I grew up playing video games. I will never forget the day my dad brought home the highly coveted Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) for my brothers and me. I can’t remember our exact reaction, but I am certain shrieks of joy, erratic jumping up and down, and emphatic declarations of love for our dad were in the mix. Not only was the NES a vast improvement over the ancient games we played on our uncle’s old Atari, but it was also the ultimate status symbol on the school and summer camp playground. My NES made me feel like “that girl!”
We spent hours arguing over who was better at Mario and Zelda, who found the hidden worlds and side quests first, and who completed each level faster. While video games might have been my introduction to the joy of quests, it was my love of fantasy that took it to the next level. I dare not say how many times I watched and rewatched The Neverending Story, Willow, The Adventures of Pippi Longstocking, The Princess Bride, The Goonies, Star Wars, or Indian Jones. My vivid imagination picked up where the movies left off, and along with my brothers, cousins, and the neighborhood kids, we would re-enact our own versions of favorite Hollywood quests. I have been a fan of quests for a long time. As they say, I’m not new to this; I’m true to this.
Fast-forward to 2026, and quests have found a new life in our modern lexicon, albeit as side quests, which is kind of funny when you think about our recent infatuation with glorifying side pieces. But that’s another story for another day. As it turns out, side quests are the new life hacks you didn’t know you needed.
What are side quests?
What exactly is a side quest, you might ask? In the realm of video and tabletop games, the side quest is the secondary, optional mission that offers an adventure separate from the main story. They often present the player with an opportunity to level up in skills, resources, experiences, or other rewards that can aid them in a special way as they continue game play.
Today, it is used to refer to pursuing personal goals outside of work or family, or participating in new hobbies. Oh hobbies. Remember those? Having a hobby used to be normal. And then technology made us dependent on tiny screens that control our entire lives, accompanied by promises of greater connection through texting, social media, and instant access to copious amounts of information, misinformation, and disinformation. The trade-off for all this digital connection is that we have actually become less connected in real life, lacking in imagination, and sorely in need of things that remind us that life is happening all around us each day, and that we are meant to participate in it.
Adulting is an arduous task. The demands of time, resources, and energy are endless. Yet, there is a joy and freedom in being able to chart your own course in pursuit of the things that set your heart on fire. Work and family commitments consume the better part of our days. Taking time to explore the things that ignite joy, inspire creativity, and encourage play is its own kind of adventure. Enter the side quests.
As you are making plans for your 2026—with all its new priorities, promises, and possibilities—consider adding a side quest or two to your list. Here are a few ideas to get you started!
Side Quest Ideas for 2026
Become a book lover: Put that library card to use and fall back in love with reading. I can’t count the number of times I have heard my friends say they used to be avid readers, but they haven’t managed to read a book for fun in years. Reading can not only expand your vocabulary, but it can also improve critical thinking, comprehension, pattern recognition, and—dare I say—activate your imagination. Consider replacing doom scrolling with a good book. Maybe you want to revisit a childhood favorite. (I personally reread Island of the Blue Dolphins and The Westing Game every few years.) Or perhaps there was a best seller you have been meaning to pick up. Explore different genres or go deep in your favorite genre. I hear romantasy is all the rage. The best thing about reading is that you can literally do it anywhere. Up the ante by joining a book club, and suddenly you have a whole new community with which to share the joys of reading.
Get crafty: I might be biased, but years spent making bracelets, picture frames, ornaments, and the like in Girl Scouts have given me a soft spot for arts and crafts. The possibilities for crafting are endless, whether you are into making your own accessories, reviving the beauty of handwriting through calligraphy, restoring furniture or creating your own, or documenting life’s big moments through scrapbooking. I’m sure there is a craft calling your name. With maker spaces popping up all over the country, finding the right place to craft until your heart is content has never been easier.
Create with cloth: My grad school roommate introduced me to crocheting. I would marvel at how effortlessly she would spin and weave yarn into the most lovely throws, scarves, and hats while watching television after dinner. I still keep the throw she made me in my guest room. Crocheting, knitting, embroidery, and quilting are things you can easily do while enjoying your favorite movie, a podcast, or an audiobook. Head over to your local craft store to grab the necessary supplies and patterns to get started.
Make works of art: The rise of AI unleashed an assault on creative arts. Writers, painters, graphic designers, and musicians have all dealt with the blatant theft of their IP in our digital world. AI, and generative AI specifically, has exacerbated the plundering. To add insult to injury, the insatiable hunger for greater profits and increased productivity that our capitalistic society demands has tricked corporations and consumers alike into thinking we can create art without artists. I assure you, we absolutely cannot. Art often represents how we connect and relate to the world around us and within us. It is where our emotions—our very souls—come alive through words, melodies, paint strokes, potter’s clay, or blocks of wood. No matter what medium you choose, making art is a form of self-expression. And when it is viewed through the lens of time, it becomes a powerful way to document culture, history, and movements of resistance. Considering the unprecedented times we find ourselves in, we all need to find a creative outlet to document and speak truth to power that also helps us regulate our nervous systems.
Be a team player, or go solo dolo: Many of us cut our leadership teeth playing team sports as youth. For me, it was cheerleading. I learned all I needed to know about friendship, leadership, and sportsmanship from my many years tumbling, flying, and amping up the crowd to support the home team. While my spirit fingers have retired, the joy of team sports hasn’t! The same might be true for you. Check out the recreational sports leagues in your area. There just might be a bowling, kickball, volleyball, soccer, hockey, or pickleball team waiting to welcome you. If team sports wasn’t your thing, give tennis, rock climbing, or golf a try. The key is to show up, have fun, and meet new people. Oh, and don’t forget to stretch because you’re not a spring chicken anymore!
Move your body: If sports aren’t really your thing, there are other awesome ways to move your body. I’m a Peloton girl and really enjoy the many ways I can care for my mind and body through the platform. I also enjoy dance and choreography, and decided to find a beginner adult ballet class close to home. You might also find me trekking through various PNW forests to chase waterfalls or breathtaking views. This year, I am determined to hike a new trail or mountain every month. Your challenge, should you choose to accept it, is to think about the movement you want to incorporate this year. It could be finally taking those dance lessons, trying out yoga or pilates, signing up for a 5k or half-marathon, or lacing up your skates. Not only does regular movement help release stress, but helps you build coordination, confidence, and better health. Win/win!
Learn a new skill or level up an existing skill: I have noticed an online trend promoting the adoption of a personal curriculum. I love this idea because the moment we stop learning, we stop living. If there is something you have always wanted to learn, let 2026 be the year you get started. Community colleges and community centers often have seasonal classes that teach life skills such as budgeting, starting a business, first aid, or water safety. You can learn how to cook, tackle a foreign language, get a certification that can lead to a better job, or even earn a degree. Maybe you want to better understand the political system, so you take an intro to political science class. Maybe you have always enjoyed playing video games, and this year you want to try developing your own game. The options are really limitless. No matter what it is you want to learn, there is bound to be a class, either in person or online, with your name on it. Go for it.
Like I said, these are just some ideas to get you started. So, what side quest are you going on this year? Leave a comment and let me know!
