Chapter 1: Understanding Life as an Experiment

As I navigate my late 20s, I've come to understand that life is a continuous series of experiments. You try various paths, sometimes face setbacks, and then adapt your journey. This fluidity is essential; it allows you to adjust your direction toward your desired goals. Unfortunately, many individuals hesitate to explore new avenues.

They seldom contemplate trying something different or committing to a daily practice over a year or two. Even when they do consider it, they struggle to maintain that commitment. This period in life often coincides with a Quarter Life Crisis, a time filled with uncertainties and doubts. However, I believe this uncertainty is the perfect moment to start experimenting.

Why do we hesitate to try new things?

Most of us harbor dreams—whether it's to become a top YouTuber, an NBA player, or a software developer. Yet, dreams remain just that without actionable steps. This leads to a cycle of inaction. When was the last time you ventured into something entirely new?

For many, the answer is tied to their younger years when exploration was driven by curiosity rather than obligation. As children, we engaged in activities for the joy of it—there were no external rewards, just a natural inclination to learn and grow.

However, as we age, the fear of responsibility can create a paralyzing barrier. We dread:

• The time spent deliberating our choices
• The possibility of making the wrong decision

This fear can be a paradox; the indecision often results in more time wasted than if we had simply tried something new. Overthinking becomes a trap, keeping us from moving forward.

Consider successful individuals like LeBron James or Beyoncé, who discovered their talents only by trying. They approached life with a mindset of exploration rather than fear.

Instead of fixating on potential losses, they focused on the present and tackled challenges as they arose.

Section 1.1: The Power of Experimentation

Embracing a mindset of experimentation is crucial to personal growth. Everyone has innate skills waiting to be discovered. While it may take time to find what you excel at, the journey of exploration can be rewarding in itself.

For instance, I wasn't compensated for playing volleyball when I was 13, yet my dedication led me to play internationally and secure a university scholarship. The skills I gained through this sport—community building, incremental progress, and problem-solving—are invaluable and transferable to other areas of my life, including my software engineering career.

Subsection 1.1.1: Learning from Role Models

One contemporary example of experimentation is MrBeast.

1. Cultivating Curiosity

   When was the last time you acted on your curiosity? MrBeast began his YouTube journey 14 years ago, driven solely by his passion for creating content. At that time, YouTube offered no financial incentive, yet his curiosity propelled him forward.

2. Taking Initiative

   The initial step is often the hardest yet most crucial. It’s about transitioning from contemplation to action. The mantra “Just do it” encapsulates this idea. The fear of starting is unfounded, as momentum builds once you begin.

3. Passion for Your Craft

   Over time, sustained effort reveals whether you genuinely enjoy what you do. This exploration is vital; it’s not a one-size-fits-all journey. If you discover a passion, commit to it, as that’s where success often lies.

Chapter 2: Filling Your Life with Experiments

Life is inherently experimental. As Forrest Gump wisely noted, “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.” This unpredictability is what makes life exciting.

Continuously trying new things will lead you to discover your unique talents. Once you find that passion, you’ll enjoy long-lasting fulfillment. It’s a treasure that cannot be bought, and it’s something you'll cherish forever.

For further insights, feel free to leave your questions in the comments. If you appreciate my writing, consider following my work or buying me a coffee!

The first video titled "Less is more: Why our brains struggle to subtract" explores how simplifying choices can enhance decision-making.

The second video, "Everything wrong with statistics (and how to fix it)," discusses common misconceptions in statistics and how to approach data effectively.