness. Ness Labs is a playground for curiosity – a place where you can learn how to experiment with ideas, explore creative projects, and reflect on your progress. Of course I don’t want to see you go, but you can unsubscribe ( https://d41e12b1.unsubscribe.convertkit-mail4.com/lmulpnovdmfmhnqveoqb6h8kxn400igh8r4zr ) at any time. If you do leave, I’d love an email to let me know what I could do better to improve the newsletter. Alternatively, you can update your profile ( https://preferences.convertkit-mail4.com/lmulpnovdmfmhnqveoqb6h8kxn400igh8r4zr ) to use a different email address. © Ness Labs, 600 1st Ave, Ste 330 PMB 92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2246.

​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/r8ux905qr7hoh3k9zx5h2hdovqm66h7hw0xe0/p8hehqu48mxd3qar/aHR0cHM6Ly90d2l0dGVyLmNvbS9uZXVyYW5uZQ== ) ​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/r8ux905qr7hoh3k9zx5h2hdovqm66h7hw0xe0/6qhehoul0zowk4u9/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbnN0YWdyYW0uY29tL25ldXJhbm5l ) ​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/r8ux905qr7hoh3k9zx5h2hdovqm66h7hw0xe0/7qh7h2u93qz86vh9/aHR0cHM6Ly95b3V0dWJlLmNvbS9AbmV1cmFubmU= ) ​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/r8ux905qr7hoh3k9zx5h2hdovqm66h7hw0xe0/p8hehqu48mxd2dtr/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubGlua2VkaW4uY29tL2luL25ldXJhbm5l ) January 3rd, 2026 ​A newsletter by Anne-Laure Le Cunff ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/r8ux905qr7hoh3k9zx5h2hdovqm66h7hw0xe0/x0hph3uexo3zpdug/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbm5lLWxhdXJlLm5ldC8= )​ READ ON THE WEB ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/r8ux905qr7hoh3k9zx5h2hdovqm66h7hw0xe0/kkhmh2un4rme59ak/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vbmV3c2xldHRlci95ZWFyLW9mLXNlbGYtZGlzY292ZXJ5 ) Hi friends, Happy new year to you, and happy birthday to me! Today, I’m turning 36 and this is also the 300th edition of the Ness Labs newsletter! To celebrate, I have a gift for you: a short exercise to help you approach 2026 with curiosity. Through my research, personal experience, and the thousands of stories from the Ness Labs community, I’ve come to believe that growth shouldn’t be about self-optimization but about self-discovery. ​Download the template, ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/r8ux905qr7hoh3k9zx5h2hdovqm66h7hw0xe0/qvh8h8udqznv4dhg/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vc2VsZi1kaXNjb3ZlcnktcXVlc3Rpb25uYWlyZQ== ) give yourself 30 minutes to complete it this week, and I guarantee you’ll feel more excited and genuinely curious about the year ahead. And if you’ve been enjoying this newsletter and my work in general, there’s one birthday present I’d love: would you consider leaving a review for my book Tiny Experiments on Amazon ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/r8ux905qr7hoh3k9zx5h2hdovqm66h7hw0xe0/g3hnhwumxrpnl6u3/aHR0cHM6Ly9teWJvb2sudG8vdGlueWV4cA== ) or Goodreads ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/r8ux905qr7hoh3k9zx5h2hdovqm66h7hw0xe0/n2hohquvemrgx2t0/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZHJlYWRzLmNvbS9ib29rL3Nob3cvMjE0MjY4OTk3LXRpbnktZXhwZXJpbWVudHM= )? Reviews are one of the best ways to help books get discovered and your words could help this work reach someone who needs it. Thank you for being part of this journey with me. Here’s to another year of self-discovery! Anne-Laure. --------------------------- 🏔️ A Year of Self-Discovery --------------------------- Quit smoking, make more money, lose weight, wake up earlier, be more productive… The start of a new year often brings pressure to set resolutions that focus on optimization and achievement. But what if instead of asking “How can I get better results?” we asked “How can I get more curious?” These six questions are designed to help you approach 2026 with both courage and curiosity, embracing the messy, uncertain, and deeply rewarding work of self-discovery. 1. What skill or topic am I willing to look bad at while learning this year? As adults, we are often hired based on the quantity of answers we provide, not the quality of the questions we ask. It means there’s an incentive to look like an expert, like you’ve all figured it out. In 2026, break free from the shackles of perceived expertise and start learning in public ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/r8ux905qr7hoh3k9zx5h2hdovqm66h7hw0xe0/48hvh7umkvg9pvcq/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vbGVhcm5pbmctaW4tcHVibGlj ). Pick a skill or topic you’re truly curious about, and allow yourself to make mistakes, iterate, and embrace the inherent messiness (and sometimes cringe!) of lifelong learning. 2. Who is the one person I want to get to know better? One of the best gifts my friend Ryder Carroll ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/r8ux905qr7hoh3k9zx5h2hdovqm66h7hw0xe0/08hwhgu2qvzx95tp/aHR0cHM6Ly9idWxsZXRqb3VybmFsLmNvbS9wYWdlcy9yeWRlcmNhcnJvbGw= ) gave me this year was to create a monthly recurring catch up meeting in our calendars. No agenda, just asking honestly how we’re doing, the experiments we’re running, the doubts we’re experiencing. Ask yourself whether there is one relationship you’re willing to invest one standing hour per month in, then ask this person if they’d be happy to schedule a recurring meeting once a month, whether online or over coffee. 3. What will I say no to every week this year to protect what matters most? If you’re highly curious and highly ambitious, chances are there are many opportunities for you to explore new projects and ideas, whether they’re offered to you by others or you come up with them yourself. Instead of automatically saying yes ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/r8ux905qr7hoh3k9zx5h2hdovqm66h7hw0xe0/vqh3hmuo8lg4vzaw/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20veWVzLWF1dG9waWxvdA== ), create a firm boundary you’ll stick to every week, whether that’s to protect your time, your energy, or your attention. 4. What is the one conversation that, if I had it this year, would most change my trajectory? We sometimes avoid the most important conversations, perhaps because they’re uncomfortable or might bring temporary uncertainty and instability to our lives. Is there a conversation you’ve been avoiding that could change the trajectory of your career or your life in general? If so, actively explore how you can have this conversation – the earlier in the year the better. 5. What is one thing I will create and share even if it’s not perfect? Most of us have a backlog of half-finished projects, creative ideas, or insights we’ve never shared because they don’t feel ready. This year, commit to creating and sharing at least one thing that feels imperfect, whether that’s publishing a rough draft or sharing a work-in-progress project. Choose something that feels like it’s 70% there, then put it out into the world anyway. 6. What is a tiny experiment I will run this year? We make many of our decisions based on cognitive scripts, automated patterns of thoughts and beliefs we inherit from our family, friends, and society at large. This year, question your scripts by running at least one tiny experiment, whether that’s experimenting with the way you work, connect with others, or manage your health. Use “I will [action] for [duration]” to design a mini-protocol, and learn from the results without aiming for a particular outcome. If you’d like to explore these questions in your own time, you can download my New Year Self-Discovery Questionnaire ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/r8ux905qr7hoh3k9zx5h2hdovqm66h7hw0xe0/qvh8h8udqznv4dhg/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vc2VsZi1kaXNjb3ZlcnktcXVlc3Rpb25uYWlyZQ== ) worksheet which includes instructions and space for you to write your answers. These questions aren’t meant to be answered once and forgotten. Consider revisiting them quarterly, or whenever you feel stuck in old patterns. Remember: growth happens in the liminal spaces between what you think you know and what you’re brave enough to explore. Happy New Year 🙂 --------------------- 👀 Into the Mind of... --------------------- MAYA SHANKAR Each week I ask a curious mind about their habits, routines, and rituals. This week we learn from cognitive scientist Maya Shankar, creator of the podcast A Slight Change of Plan and author of the upcoming book The Other Side of Change. 1. One daily practice you can’t do without? I start every morning by making a steaming hot cup of Indian-style tea, with freshly cut ginger, Assam tea leaves, cream and sugar. This small, consistent ritual is profoundly comforting. I fiercely guard these fifteen minutes every day, whether I am at home or traveling the road. 2. One strategy to restart your creative engine? I try to invite moments of “moral elevation” into my daily life. Moral elevation is the warm, fuzzy feeling we get in our chests when we witness someone’s outstanding behaviors – their courage, self-sacrifice, resilience, or kindness, for example. 3. One mindset shift that transformed your work? One technique I use religiously to help me accomplish my work goals is temptation bundling. You might allow yourself to listen to your favorite podcasts only while you're on a run. Or in my case, you might allow yourself unlimited candy only during your deep writing sessions! Read her book ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/r8ux905qr7hoh3k9zx5h2hdovqm66h7hw0xe0/m2h7h6u3wve9qlsl/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYW1hem9uLmNvbS9ncC9wcm9kdWN0LzA1OTM3MTM2ODA_dGFnPXJhbmRvaG91c2VpbmM3OTg2LTIw ) -------------- 🛠️ Brain Picks -------------- • Spark productivity and discovery in 2026. 24 hours left to sign up! Join me ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/r8ux905qr7hoh3k9zx5h2hdovqm66h7hw0xe0/e0hph0u7564elxi7/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbGlhYmRhYWwuY29tL3NwYXJrLTIwMjYvP3V0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1zcGsyNiZ1dG1fY29udGVudD1hbm5lLWxhdXJlX25ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWFubmUtbGF1cmU= ) with Ali Abdaal for a virtual weekend summit tomorrow where we will reflect on the past year and design tiny experiments for the year ahead. ​​• Break free from inbox overwhelm. Your inbox wasn’t built for reading. In 2026, move to Meco ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/r8ux905qr7hoh3k9zx5h2hdovqm66h7hw0xe0/owhkhwuw5ponnkbq/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubWVjby5hcHAvZ2V0LzFueDE= ) to wake up to a personalized news briefing crafted from your newsletters and use smart filters to ensure you always surface the most relevant content at the right time. ​• Build a home for your community. Circle ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/r8ux905qr7hoh3k9zx5h2hdovqm66h7hw0xe0/z2hgh7ue0nw77kcz/aHR0cHM6Ly90cnkuY2lyY2xlLnNvL3U5NmxkcmN4OTU4Zw== ) is the all-in-one community platform. This year, connect deeper with your audience by bringing together engaging discussions, members, live streams, chat, events, and memberships. Many thanks to our partners for supporting the Ness Labs newsletter! Want to appear here? Please email support@nesslabs.com ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/r8ux905qr7hoh3k9zx5h2hdovqm66h7hw0xe0/kkhmh2un4rmee9bk/bWFpbHRvOnN1cHBvcnRAbmVzc2xhYnMuY29t ). ---------------------- 🗓️ Events of the Week ---------------------- If you enjoy the newsletter, you’ll love our community of curious minds conducting tiny experiments within a safe space and learning together. Here is an overview of upcoming events (full calendar ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/r8ux905qr7hoh3k9zx5h2hdovqm66h7hw0xe0/25h2h9u3n6dgg2b8/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vZXZlbnRz )): • Design your new year experiment. The beginning of the year provides an amazing opportunity to start afresh. Don’t use that energy to create unsustainable New Year resolutions! Instead, join me for a 45-minute workshop ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/r8ux905qr7hoh3k9zx5h2hdovqm66h7hw0xe0/g3hnhwumxrpnn6a3/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvd29ya3Nob3AtZGVzaWduLXlvdXItbmV3LXllYXItZXhwZXJpbWVudA== ) to design your first experiment of the year.​ • Rediscover your inner compass. There are seasons in life when the old ways no longer fit. Join this workshop ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/r8ux905qr7hoh3k9zx5h2hdovqm66h7hw0xe0/9qhzhdudn09xx9bz/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvd29ya3Nob3AtYnJlYWtpbmctZnJlZS1mcm9tLXRoZS1idXJub3V0LWN5Y2xl ) with Paula Amiama to slow down, map where you are in your own creative season, and tune into what’s most alive for you now. • Start the new year with an experimental mindset. Join Gosia Fricze for a one-hour interactive session ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/r8ux905qr7hoh3k9zx5h2hdovqm66h7hw0xe0/3ohphdu3v0zrrvfp/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvY3JlYXRpdmUtaG91ci1ob3ctdG8tc3RheS1tb3RpdmF0ZWQtdGhyb3VnaC1wbGF0ZWF1cw== ) where you’ll use metacognitive reflection prompts to explore the start of the new year with curiosity. ​• Host your own workshop (anytime!). Do you have an idea for a short presentation and Q&A or a workshop you’d like to trial? Test your first iteration ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/r8ux905qr7hoh3k9zx5h2hdovqm66h7hw0xe0/n2hohquvemrgg2u0/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvZG9jdW1lbnRhdGlvbi9ldmVudHMtaG9zdGluZw== ) in the Ness Labs community and get feedback. We promote all sessions here in the newsletter. -->Join the community ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/r8ux905qr7hoh3k9zx5h2hdovqm66h7hw0xe0/48hvh7umkvg99viq/aHR0cHM6Ly9kaXNjb3Zlci5jaXJjbGUuc28vcHJvZHVjdC9uZXNzLWxhYnMtY29tbXVuaXR5 ) Join the community ( https://discover.circle.so/product/ness-labs-community )All of these and future events are included in the price of the membership (only $49 for one year), as well as access to our courses, workshop library, and a dedicated space to track your tiny experiments. Until next week, take care! Anne-Laure. You received this email because you subscribed to the Ness Labs ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/r8ux905qr7hoh3k9zx5h2hdovqm66h7hw0xe0/wnh2h6uq8ng447hl/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20v ) newsletter. “-ness” is a suffix that means “state of being”, as in awareness, mindfulness, consciousness. Ness Labs is a playground for curiosity – a place where you can learn how to experiment with ideas, explore creative projects, and reflect on your progress. Of course I don’t want to see you go, but you can unsubscribe ( https://d41e12b1.unsubscribe.convertkit-mail4.com/r8ux905qr7hoh3k9zx5h2hdovqm66h7hw0xe0 ) at any time. If you do leave, I’d love an email to let me know what I could do better to improve the newsletter. Alternatively, you can update your profile ( https://preferences.convertkit-mail4.com/r8ux905qr7hoh3k9zx5h2hdovqm66h7hw0xe0 ) to use a different email address. © Ness Labs, 600 1st Ave, Ste 330 PMB 92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2246.

​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hnlqx68i6h9286v44bnh4qg8q/48hvh7umk506qpiq/aHR0cHM6Ly90d2l0dGVyLmNvbS9uZXVyYW5uZQ== ) ​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hnlqx68i6h9286v44bnh4qg8q/wnh2h6uq85rxv4bl/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbnN0YWdyYW0uY29tL25ldXJhbm5l ) ​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hnlqx68i6h9286v44bnh4qg8q/reh8h9umn2qwvvt6/aHR0cHM6Ly95b3V0dWJlLmNvbS9AbmV1cmFubmU= ) ​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hnlqx68i6h9286v44bnh4qg8q/08hwhgu2qomgwkhp/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubGlua2VkaW4uY29tL2luL25ldXJhbm5l ) December 18th, 2025 ​A newsletter by Anne-Laure Le Cunff ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hnlqx68i6h9286v44bnh4qg8q/8ghqh3uok0gqp5fl/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbm5lLWxhdXJlLm5ldC8= )​ READ ON THE WEB ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hnlqx68i6h9286v44bnh4qg8q/vqh3hmuo8xne3ntw/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vYW5udWFsLXJldmlldy0yMDI1 ) Hello friends, This is the final newsletter of the year, and it’s been a big year. I spent the morning working through my annual review framework and turning the results into an essay, which you can read below. In this edition, I look back at 2025 in full: the good, the bad, and the ugly. Writing an annual review is one of the most powerful metacognitive practices you can build into your life. My framework is super simple and you can download the template ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hnlqx68i6h9286v44bnh4qg8q/l2heh6ulw0o6v3cg/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vYW5udWFsLXJldmlldy10ZW1wbGF0ZQ== ) for free to work through it whenever you like. If you’d rather do it live, I’m hosting my annual review workshop in about two hours. You can RSVP ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hnlqx68i6h9286v44bnh4qg8q/m2h7h6u3wgom03sl/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvMjAyNS15ZWFyLWluLXJldmlldy13b3Jrc2hvcA== ) if you’re already a Ness Labs community member, or join the community ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hnlqx68i6h9286v44bnh4qg8q/dphehmuer4q8w8hl/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vbWVtYmVyc2hpcA== ) then head to the Events section. And if you’re still missing a couple of presents for the holidays, Tiny Experiments ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hnlqx68i6h9286v44bnh4qg8q/e0hph0u75pkqw4f7/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vYm9vaw== ) makes a great gift for people who are in transition or who love learning. It’s available anywhere books are sold, with translations in French ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hnlqx68i6h9286v44bnh4qg8q/7qh7h2u93k0wp3s9/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZm5hYy5jb20vYTIxNzg5MDQ2L0FubmUtTGF1cmUtTGUtQ3VuZmYtUGV0aXRlcy1leHBlcmllbmNlcy1wb3VyLXZpdnJlLWVuLWdyYW5k ), Spanish ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hnlqx68i6h9286v44bnh4qg8q/owhkhwuw5k4glxaq/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cucGVuZ3VpbmxpYnJvcy5jb20vZXMvbGlicm9zLWF1dG9heXVkYS8zOTg3OTMtbGlicm8tbWljcm9leHBlcmltZW50b3MtOTc5MTM4NzUxMzAxNj9zcnNsdGlkPUFmbUJPb290eGtlVEJiTUxQMFZPZDA5V01sVlJsYTV2Y0xleWgxREl1ckdVc25nYWFET2FtZmVX ), and more. I’ll see you in your inbox next year! Until then, stay curious :) Anne-Laure. ------------------------------ ⚖️ Presence versus Performance ------------------------------ This year hit me like a bulldozer. There was no amount of reading and research that could have prepared me for this level of intensity, and I want to start this annual review by saying thank you. I’m grateful to my body and brain for mostly holding up. I’m grateful I have access to spaces and tools such as psychedelic medicine, ecstatic dance, and entrepreneur retreats that have helped support my mental health throughout this journey. Most of all, I’m grateful to the people in my life – my family, friends, colleagues, and the entire Ness Labs community – who all showed up in wonderful ways this year. So much happened, but here’s a quick bullet-point overview before I dive in: • Published my first book, Tiny Experiments ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hnlqx68i6h9286v44bnh4qg8q/e0hph0u75pkqw4f7/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vYm9vaw== ), which is being translated into 18 languages. • Recorded over 100 podcast episodes, including 60 in the lead-up to the book launch (which I do not recommend, more on that later). • Gave dozens of keynotes and lectures with audiences ranging from 10 people to 1000+ including at the University of Oxford, TEDx, SXSW, Talks@Google, Harvard Alumni, and Creative Mornings, and got signed by a public speaking agency. • Produced my first premium course ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hnlqx68i6h9286v44bnh4qg8q/z2hgh7ue04oprntz/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vY291cnNl ) in a studio with a live cohort of leaders. • Received $200k in research funding from the UK government and led data collection for four research studies that are awaiting publication. • Went to Burning Man, where my parents renewed their vows and my dad almost died ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hnlqx68i6h9286v44bnh4qg8q/x0hph3uexrn9d0sg/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubWVudGFsbm9kZXMuY29tL3RoZS1idXJuLXlvdS1uZWVk ). • Connected more to the plant world: completed a 9-month herbalism training, made my first tinctures, went on several guided foraging walks, and I managed to keep a plant alive for more than 12 months (a beautiful orchid I named Rocky). • Co-organized a mushroom ceremony for loved ones. • Opened up publicly about my ADHD diagnosis ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hnlqx68i6h9286v44bnh4qg8q/6qhehoul0kpn6gc9/aHR0cHM6Ly9oeXBlcmN1cmlvdXMuY29tL3AvaGVsbG8td29ybGQ= ). • Looking through my calendar, I’m shocked at how many cities I visited this year: Paris, Hong Kong, Singapore, New York, Las Vegas, Boston, Boise, Atlanta, Nashville, Oslo, Amsterdam, Marseille, Zürich, Istanbul, the Black Forest in Germany, and I spent almost two months living out of an Airstream in Austin. I also got to visit more of the UK, including Leeds, Lancaster, Driffield, Osea Island, and the New Forest. • Other highlights I don’t want to forget: had my PhD graduation ceremony ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hnlqx68i6h9286v44bnh4qg8q/kkhmh2un4d8620uk/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5zdGFncmFtLmNvbS9wL0RNdExORFlJYVRvLw== ), joined the reMarkable scientific advisory board ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hnlqx68i6h9286v44bnh4qg8q/58hvh8uglv5kort7/aHR0cHM6Ly9yZW1hcmthYmxlLmNvbS9zY2llbnRpZmljLWFkdmlzb3J5LWJvYXJk ), became a contributor for Big Think ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hnlqx68i6h9286v44bnh4qg8q/25h2h9u3nv740mb8/aHR0cHM6Ly9iaWd0aGluay5jb20vcGVvcGxlL2FubmUtbGF1cmUtbGUtY3VuZmYv ), downsized the Ness Labs team, and got to meet lots of authors, researchers, and entrepreneurs I admire. I also danced in a sauna, hosted dinners at home, and went on a big hike in Brittany with my parents and siblings for my mom’s 70th birthday. SPONSOR ------- When your work feels scattered, it’s hard to make meaningful progress, especially when you’re collaborating with others. Todoist gives you a simple, structured space to organize your tasks, projects, and priorities so your day (and your team’s day) feels clear again. Whether you’re running a business, leading a project, or managing your own workload, Todoist helps you stay focused on what matters — without the overwhelm. Create clarity for yourself and your team. -->Try Todoist for free ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hnlqx68i6h9286v44bnh4qg8q/qvh8h8udq78o2lsg/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cudnBkYWUuY29tL3JlZGlyZWN0L2VlcTF3YzZhemp2a2thZjE3Zmd4OW90NDI5cQ== ) Try Todoist for free ( https://www.vpdae.com/redirect/eeq1wc6azjvkkaf17fgx9ot429q ) -------------------------------- Building a digital immune system -------------------------------- I consider myself a child of the internet. As a teenager, I had a hand-coded blog and a community of online friends from all over the world, whom I’d only ever communicated with in writing via phpBB forums and our ‘blogring’ (remember those?). Although I had a bunch of odd jobs when I was younger, my first ‘real’ job was at Google, and Ness Labs is largely an online business – with an online newsletter, online community, and online courses. So I thought I was prepared for the influx of online attention I’d get when launching the book. Boy, was I wrong. Going on dozens of podcasts was not only exhausting at times, but getting featured on big YouTube channels meant millions of people heard from me for the first time – and not all of them were nice. When the book came out in March, I really struggled with the rare but still hurtful comments on my accent, my appearance, and my supposed unchecked privilege. I didn’t have to deal with Tim Ferriss levels of threats ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hnlqx68i6h9286v44bnh4qg8q/g3hnhwumxde6o2t3/aHR0cHM6Ly90aW0uYmxvZy8yMDIwLzAyLzAyL3JlYXNvbnMtdG8tbm90LWJlY29tZS1mYW1vdXMv ), but to give you an idea, some commenters said my accent made their ears bleed, that I must be funded by my parents, and that I should go back to my country. I knew I shouldn’t care, but I did, and it took a couple of months to build a digital immune system. In general, my physical and mental health wasn’t great during the launch. Being in the US meant I didn’t have my healthy routines, including my favorite snacks, familiar local walks, and coffee catch-ups with close friends. I did go to ecstatic dance a couple of times in New York and Austin, but it wasn’t the same as having my regular practice in London. All the traveling also meant I cancelled meaningful annual rituals. Each year, we organize a psilocybin ceremony with my best friends; that didn’t happen (but I did get to organize one for my family). I spent part of my teenage years with a foster family and normally visit my second mom once a year; that also didn’t happen. I gained weight, my sleep was all over the place, and I even skipped many days of daily journaling – something I hadn’t done in years. Part of me felt guilty about promoting a book that includes an entire chapter on mindful productivity when clearly I still had lots to learn myself. But I was also incredibly grateful for the tools and mindset ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hnlqx68i6h9286v44bnh4qg8q/9qhzhdudnqgz37bz/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vdGFnL2V4cGVyaW1lbnRhbC1taW5kc2V0 ) I’d developed that kept me from completely burning out, even if this pace wasn’t sustainable long-term. Then, in July, when I had planned to take a much-needed break, I discovered that the French translation of Tiny Experiments was so bad that I couldn’t bear the idea of putting my name on it. So I ended up spending the entire month translating my own book into French. This didn’t help with my mental health, but it gave me deep appreciation for the craft of a translator. ------------------------------- When life hits the reset button ------------------------------- Fortunately, just when you’re stuck in a rut, life has a way of jolting you awake – even if it’s not how you’d choose to be woken up. This year, my mom turned 70, and for her birthday she asked that we all go back to ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hnlqx68i6h9286v44bnh4qg8q/3ohphdu3voq4n6fp/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5zdGFncmFtLmNvbS9wL0RObmpQazh2Vy1ILw== )​Burning Man ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hnlqx68i6h9286v44bnh4qg8q/3ohphdu3voq4n6fp/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5zdGFncmFtLmNvbS9wL0RObmpQazh2Vy1ILw== ) as a family so they could renew their wedding vows. This was a magical week. Not just the serendipitous encounters, the heart-opening conversations, the art and the music, but having my phone off for an entire week, with no sense of time, waking up and going to bed when my body wanted to, eating when I was hungry and not as a way to cope with stress, and walking, cycling, dancing every day – it healed me deeply. That is, until the last day, when my dad collapsed in my arms and had to be rushed via helicopter to the hospital in Reno, where he was unconscious for the longest 48 hours of my life. I wrote about it elsewhere ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hnlqx68i6h9286v44bnh4qg8q/x0hph3uexrn9d0sg/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubWVudGFsbm9kZXMuY29tL3RoZS1idXJuLXlvdS1uZWVk ) so I won’t repeat it here, but this terrifying experience had the effect of reconnecting me with what truly matters: to share the precious little time we have on this earth with the people we love, to connect with other human beings on this messy journey that is life, and to be as present as possible for each of those beautiful, challenging, magical moments. The second half of the year was a slow process of rebuilding, reprioritizing, recentering. I decided to let go of two members of the extended Ness Labs team and to invest more in the growth of core team members. We agreed on shared mental models to drive our day-to-day business decisions and built new systems to support these. In the spirit of learning in public, I also decided to publicly embrace the messiness of the process, letting go of my fear that people wouldn’t trust my expertise if I looked like I was still figuring it out. When I froze on stage during my TEDx talk in front of 800 people, I decided to share that experience instead of hiding it in shame. The post went somewhat viral and resulted in many new people discovering my work ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hnlqx68i6h9286v44bnh4qg8q/n2hohquve8n6k8a0/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5jLmNvbS9qdXN0aW4tYmFyaXNvL3RlZC10YWxrLW5ldXJvc2NpZW50aXN0LWFubmUtbGF1cmUtbGUtY3VuZmYtYmxhbmtlZC1vdXQtZW1vdGlvbmFsLWludGVsbGlnZW5jZS1ydWxlLW9mLWF3a3dhcmQtc2lsZW5jZS85MTI1NTI5OA== ). I also shared screenshots of some of the rude comments and emails I received instead of processing them on my own. I think this vulnerability played a big part in the growth of the Ness Labs community this year by attracting like-minded people who want to live more openly, honestly, and kindheartedly. Tiny Experiments sold more than 60,000 copies in its first six months, and my Instagram account grew from 3,000 to more than 50,000 followers in the past twelve months. And ultimately, the kind and constructive messages from people of all ages and backgrounds around the world vastly outnumbered the hurtful ones. --------------------- Experimenting forward --------------------- I write an annual review every single year ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hnlqx68i6h9286v44bnh4qg8q/48hvh7umk506npbq/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20veWVhci1pbi1yZXZpZXc= ) because looking back helps me move forward. Reflecting on 2025, I see several themes I’d like to keep exploring and trends I’d like to shift. Professional life – I couldn’t have hoped for more success in this area, but a lot of it was built on sheer effort and willpower, which aren’t sustainable. Moving forward, I’d like to keep building systems with my team and say no more often so I can focus on the projects that can truly have a meaningful impact. Intellectual life – While I did manage to produce research, my academic work felt very output-oriented: data collection tasks, grant proposals, ethics applications. In 2026, I want more space for reading and thinking. I know how it might sound after the year I’ve had, but I’m also starting to outline my next book, which shows me that I truly love writing (or that I might be a bit crazy, or both). Spiritual and personal life – Rituals ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hnlqx68i6h9286v44bnh4qg8q/wnh2h6uq85rx34cl/aHR0cHM6Ly9iaWd0aGlua21lZGlhLnN1YnN0YWNrLmNvbS9wL3doeS15b3VyLWJyYWluLW5lZWRzLWV2ZXJ5ZGF5LXJpdHVhbHM= ) and time in community are crucial to maintaining my physical and mental health. I want to build my life around those foundations, with work fitting around them rather than the other way around. Lastly, this year made me even more grateful for the amazing people in my life. I’ve been terrible at staying in touch – my WhatsApp is an absolute mess and I’ve been slow to respond or completely missing messages. Thankfully, my friends are wonderful and nobody resented me for not being a great friend this year. If you’re someone I haven’t replied to, please follow up with me; that would be the best holiday gift :) Thank you for reading, and happy new year! ------------- 📚 Brain Picks ------------- • Spark your most productive year yet. Join me ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hnlqx68i6h9286v44bnh4qg8q/reh8h9umn2qwevu6/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbGlhYmRhYWwuY29tL3NwYXJrLTIwMjYvP3V0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1zcGsyNiZ1dG1fY29udGVudD1hbm5lLWxhdXJlX25ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWFubmUtbGF1cmU= ) with Ali Abdaal and some inspiring guest speakers for a live, virtual weekend summit on January 4 to reflect on the year, set meaningful goals for 2026, and build systems for consistent action.​ • Start your mornings with All Healthy. All Healthy delivers wellness to your inbox, from nutrition and fitness tips to important health news, all in just 5 minutes. Trusted by 1M+ readers. Subscribe here ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hnlqx68i6h9286v44bnh4qg8q/08hwhgu2qomgkksp/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuY2xrbWcuY29tL08tUGxhdGZvcm0vbmVzc2xhYnM= ). • Get A Little Wiser in 5 Minutes. Join 64,000 readers for 3 quick insights, 3x a week. We simplify history, science, philosophy and more every edition. Recent highlights: Exploring Dante’s Underworld, Napoleon’s Rise, The Nocebo Effect Explained. Subscribe with 1 click for free ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hnlqx68i6h9286v44bnh4qg8q/8ghqh3uok0gqx5hl/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbGl0dGxld2lzZXJuZXdzbGV0dGVyLmNvbS8= ). Many thanks to our partners for supporting the Ness Labs newsletter! Want to appear here? Please email support@nesslabs.com ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hnlqx68i6h9286v44bnh4qg8q/vqh3hmuo8xnednuw/bWFpbHRvOnN1cHBvcnRAbmVzc2xhYnMuY29t ). ---------------------- 🗓️ Events of the Week ---------------------- If you enjoy the newsletter, you’ll love our community of curious minds conducting tiny experiments within a safe space and learning together. Here is an overview of upcoming events (full calendar ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hnlqx68i6h9286v44bnh4qg8q/l2heh6ulw0o6z3ig/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vZXZlbnRz )): • Understand your plateaus. Join Gosia Fricze for a one-hour interactive session ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hnlqx68i6h9286v44bnh4qg8q/dphehmuer4q8m8ul/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvY3JlYXRpdmUtaG91ci1ob3ctdG8tc3RheS1tb3RpdmF0ZWQtdGhyb3VnaC1wbGF0ZWF1cw== ) on Monday to reflect on the progress you may have overlooked and explore how to stay motivated when growth feels slow. ​• Process your notes. The end of the year is a great time to clean up your note-taking system. Do it with others during a special Processing Power Hour ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hnlqx68i6h9286v44bnh4qg8q/e0hph0u75pkq24h7/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvcGttLWNvbGxlY3RpdmUtcHJvY2Vzc2luZy1wb3dlci1ob3VyLTdjMDY5Yw== ) on December 31st with Remy Rohan and members of the PKM Collective. ​• Rediscover your inner compass. There are seasons in life when the old ways no longer fit. Join this workshop ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hnlqx68i6h9286v44bnh4qg8q/7qh7h2u93k0wm3f9/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvd29ya3Nob3AtYnJlYWtpbmctZnJlZS1mcm9tLXRoZS1idXJub3V0LWN5Y2xl ) with Paula Amiama to slow down, map where you are in your own creative season, and tune into what’s most alive for you now. ​• Make progress on your projects. Our Pomodoro-based coworking sessions ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hnlqx68i6h9286v44bnh4qg8q/owhkhwuw5k4g7xtq/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvY2FsZW5kYXIvP3NvcnQ9YXNj ) are hosted twice a week by Kathryn Ruge and Joshwin Greene, covering all timezones. ​• Host your own workshop (anytime!). Do you have an idea for a short presentation and Q&A or a workshop you’d like to trial? Test your first iteration ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hnlqx68i6h9286v44bnh4qg8q/z2hgh7ue04op8ncz/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb21tdW5pdHkubmVzc2xhYnMuY29tL2MvZG9jdW1lbnRhdGlvbi9ldmVudHMtaG9zdGluZw== ) in the Ness Labs community and get feedback. We promote all sessions here in the newsletter. -->Join the community ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hnlqx68i6h9286v44bnh4qg8q/p8hehqu4839gl6cr/aHR0cHM6Ly9kaXNjb3Zlci5jaXJjbGUuc28vcHJvZHVjdC9uZXNzLWxhYnMtY29tbXVuaXR5 ) Join the community ( https://discover.circle.so/product/ness-labs-community )All of these and future events are included in the price of the membership (only $49 for one year), as well as access to our courses, workshop library, and a dedicated space to track your tiny experiments. Until next year, take care! Anne-Laure. You received this email because you subscribed to the Ness Labs ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hnlqx68i6h9286v44bnh4qg8q/x0hph3uexrn9l0ag/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20v ) newsletter. “-ness” is a suffix that means “state of being”, as in awareness, mindfulness, consciousness. Ness Labs is a playground for curiosity – a place where you can learn how to experiment with ideas, explore creative projects, and reflect on your progress. Of course I don’t want to see you go, but you can unsubscribe ( https://d41e12b1.unsubscribe.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hnlqx68i6h9286v44bnh4qg8q ) at any time. If you do leave, I’d love an email to let me know what I could do better to improve the newsletter. Alternatively, you can update your profile ( https://preferences.convertkit-mail4.com/5qum7890wos7hnlqx68i6h9286v44bnh4qg8q ) to use a different email address. © Ness Labs, 113 Cherry St #92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2205.

************************************** 🎉 Welcome to the Ness Labs newsletter! ************************************** Hi, I'm Anne-Laure Le Cunff – neuroscientist, entrepreneur, and author of ​Tiny Experiments​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu2grkqp9u8u7g45nkilh820mwkkb4h47kz7/58hwmlkdu8umelpg3pa7/aHR0cDovL25lc3NsYWJzLmNvbS9ib29r ). You're receiving this this email because you subscribed after being recommended by the Growth In Reverse newsletter. It's great to have you! Ness Labs is your space to explore how to achieve more without sacrificing your mental health. Here's what you can expect from my emails: * Actionable insights: Bite-sized, science-backed tips on mindful productivity, creativity, and mental health at work. * Personal growth: Practical tools and strategies to experiment with small changes that lead to big improvements. * Learning in public: A community of curious minds exploring creative ideas and sharing their knowledge. If you're an experimentalist at heart — you like asking questions, understanding the world around you, and exploring your ambitions — this newsletter is for you. While you wait for your first newsletter, you can check out the previous editions ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu2grkqp9u8u7g45nkilh820mwkkb4h47kz7/wnh2h6uwz89qm5bl/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXdzbGV0dGVyLm5lc3NsYWJzLmNvbS9wcm9maWxlL3Bvc3Rz ), read the latest articles ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu2grkqp9u8u7g45nkilh820mwkkb4h47kz7/reh8h9u08n9mk3c6/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vYXJ0aWNsZXM= ), explore the community ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu2grkqp9u8u7g45nkilh820mwkkb4h47kz7/08hwhgud8q02nxbp/aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXNzbGFicy5jb20vbWVtYmVyc2hpcA== ), or have a look at my new book​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu2grkqp9u8u7g45nkilh820mwkkb4h47kz7/qvhp2oeeb8urxqgdegsg/aHR0cDovL25lc3NsYWJzLmNvbS9ib29r ). If you have any questions, just respond to this email and I'll get back to you. In the meantime, I'm excited to have you in our little corner of the internet! Anne-Laure Le Cunff ​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu2grkqp9u8u7g45nkilh820mwkkb4h47kz7/8ghqh3ul4keowptl/aHR0cHM6Ly94LmNvbS9uZXNzX2xhYnM= ) ​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu2grkqp9u8u7g45nkilh820mwkkb4h47kz7/vqh3hmup582omdfw/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cueW91dHViZS5jb20vQG5ldXJhbm5l ) ​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu2grkqp9u8u7g45nkilh820mwkkb4h47kz7/l2heh6u3gw5lqkfg/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5zdGFncmFtLmNvbS9uZXVyYW5uZQ== ) ​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu2grkqp9u8u7g45nkilh820mwkkb4h47kz7/m2h7h6u8rwk32otl/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubGlua2VkaW4uY29tL2luL25ldXJhbm5l ) ​ ( https://d41e12b1.click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu2grkqp9u8u7g45nkilh820mwkkb4h47kz7/dphehmu03rzed0il/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYW1hem9uLmNvLnVrL1RpbnktRXhwZXJpbWVudHMtRnJlZWx5LUdvYWwtT2JzZXNzZWQtV29ybGQvZHAvMTgwMDgxOTE1Mw== ) 113 Cherry St #92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2205 ​Unsubscribe ( https://d41e12b1.unsubscribe.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu2grkqp9u8u7g45nkilh820mwkkb4h47kz7 ) · Preferences ( https://preferences.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu2grkqp9u8u7g45nkilh820mwkkb4h47kz7 )​