Realign
Agency comes from action, not intention. Or, mood follows action.
Goal: Design a micro-experiment that lets you embody your new identity over the next few days.
Big plans fail because the cost of being wrong is too high. There is too much risk. Thin-slice experiments flip the equation. Make being wrong cheap. Learn that experimenting is normal. And, make learning fast so you can create momentum.
A thin slice experiment is a small, low-risk behavior taken by the future version of you.
You’re sampling the future you desire by mapping your feelings onto your nervous system through action.
Guided Exercise: Thin-Slice Experiment Design Worksheet
Answer the following: What new identity do I want to test?
Examples:
“I am someone who prioritizes creativity.”
“I am someone who moves at a peaceful pace.”
“I am someone who values connection.”
Hint: Make these answers more about emotions and energy you want to feel. Don’t get caught up in the what or how of the identity shift.
What action would this version of me take TODAY?
Not next month. Today.
What is the smallest possible version of that action?
Shrink it until it feels slightly embarrassing. Here are some examples of thin-slice experiments:
- 10 minutes of creative time
- One solitary walk
- One honest conversation
- One hour without multitasking
- One boundary
- One act of courage
What signal am I looking for?
What will tell you it’s working?
Examples: relief, ease, joy, confidence, a new idea, a surprising conversation.
What fear-based story might sabotage me?
Name it so it loses power. If you can see the blocker, you can identify when it shows up. Remind your concerned ego that this is just an experiment.
Run the Experiment
Do it within 24 hours and run it for 3-5 days. No need to even share it or tell others what you’re doing. There’s no need for perfection or drama. It’s an experiment so you’re looking for feedback, not solutions. For 24-72 hours commit to doing the things you’ve identified as signals or markers of your new path. Remember, it’s temporary so there’s no risk here.
Then write down:
- What surprised you?
- What energized you?
- What gave you information about your future?
Day 3 complete.