Ditch Your Goals and go on a Quest
How to Transform Ordinary Tasks into Epic Adventures.
We’ve all been there: sitting down with a pen and paper, making a list of things we need to get done. It’s a mundane mix of tasks like “get groceries” or “schedule that appointment.”
While these to-do lists are necessary, they often lack excitement or inspiration. But what happens when we zoom out and look at the bigger picture? When we consider what we want to achieve in the next year or two, the list starts to look different — more personal, more empowering.
Yet, when we label these long-term aspirations as “goals,” something strange happens. They suddenly feel distant, maybe even a bit dull. The word “goal” has become so institutionalized, so wrapped up in quotas and Key Performance Indicators, that it’s lost its magic. But what if we shifted our perspective?
What if, instead of setting goals, we embarked on quests?
The Power of the Quest Mentality
A quest is more than just a target to hit. It’s an adventure. It’s filled with:
Unknowns,
challenges,
discoveries.
Unlike goals, which often feel like chores that need to be checked off, quests are about the journey as much as the destination.
When you’re on a quest, you expect the unexpected. You know there will be obstacles, but instead of dreading them, you embrace them as part of the experience.
A quest is transformative. It doesn’t just change your circumstances — it changes you:
You don’t just finish writing that book ➤ you become a writer.
You don’t just organize your home ➤ you create a space that reflects who you are and what you value.
The journey itself shapes you, making you more capable, more confident, and more prepared for whatever comes next.
Facing the Dragon
No great quest is complete without a dragon to slay.
At first, the dragon seems invincible.
This dragon might take the form of a difficult conversation you’ve been avoiding, a complex skill you need to master, or a fear that’s holding you back. At first, the dragon seems invincible, but as any hero knows, the dragon is less about external challenges and more about overcoming the limitations we place on ourselves.
The dragon doesn’t actually want to fight you. Its purpose is to test your resolve, to see if you’re ready to grow into the person you need to be to achieve your quest. And when you do face it head-on, you don’t just overcome the obstacle — you unlock a treasure trove of potential within yourself. This inner transformation is the true reward, and it’s what makes a quest so much more fulfilling than a simple goal.
Turns out, the dragon isn’t as fearsome as you thought.
Changing the World, One Quest at a Time
When we think in terms of quests rather than goals, something remarkable happens. We stop waiting for the perfect time to start. We realize that it’s through these quests that we build the life we want, not by waiting for life to get easier. Each quest we undertake brings more capability, more creativity, and more possibility into the world.
The impact of this shift in mindset goes beyond personal growth. Every great achievement in history began as someone’s quest. Whether it’s inventing something new, starting a business, or simply bringing more art and beauty into the world, quests have the power to change not just our lives, but the world around us.
So, the next time you’re thinking about what you want to achieve, don’t just set a goal. Start a quest. Embrace the adventure, face the dragon, and watch as you transform into the hero of your own story.
I’m Joris, a creator passionate about turning everyday tasks into exciting adventures. If today’s post inspired you, check out my “Gamify Your Life” Notion template. It’s designed to help you transform your goals into quests, making the journey to your dreams as exciting as the dreams themselves.
