The Man in the Arena - Theodore Roosevelt

Sat, 08 Aug 2026 11:02:26 +0530

Tiny Experiments by Anne-Laure Le Cunff

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 14:50:23 +0530

Thanks are due to Shivani Bhardwaj for lending me her copy of this book. Here’s one of the appendices from it.

(A printable version available at https://nesslabs.com/toolkit)

Start by selecting the question that best describes the current situation and go to the corresponding quadrant.

Adopt an experimental mindeet with the Three Menal Shifts: from response 1 to response 2, from fixed ladders to growth loops, from outcome to process.
Challenge cognitive scripts with Field Notes: take notes on insights, your energy, your mood and encounters.
Design small iterative experiments with a Pact: I will [action] for [duration]. A pact is purposeful, actionable, continuous and trackable.

Open magic windows with a Kairos ritual: a short ritual that is practical and enjoyable.
Listen to procrastination with the triple check: Head—is it appropriate? Hand—is it doable? Heart—is it exciting?
Leverage imperfection with the Ambition Dials: identify perfectionist patterns, challenge your unrealistic targetrs, choose progress over perfection.

Create metacognitive growth loops with plus-minus-next. Take note of accomplishments; personal or professional. Then identify challenges or obstacles and setbacks. Then use them to inform actions and next steps.
Broaden the decision frame with the steering sheet (shown below).
Dance with disruption with the two-step reset: processing the subjective experience, managing the objective consequences.

Unlock social flow with a Curisosity Circle: start scrappy, be up front, don’t overthink it, make it cozy, don’t hold the reins too tight.
Learn in public with the Public Pillars: make a pledge, choose a platform, practice and iterate.
Do generative work with the Five Keys: do the work first, grow lateral roots, prioritize impact over image, close the loops to open doors, play along the way.

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 15:57:53 +0530