To Become Who You Want To Be, Try These 15 Life Experiments

To Become Who You Want To Be, Try These 15 Life Experiments

At Greylock, our mission is to help realize rare potential. We believe in being trusted partners to entrepreneurs at every stage, from idea to IPO. The entrepreneurs we back have the vision to build something huge that hasn't existed before. They are driven by a mission, intellectually honest, and always eager to learn. They possess raw ambition, bravery, and grit. They never give up, and they have a unique ability to lead and inspire others to join their journey.

Just like these entrepreneurs, we can all benefit from pushing ourselves outside of our comfort zones and experimenting with new experiences. Here are 15 life experiments that individuals have embarked on, showcasing their growth, learning, and transformation:

1. Intuit Employee Learns How To Draw A Freakishly Realistic Portrait In 30 Days
   This experiment demonstrates the power of focused practice and dedication. By committing to a daily drawing practice for just 30 days, this person achieved remarkable results. It teaches us that consistent effort and persistence can lead to significant improvements in any skill.

2. Girl Learns How To Dance Like A Pro In a Year (TIME LAPSE)
   This experiment shows the transformative power of discipline and commitment. By dedicating herself to daily dance practice for an entire year, this girl was able to achieve professional-level skills. It reminds us that consistent effort over time can lead to extraordinary growth.

3. Woman Does One Thing That Completely Scares Her Every Day For 100 Days
   This experiment highlights the importance of facing our fears head-on. By intentionally seeking out activities that scare her, this woman challenged herself to grow and expand her comfort zone. It proves that by embracing discomfort, we can unlock our true potential.

4. Guy Plays Table Tennis Every Day for a Year (And Gets A Top 250 Ranking)
   This experiment demonstrates the power of deliberate practice. By committing to daily table tennis practice for a year, this individual was able to achieve a high ranking in the sport. It reminds us that consistent, focused practice can lead to extraordinary achievements.

5. Mother And Daughter Lose Weight Together (33kg / 74lbs in 100 Days)
   This experiment showcases the power of accountability and support. By embarking on a weight loss journey together, this mother and daughter were able to achieve incredible results. It teaches us that having a strong support system can significantly impact our ability to achieve our goals.

6. Two Friends Travel To Four Countries To Learn Four Languages In One Year… Without Ever Speaking English
   This experiment highlights the importance of immersion and real-world application in language learning. By traveling to different countries and fully immersing themselves in the culture, these friends were able to learn four languages without relying on English. It demonstrates that practical experience is key to mastering a new language.

7. This 12 Year Old Girl Mastered Dubstep Dancing By Just Using Youtube
   This experiment shows the power of online resources and self-directed learning. By using YouTube as her primary source of instruction, this young girl was able to master the art of dubstep dancing. It reminds us that with access to the right tools and resources, we can learn almost anything.

8. Man Photographs Himself Meeting A New Stranger Every Day For One Year
   This experiment emphasizes the value of human connection and stepping outside of our comfort zones. By intentionally seeking out new strangers to meet and photograph every day, this man expanded his social network and gained new perspectives. It teaches us that meaningful connections can be found in unexpected places.

9. Young Man Pledges To Get Rejected Everyday For 100 Days
   This experiment pushes the boundaries of rejection and resilience. By intentionally seeking out rejection in various scenarios, this young man learned to overcome his fear of failure and embrace rejection as a learning experience. It reminds us that rejection is not a reflection of our worth, but an opportunity for growth.

10. Personal Finance Guru Puts Her Knowledge To The Test With The 'One Year No Spending Challenge'
    This experiment challenges our relationship with money and material possessions. By committing to a year of not spending money on non-essential items, this personal finance guru put her knowledge into practice and gained a deeper understanding of her priorities. It teaches us that our happiness and fulfillment are not tied to material possessions.

11. Procrastinator Commits To Running One Mile Every Day For A Year. What He Learned...
    This experiment tackles the issue of procrastination and discipline. By committing to run one mile every day for a year, this individual overcame his habit of procrastination and developed a strong sense of discipline. It reminds us that small, consistent actions can lead to significant personal growth.

12. A Book Author Writing A Book On Memory Decides To Put What He's Learning Into Practice. A Year Later, He Became The Memory Champion Of The United States
    This experiment showcases the power of actively applying knowledge. By putting the techniques he was learning into practice, this book author not only wrote a successful book on memory but also became the memory champion of the United States. It teaches us that true mastery comes from practical application.

13. How A Semi-Athletic Person Became A Professional Athlete In Only 2 Years
    This experiment challenges our beliefs about our own limitations. By pushing through self-imposed barriers and dedicating himself to intense training, this semi-athletic person transformed into a professional athlete in just two years. It reminds us that with the right mindset and perseverance, we can achieve what may seem impossible.

14. This Group Of Friends Produced A High-Quality Print Magazine Over One Weekend
    This experiment demonstrates the power of collaboration and teamwork. By pooling their skills and resources, this group of friends was able to produce a high-quality print magazine in a short period. It teaches us that when we combine our strengths and work together, we can accomplish great things.

15. Once A Year, For The Last 10 Years, This Woman Has Written A Novel In 30 Days
    This experiment showcases the power of consistency and creative discipline. By committing to writing a novel in just 30 days every year for the past decade, this woman has honed her writing skills and produced multiple novels. It reminds us that creative pursuits require dedication and consistent effort.

Incorporating these life experiments into our own lives can help us unlock our full potential. Here are three actionable pieces of advice to consider:

1. Embrace discomfort and face your fears. By intentionally seeking out activities that scare you, you can expand your comfort zone and grow as an individual.

2. Practice discipline and consistency. Whether it's daily practice of a skill or committing to a long-term goal, consistent effort over time can lead to remarkable growth and achievements.

3. Surround yourself with a supportive network. Having a strong support system can significantly impact your ability to achieve your goals. Seek out like-minded individuals who can provide encouragement, accountability, and guidance.

In conclusion, life experiments offer valuable insights into personal growth and transformation. By pushing ourselves outside of our comfort zones, embracing new experiences, and committing to consistent effort, we can become who we want to be. So, why not embark on your own life experiment and see where it takes you? The possibilities are endless.