Level Up Your Life: Embrace the Power of the "Side Quest"
Feeling stuck, bored, or simply yearning for more whimsy in your daily grind? The solution might lie in a concept typically confined to the digital realm: the "side quest." Drawing inspiration from video games, this enriching practice encourages individuals to embark on activities that deviate from their main life storyline, offering a potent antidote to restlessness and a pathway to renewed joy and self-discovery.
A side quest, in this real-world application, is an activity undertaken purely for enjoyment, without the pressure of a specific outcome or practical utility. It’s about rediscovering the unadulterated pleasure of play, a fundamental human need often neglected in adult life. As Kyra Gaunt, an ethnomusicologist and author of The Games Black Girls Play: Learning the Ropes From Double-Dutch to Hip-Hop, explains, "Just like in the gaming world, it makes the main quest stronger. It gives it more nuance or new dimension or brings out a facet of you that you convinced yourself you couldn’t [be]."
The Science of Play and the Benefits of Diversion
Research consistently highlights the profound benefits of play for adults. It’s not merely a childhood pastime but a vital mechanism for adapting to challenging circumstances, honing problem-solving skills, fostering collaboration, and even practicing survival instincts. Engaging in novel activities, particularly those outside one’s comfort zone, stimulates new neural networks in the brain, leading to a "sense of wonder and awe," according to Gaunt. This neurological rewiring can unlock creativity, enhance cognitive flexibility, and even improve performance in one’s primary endeavors.
Embarking on Your Own Side Quest: A Practical Guide
Ready to inject some playful exploration into your life? Here are several strategies to help you identify and initiate your personal side quest:
1. Reconnect with Your Inner Child:
Jeff Harry, a public speaker and advocate for the importance of play, suggests starting by recalling cherished childhood activities. Were you fascinated by Lego, lost in finger painting, or captivated by the thrill of a swing set? Reflect on these early forms of play and consider how their essence can be reincorporated into your present life. Perhaps a love for pretend play could translate into an improv class, or a childhood penchant for physical challenges could inspire an adventurous hike.
2. Discover Your Play Personality:
If childhood memories don’t immediately spark ideas, a valuable resource is the National Institute for Play quiz. Developed with play researcher and psychiatrist Stuart Brown, this quiz helps identify your innate play style. You might discover you’re a "dreamer," finding joy in fantasy, or an "organizer," thriving on creating order. Understanding your natural inclinations can provide a springboard for exciting side quest ideas that align with your deepest sources of joy and sustained motivation.
3. Embrace the Unknown:
Sometimes, the most transformative side quests are those that push you beyond your perceived limitations. Gaunt encourages individuals to "do things [they] don’t know how to do." She recounts her own experience taking a drawing class, a skill she initially believed she lacked. The instructor’s advice to "let your hand follow your vision" resonated deeply, not only improving her drawing but also unexpectedly enhancing her writing. This highlights how new skills, even seemingly unrelated ones, can positively impact other aspects of your life.
4. Listen to Your Inner Nudges:
When in doubt, heed the subtle (or not-so-subtle) urges that arise. Sahara Moné, curator of Let’s Play NYC, advises pausing, listening, and following these instincts. If you’ve consistently harbored a desire to take an acting class since college, that persistent thought is a powerful "nudge" – a clear indication of a worthwhile side quest waiting to be explored.
5. Make Your Side Quest a Reality: The ARTSN Acronym
Once you have a few side quest ideas brewing, Gaunt offers a helpful acronym, ARTSN, to guide their implementation:
- A: Achievable: Choose an activity that is small enough to begin without feeling overwhelming.
- R: Revealing: Select an activity that has the potential to teach you something new about yourself.
- T: Time-bound: Establish a clear start and stop point for your quest to maintain focus and prevent it from becoming another chore.
- S: Specific: Define a clear goal for your side quest, even if that goal is simply to explore and enjoy.
- N: Notice: Critically important is to "Notice how you feel after you participate" in the side quest. What surprised you? What brought you delight? This reflection allows you to fully appreciate the impact of your adventure.
Ultimately, the essence of a side quest lies in its freedom from the pressure of outcomes. As Gaunt aptly states, "Adults spend so much time in environments where they’re trying to control the outcome." Side quests offer a liberating escape, allowing for pure exploration and the rediscovery of joy. So, if you’re feeling restless, consider embracing the spirit of the side quest – your main quest might just become more vibrant and fulfilling as a result.
Your Turn: Have you ever been on a life-changing side quest? How did it enhance your main quest? Share your story with Life Kit at LifeKit@npr.org with your full name and a photo, and it may be featured on NPR.org.
