The Importance of Experimentation

Trying something new isn’t always easy. In fact, it can feel really uncomfortable at times. But I’ve come to realize that experimentation is one of the most important things I can do to grow, both personally and professionally.

Lately, I’ve noticed that some people around me struggle with the idea of experimenting. They prefer to stick with what’s familiar and comfortable, even when they know things could be made better. This made me think a lot about how important it is to embrace experimentation—especially if you're on a journey of self-improvement.

Difficulty Accepting the Role of Experimentation

For a long time, I wasn’t comfortable with experimentation either. I love structure and order. I like knowing exactly what’s going to happen and how things will play out. I’m the kind of person who geeks out about standard operating procedures, or SOPs. They give me a sense of control and certainty.

The problem with this is that experimentation doesn’t fit neatly into a structured system. It’s unpredictable, and that can be unsettling. Early on, I would avoid trying new things, because the way I was doing things worked “well enough.” The idea of changing something just for the sake of change felt uncomfortable, even unnecessary.

My Shift in Thinking

My perspective started to change during my time in the video game industry. In this biz, I discovered that the feedback cycle was much faster than in other work I had done. In other words, I could try something new, get feedback, and adjust quickly.

For example, I could design two or three different versions of a game map with little effort, just to see which one worked better. The results were clear: sometimes, a quick experiment would give me much better results than sticking with the original plan.

That’s when I started to understand the value of trying new things, even if they felt uncomfortable at first. Sometimes, experimentation doesn’t just lead to good results—it leads to better results.

Current Experiments in My Life

Today, I’m experimenting more than ever. One example is this website. The previous versions of this site were filled with images of towering buildings, business environments, and technology. It was a very corporate look—but it didn’t fully capture who I am now.

At first, I wasn’t sure about using artistic imagery to represent my focus on creativity and personal development. But after experimenting with it, I realized it does a much better job of showing the creative aspects of my work. It’s a reminder that there are always different ways to express yourself, and that change can be a good thing.

Another experiment I’m working on is my new work methodology. I’ve always been a fan of lists. They kept me organized and on track. But lately, I’ve started evaluating my work by its value, not just urgency. This new approach felt uncomfortable at first, but it has helped me focus on the most important tasks, leaving behind the ones that don’t add as much value. In fact, I’m getting more done now because I’m no longer distracted by the small, less important tasks. What once felt uncomfortable is now part of my new, more productive routine.

Perhaps the most surprising experiment I’ve embarked on is learning to code. In the past, I would have told you I hated coding. It seemed difficult and boring to me. But after trying it out, I found that it wasn’t as bad as I thought. While I’m never going to be a full-time programmer, I’ve learned that coding has made me a better Technical Product Manager. It’s given me new tools and a deeper understanding of how the systems I work with actually work.

The Power of Small Risks

Now, I feel much better about taking small risks and trying new things. I’ve seen firsthand how experimentation can lead to breakthroughs. There’s a sense of freedom that comes with being willing to experiment. You don’t have to have everything figured out. The process of trying something new, learning from it, and adjusting is what leads to growth.

Over the next few months, I’ll continue to challenge my own standard operating procedures. Who knows what breakthroughs I’ll uncover as I push myself to experiment and try new things?