Think of a time in your life, when you said to yourself, “Wow! That was exciting.” Or, “Gosh, that was scary for me!" What do you remember from that memory?
Were you close to cliff’s edge, fatigued from exerting yourself, or were you overcoming a fear built up in your imagination? Hopefully, that memory was elective and an experience you can look back upon as type two fun. A learning lesson, a personal challenge, an opportunity to expand your horizon.
Fear is natural. Discomfort is natural.
In small doses, fear and discomfort can be used to become a better person, a happier person. When faced with adversity, you become a resilient human. Capable of taking on great and greater challenges.
As time builds, you’ll look back and proudly say, “Five years ago, I would have never been able to do that, now look at me.” As you understand how to challenge your limits, you will become bold. Maybe too bold, but that is okay. You will learn.
So, how do you learn to be a more bold human? Type 2 fun.
What Is Type Two Fun?
"Type 2 fun" is a term often used in outdoor and adventure contexts to describe an activity that may not be enjoyable in the moment but becomes fun and rewarding in retrospect. It refers to experiences that are challenging, uncomfortable, or even painful while they are happening, but they provide a sense of accomplishment or satisfaction afterward. In contrast, "Type 1 fun" is immediate and enjoyable in the moment.
A Few Examples Of Type Two Fun:
running a marathon
mountain biking
learning to swim
Five Ways to Incorporate Type Two Fun Into Your Life
Incorporating type two fun into your life can add a delightful dimension to your experiences and foster personal growth, but how? Here are five, yes five, ways to infuse type two fun into your daily routine:
Embrace adventure: Seek out activities that push your boundaries and take you out of your comfort zone. Whether it's trying a new sport, embarking on a hiking expedition, or engaging in a creative project, taking on challenges will lead to lasting fulfillment.
Cultivate a growth mindset: Embrace the idea that setbacks and obstacles are opportunities for learning and growth. Approach difficulties with a positive outlook and see them as stepping stones toward achievement and self-improvement.
Connect with others: Engage in group activities or team projects that require cooperation and collaboration. Sharing the experience with others not only amplifies the sense of accomplishment but also builds stronger bonds with like-minded individuals.
Embrace the process: Focus on the journey rather than the end result. While the activity may be demanding, learn to appreciate the small wins, the lessons learned, and the character development that comes from persevering through challenges.
Reflect on the experience: After the activity, take time to reflect on the journey, the highs and lows, and the growth achieved. Journaling or discussing your experiences with others can help solidify the sense of fulfillment and provide motivation for future ventures.
Incorporating type two fun into your life may require stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing uncertainty, but the rewards are invaluable. Not only will you develop resilience and confidence, but you'll also create lasting memories and a more fulfilling life overall.
