Goals don't work for everyone. Science says there's a better way.
Your client sets a goal. They try hard for two weeks. They miss a day. They feel like a failure. They quit. Sound familiar?
Rigid goal-setting works for some people, but for many — especially those with a history of "failed" attempts — it reinforces the exact all-or-nothing thinking that keeps them stuck. Behavioral experiments offer a different approach: low-stakes, curiosity-driven tests that help clients discover what actually works for them, without the pressure of "success" or "failure."
My client sets goals but never follows through
Goal-setting seems to make their all-or-nothing thinking worse
They feel like a failure every time they miss a day
I need something different for clients who've tried everything
By the end of this course, you'll have:
A science-based alternative to rigid goal setting
Understand why traditional SMART goals fail for many clients, and learn how behavioural experiments — rooted in cognitive behavioural science — offer a more effective approach.
The skill to design experiments with clients
Learn how to help clients design low-stakes experiments that test the accuracy of their beliefs — turning 'I can't stick with exercise' into 'Let me test whether a 10-minute walk after lunch changes how I feel.'
A practical experiment design guide
Walk away with a ready-to-use guide and framework for structuring experiments in your coaching sessions — including how to frame the hypothesis, design the test, and debrief results.
A new lens for 'failure'
Help clients reframe unsuccessful experiments as useful data rather than personal failure — which fundamentally changes their relationship with behaviour change.
What's inside the course
This course gives you a practical, science-backed alternative to rigid goal setting. You'll learn how to help clients design low-stakes experiments that build evidence for change — without the pressure of "success" or "failure."
Understand Why Goals Fail
This learning video makes the case for rethinking traditional goal setting. You'll explore the research on why rigid goals backfire for many clients — particularly those with histories of perceived failure or all-or-nothing thinking — and how behavioural experiments, rooted in cognitive behavioural science, offer a more effective path to lasting change.
Download the full program overview
Why learn this from us
Rooted in cognitive behavioural science
Behavioural experiments come from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy — one of the most evidence-supported approaches in psychology. This represents a well-researched clinical tool adapted for coaching.
Practical and immediately usable
You'll leave with a physical experiment design guide and the conversation skills to introduce experiments in your very next session.
Designed by researchers who use this approach
We don't just teach behavioural experiments — we've used them in our own research and clinical work with clients managing chronic conditions and exercise behaviour.
Connects to the full MHC series
Experiments work especially well alongside the Reframing and Adaptive Mindsets courses — together they give clients a complete toolkit for changing both thinking and behaviour.
Is this course right for you?
This course is designed for:
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Health coaches or professionals working with clients who 'fail' at goals repeatedly
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Coaches who want evidence-based alternatives to SMART goals
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Fitness and wellness professionals looking for new client engagement tools
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Healthcare professionals interested in CBT-informed coaching techniques
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Coaches seeking training on practical behaviour change skills
This may not be the right fit if:
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You want clinical CBT training — this is an adapted coaching tool
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You're looking for the full health coaching certification (see our upcoming program)
Meet your instructors
Sean Locke, PhD
Lead Instructor · Professor of Behavioral Science
Isabelle Hill, MSc, PhD(c)
Lead Instructor · Health Behaviour Scientist
Enroll Now
Behavioural (Tiny) Experiments
CA$99
one-time
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Animated overview video introducing behavioral experiments
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In-depth learning video covering the science, steps, and application of behavioral experiments
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Behavioral Experiments Guide — two versions for use directly in coaching sessions
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Guide tutorial video walking you through the template with an illustrative example
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Applied case study with personalized feedback
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Optional additional learning resources, including published reserach, blog posts, videos.
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Ongoing access to all course materials and guides
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HHC Mastering Health Communication: Behavioral Experiments Certificate upon completion
Questions about which plan is right for you? Get in touch
Frequently asked questions
Doesn't every client need goals?
Not necessarily. Research shows that rigid goal-setting can backfire for clients with histories of perceived failure, all-or-nothing thinking, or low self-efficacy. Experiments offer a complementary approach — and for some clients, they work much better. The course helps you recognise when each approach is most appropriate.
How is an 'experiment' different from a goal?
The key difference is the mindset: curiosity instead of obligation.
How long does the course take?
Approximately 90 minutes for the core content (videos, readings, guide). The case study adds another 30 minutes. Fully self-paced with ongoing access.
What's included in the Experiment Design Guide?
A step-by-step template you can use directly with clients to structure experiments — including how to frame the question, design the test, define what you're observing, and debrief the results.