Micro-experiments: The secret to finding what you love
Slowly…slowly…
We’ve been told to "find our passion" like it’s some magical thing waiting to be discovered. But if you’ve been sitting around, waiting for a lightning bolt of clarity, let’s be real, that’s not how it works.
Passion isn’t something you find. It’s something you build.
The best way to figure out what excites you? Micro-experiments. These are small, low-risk tests that let you explore new interests without the pressure of committing long-term.
Let’s talk about how tiny experiments can lead you to the things you truly love.
Stop searching for one big passion. Test small interests instead.
The idea that you have one passion you’re meant to do forever? Total myth. Most people discover what they love by trying different things, not by waiting for an epiphany.
Bestselling author Elizabeth Gilbert didn’t wake up knowing she’d be a writer. She followed her curiosity—studying archaeology, traveling, waitressing—before realizing storytelling was her thing. Her career wasn’t planned, it was built through small experiments.
What to do instead:
Think of your interests as experiments, not commitments.
Try things just for fun.
Pay attention to what excites you and what drains you.
Take action: Write down 3 things you’ve been curious about. Pick one and take a tiny step toward exploring it this week. Watch a video, read a book, or try doing whatever it is for 10 minutes.
Read: Why following your curiosity works better than chasing passion
Keep the stakes low. Try before you commit.
One of the biggest reasons people stay stuck? They fear wasting time or failing. But micro-experiments eliminate that fear because they’re quick, easy, and commitment-free.
Want to know if you’d enjoy running your own business? Instead of quitting your job, start by freelancing on the side for a few months. Love photography? Borrow a camera and shoot for fun before investing in expensive gear. Testing in small ways reduces risk while giving you real insights.
What to do instead:
Start with the smallest possible step.
Set a short test period (a weekend, a week, a month).
Give yourself permission to walk away if it’s not for you.
Take action: Pick an interest and design a 7-day micro-experiment. What’s the easiest way to test if you actually enjoy it?
Read: How to overcome fear of failure and take action anyway
Clearly he's having a better day than I am. Clearly.
Pay attention to excitement, not just skill
A common mistake? Thinking you should only pursue things you’re "naturally good at." But excitement is just as important as talent. Scratch that. It's more important.
Richard Branson had no experience in the airline industry when he launched Virgin Atlantic. But he was excited about the challenge and committed to figuring it out. His passion for the process, not his expertise, made the business a success.
What to do instead:
Notice when you lose track of time—that’s a clue.
Don’t dismiss something just because you’re a beginner.
Follow excitement and let skill develop naturally.
Take action: Reflect on a time you were fully engaged in something. What were you doing? How can you bring more of that into your life?
Read: Create your dream life: 3 Unconventional steps that actually work
Let go of the pressure to get it right immediately
Not every experiment will lead to a lifelong passion—and that’s completely okay. Many passions start as small interests that evolve over time.
Marie Forleo, founder of B-School, didn’t have a clear path at first. She tested different things: bartending, dance, coaching, writing, before realizing she loved helping entrepreneurs. Her clarity came from trying, not thinking.
What to do instead:
Let yourself be a beginner. Growth takes time.
Allow yourself to pivot if something isn’t the right fit.
Trust that action leads to clarity, not the other way around.
Take action: Think of an experiment you tried that didn’t work out. Instead of seeing it as a "failure," what did it teach you? How can you use that insight?
Passion isn’t something you find. It’s something you create through curiosity and action. Micro-experiments give you the freedom to explore, learn, and discover what truly lights you up.
✔ Test small interests before making big commitments.
✔ Keep experiments low-risk and pressure-free.
✔ Pay attention to what excites you, not just what you’re good at.
✔ Allow yourself to pivot. Clarity comes through doing.
Your next passion might be just one experiment away. What will you try this week? Drop it in the comments.
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