AI Summary
5 min readSide quests as a cure for adult goal fatigue
The term "side quest" comes from video games—those optional detours off the main storyline that exist purely for exploration and enjoyment, not for winning. But in the past year, the phrase has migrated into real life, where people are using it to describe small, low-stakes adventures they take on for no reason other than curiosity. Dr. Kira Gaunt, associate professor of ethnomusicology at the University at Albany, argues that the appeal is precisely that side quests have no outcome attached. "Adults spend so much time on the outcome," she says. "Play as a practice becomes about not knowing, not having an attachment to what the outcome is." The word quest itself comes from the root "question" or "inquiry," she points out—it's about the journey, not the answer.
Why adults need permission to not know
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What you'll learn
- 1 (00:16) **The "Side Quest" Concept Defined** - Brittany introduces the idea of side quests as small, enjoyable adventures off the beaten path, contrasting them with goal-oriented society.
- 2 (01:40) **Why Side Quests Are Trending Now** - Dr. Kira Gaunt explains side quests as "play as practice for adults" focused on not knowing the outcome.
- 3 (03:58) **Play Personalities and Choose-Your-Own-Adventure** - The panel discusses how different play personalities (explorer, competitor, storyteller) shape the side quest experience.
- 4 (06:43) **The Power of Not Knowing** - Kira shares a personal story about taking a drawing class despite believing she couldn't draw, and how it unexpectedly improved her writing.
- 5 (08:10) **When to Take a Side Quest** - The panel identifies catalysts for side questing, from conflict and breakups to positive transitions and social media inspiration.
- 6 (09:32) **Overcoming the Barriers to Starting** - Brittany shares her struggle with learning to swim, and Kira offers a micro-goal strategy to break through inertia.
- 7 (10:51) **How Side Quests Change Other Parts of Life** - Sahara explains that side quests build confidence and pride that spills over into other areas.
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Guests on this episode
Show Notes
Much like the optional, lore-building journeys in video games that enrich the main mission, real-life side quests bring a sense of whimsy to your daily routine. In real life, that could look like learning to sew, picking up kickball, or anything else that adds a little whimsy into your routine. To rediscover the childlike joy of taking a side quest, Brittany is joined by Marielle Segarra, host of NPR's Life Kit; Dr. Kyra Gaunt, associate professor of ethnomusicology at the University at Albany; and Sahara Moné, curator and owner of community activities collective Let's Play NYC.
Want more on improving your quality of life? Check out these episodes:
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