Personal growth through the concept of real-life side quests

Adopting the concept of ‘side quests’ from video games can help individuals combat restlessness and boredom by introducing whimsy and exploration into daily life. In gaming, a side quest is a mission that deviates from the main storyline to add depth to the world; in a real-world context, these are activities pursued solely for enjoyment without a specific productive purpose.

Ethnomusicologist Kyra Gaunt suggests that these activities can strengthen one’s ‘main quest’ by adding nuance and revealing new facets of personality. Research indicates that play assists in adapting to difficult circumstances, problem-solving, and collaboration. Furthermore, engaging in unfamiliar activities can stimulate different neural networks in the brain, fostering a sense of wonder.

To find a personal side quest, experts suggest reflecting on childhood interests—such as Lego, finger painting, or physical play—and finding adult equivalents, such as improv classes or new physical challenges.