Whether I like it or not, I’m already thinking about next year. The holidays are around the corner, calendars are filling up fast, and it’s that time when I usually pick a theme for the year ahead. In past years, I’ve gone big: epic trips, ambitious goals, all-in challenges. But lately, I’ve found something just as energizing: small, intentional doses of exploration. Micro-adventures.

I’m all about being effective (getting the most out of what we already have). And I’ve realized these little local adventures can bring the same spark of novelty and meaning without needing to take weeks off or fly across the world. Let’s dive into how small explorations can lead to big shifts.

Tip of the Week: Tiny adventures can pack a big punch. Just a few small explorations can boost your creativity and add a spark of fun to your routine.

Side Note: Hard to take a micro-adventure when your day’s packed and priorities are a blur. That’s not a mindset issue…it’s a workload design issue.

That’s exactly why I created the Effective Workload Management Systems course. It helps you clear space in your schedule and your mind, so you can actually make room for the meaningful stuff (like a mini adventure or two). This latest version is the strongest yet - refined through real-world use by over 70,000 Amazonians.

The Theory Behind

Novelty boosts creativity. Psychologist Dr. Robert Epstein found that introducing new, even small, experiences into our daily lives can significantly enhance creativity. Trying a new food truck, exploring a neighborhood you’ve never visited, or taking a different route home can give our brains a gentle jolt of surprise. These minor shifts in routine help us form new neural connections and improve problem-solving skills by up to 20%, according to some studies.

Momentum builds with micro-breaks. According to the Progress Principle, small wins are powerful motivators. The same goes for recovery. Instead of saving all your rest and novelty for one big vacation, micro-adventures give us tiny, consistent jolts of energy and renewal. Regular small breaks (especially those with an element of discovery) help reduce burnout and increase long-term engagement. Think of them as pit stops for your brain.

Scheduling makes it stick. David Allen, author of Getting Things Done, reminds us that what gets scheduled, gets done. This applies to personal adventures too. If we don’t block time for them, they usually don’t happen. But once we pencil them into our calendar (even something as simple as “Wednesday: try that new Vietnamise place”) we’re far more likely to follow through. This planning shouldn't be rigid, but it should serve as a way to set out intention.

What I’ve Learned

A big Misogi supported by smaller adventures. Last year, I embraced the idea of a “Misogi,” a once-a-year challenge that’s so big, it shifts your perspective. (Hat tip to Jesse Itzler for making this popular.) But I’ve come to believe that one bold move a year isn’t enough. What if we stacked dozens of smaller moments that still stretched us...just a little? These micro-adventures are like mini-Misogis: they take you out of your comfort zone, but in ways you can actually repeat.

Break it down into mini-side quests. Like James Clear says in Atomic Habits, we don’t need massive leaps to change who we are. Small actions, done consistently, lead to real transformation. You don’t need to hike Mount Everest to feel adventurous, you just need to explore the trail down the street you’ve never taken before. That mindset shift is huge. You’re not waiting for “someday”, you’re collecting meaningful moments today.

Make It Happen

1. Choose one small adventure for this week. Pick something simple and local, like visiting a new restaurant, a neighborhood you’ve never explored, or a bookstore that’s been on your list.

2. Put it on your calendar. Actually schedule a specific time so it becomes a real commitment, not just a “nice idea.”

3. Go out and do it. Be present, have fun, and don’t overthink it. The goal isn’t about productivity, it's about enjoyment.

4. Write it down and plan the next one. Afterward, jot a quick note about what you enjoyed, then choose your next micro-adventure. Commit to it.

5. Repeat regularly. Make this a monthly or even weekly practice. Before long, you’ll start to crave these little sparks of exploration.

Life doesn’t have to be one big adventure. It can be lots of small, meaningful ones too. Here’s to a year filled with side quests.

Adventurely,

Jorge Luis Pando

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PS: Wow, you made it all the way down here? You must really care about your personal development! Here are 3 ways I can help you grow even faster:

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