Each year as I plan my garden, I label my efforts as “experiments”. Will this seed grow in this place? Will this flower be the color shown on the packet? Will this perennial survive the winter? Will this tomato really produce fruit in the promised 50 days? Can I be more consistent in watering and fertilizing throughout this summer? 

Viewing my garden goals as an annual experiment, I anticipate both successes and failures. Even with promised results on the producer’s tags, I know that my environment is unique and will require personalized testing, learning, and adjusting. This approach helps me be excited each year to try new things and continue growing my gardening knowledge. 

Ralph Waldo Emerson believed this same view applies to life, “All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better.” Wonder if we viewed life as a series of experiments, each one giving us valuable results on what does and doesn’t bring us joy? Instead of labeling ourselves as weak or unable to do difficult things, we could transform our unsuccessful attempts as helpful information that helps us plan our next step forward.  

Why the Mindset of Experiments Works

1. The word experiment implies that to achieve a goal or make a discovery, it takes time to test what works and what doesn’t work. If the outcome just happened, there would be no need to experiment. “I’ll keep trying until I find what works.” 

2. Experiments focus on the process, not just the goal. This provides success whenever there is action instead of waiting to celebrate only when the goal is completed. “This will take some time for me to figure out how to do this goal. My efforts count.”

3. In an experiment, failure isn’t personal, it’s just part of the process. The discoveries of what doesn’t work can be as exciting as what does. “Well, good to know that doesn’t work! What should I try next?”

4. We can learn from other’s experiments and the expertise they have gained, but many times we have to discover how to apply it to our situation. “I’m glad running works for you, but I think I need to get physical activity a different way.” 

5. Remember, all experts were once beginners. There are no quick fixes or magical wands when it comes to becoming a better person or acquiring new skills. Every expert can share their story of learning from many trials. “They went through a hard time, too, but they didn’t give up.” 

6. As a notebook lover, I appreciate that every good scientist needs a record of what experiment was done and the results. It’s hard to remember what you did and what you learned unless you write it down. “I only need two weeks of menus because I usually eat the same foods.” 

My Recent Experiments

Here are a few of my recent experiment discoveries:

• I love frozen vegetables! I can buy a small bag for $1.00, pop it in the microwave for five minutes and it’s delicious. Frozen vegetables are just as nutritious as fresh, and there isn’t any waste. It’s been a great win toward the goal of eating more fruits and vegetables daily. 

• I can simplify my wardrobe. When I went on vacation for two weeks, I took three blue and white striped tee shirts, two pair of shorts, two swimsuits and a dress. It worked beautifully and there was a new freedom from fretting about what to wear. It also left more room in my suitcase for books! This discovery will positively affect both my future shopping and spending. 

• My daily to-do lists are still too long. I probably will die with a to-do list by my bedside so I’m sure they’re not going away. But it’s time for them to be shorter, more realistic, and include more play. This links to my goal of finding a life pace I can maintain without the extremes of overwork and then total exhaustion. 

Try This

It’s surprising what a difference labeling your efforts as experiments can be in helping you not give up or feel like a failure. Consider your reaction to this: New Year’s Resolutions vs. New Year’s Experiments. Feels different, doesn’t it? Who wouldn’t want a year of fun experiments? 

Sometime soon, try relabeling an effort toward a goal as an experiment. Examine the effort as if you were a scientist with the intention of curiosity and discovery. Ask yourself, “What did I just observe and learn from this action?” Then notice what happens.

Winston Churchill offers this affirmation, “Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm.” 

Final Note

I’m off to planting my garden. This year, I’m going to try my luck with lavender, beets, and cherry tomatoes. And did I tell you I have a hive of bees? Can’t wait to see what happens!