What if you treated your New Year’s resolutions like experiments? Hypotheses, metrics, iterations, the whole scientific method. That’s how I’ve approached life for years, and it’s changed everything.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved experimenting with new ideas and optimising parts of my life, even before I knew the scientific or statistical terms behind it. One vivid memory takes me back to one of my early experiments in Class 6. I had just moved to a new school where I struggled to get my usual good grades in English Dictation. Then I discovered that all our dictations came from a specific book I didn’t have. So, I asked my mum to buy me a copy. During the next school break, I learnt the meanings of the words, memorised them, and practised constructing sentences. The next term, the lowest score I achieved was 9/10.

That was my first taste of using data and iteration to solve a problem, a principle that still guides me today.

Fast forward to now: I work in experimentation full-time. Equipped with the science and methodology behind world-class experiments, I apply these principles to my personal life too.

Life can be hard and fun at the same time. The hard parts are often beyond my control, but the fun? That’s mine to optimise.

In 2025, I applied this mindset to personal challenges, running experiments on managing anxiety, improving sleep quality, learning to swim, showing up on video, and rebuilding my online presence after a long break. Each experiment had a hypothesis, data collection, analysis, reporting, metrics, and multiple iterations. Most of them improved significantly after several rounds.

How to Build Your Personal Experimentation System

If you want to make your New Year’s resolutions or vision board goals stick, here’s a framework to get started:

1. Start With Data – Both Qualitative and Quantitative

Before you run any experiment, you need a baseline. Think of this as your starting point, the “before” picture. Collect both qualitative and quantitative data:

Quantitative Data (Numbers & Measurable Facts):

• Hours of sleep per night
• Number of gym visits per week
• Screen time from your phone
• Frequency of LinkedIn posts
• Steps walked daily
• Weight lifted or distance swam

Qualitative Data (Feelings & Observations):

• How anxious or calm you feel during the day
• Energy levels after a workout
• Confidence when speaking on video
• Mood after journaling or meditation
• Sense of connection after posting online

Use all the data points you have, your journal, conversations with friends and family, your calendar, phone usage stats, daily habits, and routines. These insights will help you identify what needs improvement and set realistic goals.

2. Craft Your Hypothesis (The Heart of Every Experiment)

A good hypothesis is clear, testable, and measurable. It’s not just a wish but a structured statement that predicts an outcome based on an action. Here are the basic tenets:

Start with an assumption: What do you believe will happen if you take a specific action?

Make it specific: Avoid vague statements like “I want to be better at LinkedIn.” Instead, define what “better” means.

Ensure it’s testable: You should be able to collect data to confirm or refute it.

Tie it to a timeframe: Experiments need boundaries so set a duration for your test.

Formula to follow: If I [take this action], then [this measurable outcome] will happen within [timeframe].

Examples:

• If I post on LinkedIn twice a week for three months, then I will find my unique voice and connect with at least 10 like-minded professionals.
• If I go to the gym three times a week for eight weeks, then I will improve my lifting form and increase my strength.

A strong hypothesis gives your experiment direction and clarity. Without it, you’re just guessing.

3. Define Your Metrics

What does success look like for each test? Make it personal and meaningful. Avoid vanity metrics.

If you’re testing LinkedIn visibility, don’t focus on likes and comments initially. Instead, measure consistency, clarity of voice, and quality of connections.

If you’re lifting weights, track gym visits per week, form improvement, and progressive overload, not “abs in three months.” Your dreams are valid, but they take time. Choose metrics that keep you motivated.

4. Build the Test (Design for Success)

This is where planning meets execution. A well-designed test increases your chances of success. Here’s how to make it robust:

Set clear parameters: How long will the test run? What’s your start and end date?

Break it into steps: For LinkedIn, decide how many posts per week, when you’ll create them, and whether you’ll schedule in advance. For fitness, choose 3–5 exercises, plan your gym days, and set realistic progression goals.

Create an enabling environment: Remove friction. If you’re posting online, block time in your calendar for content creation. If you’re hitting the gym, pack your bag the night before and keep your workout playlist ready.

Plan for iteration: No test is perfect the first time. Build in checkpoints to review and tweak your approach mid-way.

Add accountability: Share your goal with a friend or online community. External accountability often boosts consistency.

Think of this stage as building the runway before the flight. You want everything ready so the take-off is smooth.

5. Run the Test and Collect Data (Execution Mode)

Now it’s time to act. Here’s how to make this phase meaningful:

Stick to the plan: Consistency matters more than intensity. Follow the schedule you set.

Track everything: Use simple tools, Google Sheets, Notion, or even your phone notes. Record what you did, when you did it, and any observations.

Capture both numbers and feelings: Data isn’t just quantitative. How did you feel after each workout? Did posting on LinkedIn feel easier over time?

Set review intervals: Don’t wait until the end. Check progress weekly or bi-weekly to see if you’re on track.

Stay flexible: If something isn’t working, adjust but don’t abandon the test too early. Give it enough time to produce meaningful insights.

Remember: the goal isn’t perfection; it’s learning. Every test gives you data to make better decisions next time.

6. Analyse and Report

This is where the magic happens. The goal isn’t just to see if you “won” or “lost” but to learn and improve. Here’s how to make this step meaningful:

Compare against your hypothesis: Did the outcome match your prediction? If not, why?

Look beyond the numbers: How do you feel? Did the experiment make life easier, more enjoyable, or less stressful?

Ask the right questions:

• What worked well?
• What didn’t work and why?
• What surprised you?
• What would you change next time?

Document your learnings:

Use a simple journal, spreadsheet, or Notion page to record results and insights. Over time, this becomes your personal “playbook” for life optimisation.

Decide your next move:

• Continue: If it worked, make it a habit.
• Iterate: If it partly worked, tweak and test again.
• Pivot: If it didn’t work, try a different approach.

Remember: experiments are feedback loops not failures. Every test gives you data to make smarter decisions next time.

Final Thoughts

Some goals thrive on intensity; others are lifelong journeys. Know where yours fit and plan accordingly. Over time, you’ll build a stack of experiments that improve your life and work.

Remember: you’re a work in progress. You don’t need to optimise everything, but if you’ve identified something worth improving, this is a great start.

Your New Year’s resolution, vision board, or Habakkuk 2:1–3 list is fantastic but make it fun by running a scientific experiment. Start small. It could be as simple as finding your perfect lip ‘combo’ or trying a new makeup style.

Rooting for you. Happy New Year!