Precious Jewels: unveiling my new book on small experiments for personal growth
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I am really excited to announce my forthcoming book, “Precious Jewels: A Small Book About Small Experiments.” As many of you know, I’ve long been fascinated by the power of incremental change and creative exploration. This book is my attempt to distil years of experience into a compact, accessible format that I hope will inspire and guide you on your own journey of discovery.
The seed for “Precious Jewels” was planted about six or seven years ago during a conversation with my coach, Ian. Faced with a big, audacious idea that left me paralysed by its scale, Ian suggested breaking it down into a series of small experiments. This approach became my new modus operandi, transforming how I approach challenges and innovation.
In the book, I’ve structured these experiments into three main parts: Focus, Purpose, and Creativity. Each section explores different facets of experimentation and growth, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the process of innovation and personal development.
You’ll discover how simple ideas like Rehearsal Days can transform team dynamics, and how the Decompression Chamber conversations emerged as a response to the isolation of the pandemic. I share candid insights about what worked, what didn’t, and the valuable lessons learnt along the way.
One experiment I particularly enjoyed is the “Free Book Libraries Giveaway” initiative, part of my Gratitude Programme. This project aims to spread kindness by gifting books through the little free book libraries that are scattered across the globe.
Throughout “Precious Jewels,” I’ve aimed to be reflective, honest, and encouraging. You’ll find practical tools like the After Action Review process adapted for use in the book, which offers a simple yet effective way to learn from experiences. I also share insights about the “Bridges to the New” card deck I created, demonstrating how physical tools can spark creativity and innovative thinking.
Interestingly, the book itself became an experiment. I set out to complete the first draft in just 21 days. While I didn’t quite meet that ambitious goal (creative detours, including a poetry sequence titled “Shadow and Light,” intervened), the process exemplifies the very spirit of experimentation I advocate in the book.
As I put the finishing touches to “Precious Jewels,” I’m filled with excitement and gratitude. This book represents not just my personal journey, but also the collective wisdom and support of the many colleagues, friends, coaches and mentors who have been part of these experiments over the years. I invite you to join me on this exploration of small experiments and the precious jewels of wisdom they yield. Whether you’re a business leader, an educator, or someone on a personal growth journey, I believe you’ll find valuable insights and practical ideas within these pages.
“Precious Jewels” is a reminder that sometimes, the most valuable gems of wisdom come in small packages – and that the journey of discovery is often as valuable as the destination. I can’t wait to share this work with you and hear about the small experiments you’re inspired to try in your own life.
Stay tuned for more updates on the release date and how you can get your copy of “Precious Jewels.” Here’s to the power of small experiments and the precious jewels we discover along the way!
3 thoughts on “Precious Jewels: unveiling my new book on small experiments for personal growth”
Hey Les
Thank you for posting this comment and for being so open about this. It’s such a helpful observation. Having had a couple of bouts of clinical depression myself I can really relate to what you are saying. Even the simplest of daily tasks can feel so difficult to achieve and so lacking in purpose. I like the way you break this down.
Stuart
My own experiments in incremental change took place in 1987, when I suffered a debilitating bout of clinical depression. Eventually I sought help, which led to my recovery. At first, as the depression took control of my body and moods, I took no interest in those activities that I had always enjoyed. After a number of weeks, hoping that the meds would eventually help me, I made a series of decisions that had me trying simple activities, that I had always enjoyed, on a very small scale. After each “experiment”, I took note if I actually felt any enjoyment at all. If I had, I would do it again, perhaps the next day, but increase the scope of the activity. Walked one block yesterday, okay, now try walking one and a half this time. This kind of experiment might have involved tasting foods, watching tv programs, or other activities or choices which the depression had negatively affected. Small steps, self evaluate, determine the next step. No enjoyment, slow down. Some enjoyment, continue slowly. By using the small experiments and evaluating, I was able to survive my depressive incident, which had been a horrible, horrible, crippling time in my life.