Is It Worth It? Experiment to Find Out


In this episode of The Localist, host Carrie Rollwagen delves into the concept of running experiments in both personal life and business to determine the feasibility and potential of new ideas. She explains that often, people either dive headfirst into implementing a new idea by overhauling their entire routine or avoid starting at all due to overthinking, both of which can lead to perceived failure or wasted effort. Instead, Carrie advocates for treating these new ventures as experiments with set parameters, time limits and defined metrics for success. This approach allows individuals or teams to test the waters without fully committing long-term, ultimately providing a clearer idea of whether the change is worth the effort.

Carrie also touches on the psychological aspects behind successful habit changes, drawing on insights from various business books and the Noom app. She emphasizes the importance of framing new initiatives as short-term trials to remove the pressure of permanent change, making them more manageable and less daunting. This method also fosters a more adaptive and innovative mindset, particularly useful in dynamic business environments. The episode concludes with actionable advice on how to set parameters, establish time limits and evaluate outcomes effectively, thereby empowering listeners to make more informed decisions about integrating new practices into their lives or workplaces.

Mentioned in this episode:

Carrie’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/crollwagen

Sign up for Carrie’s newsletter: https://gmail.us20.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=9c59a060684d71f12f6e495fc&id=98cd3122b9

Carrie’s Website: https://carrierollwagen.com/

“How to Read Books” (business book episode of the Localist): https://carrierollwagen.com/podcast-episodes/how-to-read-books-from-choosing-the-right-title-to-knowing-when-to-quit/

The Noom Mindset: Learn the Science, Lose the Weight: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-noom-mindset-learn-the-science-lose-the-weight-noom/18583501?ean=9781982194291

Noom book on audio: https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9781797146942

“How Do I Actually Set a SMART Goal?” episode of The Localist: https://carrierollwagen.com/podcast-episodes/how-do-i-actually-set-a-smart-goal/

About Carrie

Carrie Rollwagen is host of the Localist podcast and cofounder of Church Street Coffee & Books. Currently, she works as Vice President of Strategic Planning at Infomedia, a web development company in Birmingham, Alabama. Find the Localist at @thinklocalist on Instagram and follow Carrie at @crollwagen.

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