You Need a Side Quest!
Yes, I said it: you need a side quest. Your life can’t revolve around your 9–5 job. This blog is here to help you discover who you are outside of work. This post is to show you how side quests can completely change the way you experience your life.
Why Side Quests Matter
Side quests are the mini adventures that bring energy and growth outside your main responsibilities. They’re the things that get you up and moving, out of the house, and out of your comfort zone.
Side quests have helped me reconnect with my passions. They shake up boring routines. I also discover parts of myself I didn’t know were waiting.💖
Side Quests vs Hobbies
But…what’s the difference between side quests and hobbies?
Brianna at The Good Trade says it best:
“Side quests are fun activities that disrupt our normal routines to make life more fun and fulfilling.”
- Hobbies = cozy, ongoing things you do regularly (like reading, cooking, knitting).
- Side quests = energizing, adventurous activities that shake things up (like cliff jumping, concerts, or starting a journal)
Sometimes, a side quest can even turn into a hobby.
My Example
When I took a few personality and “aura” quizzes (because of course I did), they told me what I already knew. I thrive on creativity, connection, and adventure. I love spending time with friends (yes, even if that means singing terribly at a rundown karaoke bar).
Because of that, my best side quests are ones that let me express myself, connect with people, and push my limits. Like:
- Training for a marathon – feeds my competitive and productive side
- Taking paint classes, dance lessons, and craft workshops – fuels creativity and fun
- Signing up for new experiences like outdoor excursions – adventure and growth
My Transformation
For a while, I hated where I lived so much I cried myself to sleep. I thought my unhappiness was all about my location. But the truth? I needed to change my attitude. I needed side quests.
Traveling, marathon training, and creative workshops changed everything. They made my life feel fuller, richer, and way more exciting. My quality of life went up. Not because of where I lived, but because of how I lived.
Sure, I’d love to live in San Diego one day. But since that’s not in the cards right now, why waste my life being miserable in the meantime?
How to Find Yours
Here’s how to start discovering side quests that fit you:
- Follow your curiosity. What’s been catching your attention lately? A skill, a place, a random topic? That’s a clue.
- Say yes to opportunities. For me, that looked like starting golf lessons (am I good at it? Absolutely not. But it will open new doors in the business realm).
- Start small. Not every side quest has to be epic. It can be as simple as caring for a new plant, striking up conversation with a neighbor, or trying a free online workshop.
Your Call to Adventure
You don’t need to pick your side quest today. Just start noticing what excites you, try something new, and be open to where it leads.
✨ Side quests don’t have to be big. They just have to be different enough to spark something inside you.
And if you’re a visual learner, I’ve made a chart that matches side quest ideas to different personality vibes so you can find your perfect match.
Remember: Your 9–5 isn’t your main quest, it supports your main quest. The magic happens when you start adding a little bit of spice.
Your call to adventure starts here.
Follow along on below to see mine in action, and share yours so I can celebrate with you!
Nine to Thrive. 
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