Can Micro-Adventures Boost Creativity? We tested it out!

We recently came across a creator that discovered that micro-adventures cured his creativity and as a company in the business of creativity, we decided to put it to the test. I and Zoen’s founder, Arnetra Arrington, decided to go on separate micro-adventures and documented if and how it affected our creativity. This is how it went. 

Before we dive into the results, we first need to define micro-adventure. The term was popularized by Alastair Humphreys who defines it as “an overnight outdoor adventure that is "small and achievable, for normal people with real lives." While The New York Times defines it as "short, perspective-shifting bursts of travel closer to home, inspiring followers to pitch a tent in nearby woods, explore their city by moonlight, or hold a family slumber party in the backyard."  

As we planned our individual micro adventures, we focused on different elements of the definition. I focused on the “perspective-shifting bursts of travel” and chose to explore my town as if I were a tourist and chose an excursion. I decided to visit The Hudgens Center of Arts and Learning with my grandmother for the afternoon. This was a break from my typical routine of household duties and working at my computer while also allowing me to see my town through a new lens. To see my town with an adventurous mindset was a welcomed challenge that forced me to shift my perspective.  

Arnetra took on an adventure exploring her own town too. Her micro-adventure focused on stepping out of her comfort zone and embracing the discomforts the with the hope to inspire creativity. Her goal: Hop on the city’s free tramline for a roundtrip exploration free of a pre-determined plan, hopping on & off whenever she felt the urge to do so. Braving the discomforts of public transportation, lacking the security from a planned itinerary, and while fasting, she boldly set off on her adventure.   

Before the adventure we each reflected on our creativity by answering a couple of questions.   

Arnetra' POV 

How would you currently describe your level of creativity?   

My level of creativity changes depending on what I'm working on and what space I'm in. Some environments inspire me to have very high levels of creativity, while others don't offer the same amount of spark and I feel less creative or not creative at all.   

Do you feel like your level of creativity could be improved?   

I think creativity is driven by environment and project. So, I feel like the level is not constant. For example, if I'm in McDonalds and I see something that inspires me, I might have a heighted burst of creativity that I release in that moment, but I may not be able to transfer that same level of creativity into other moments.  

What are things that typically inspire you?  

A new idea, art, people, calm and friendly environments, color, friends/family  

The Adventure Begins... 

As I approached the nearby tram station, the tram was approaching faster than I would be able to make it. My first thought was that I was too adventurous, and I should have at the very least checked the schedule to arrive on time. The first thing I noticed was how many things were at my fingertips. Small nooks, communal spaces, more greenery and more tattoo parlors than I knew existed in the desert. 

As my adventure began, I quickly learned that my openness to creativity could be driven by my attitude, how I’m feeling, levels of hunger and unplanned distractions. I really feel my most creative when I feel free and detached from daily responsibilities.  

My adventure reminded me that no matter how creative we hope to be, there are external factors that can pre-determine how much effort we can put forth. 

My micro-adventure forced me from many comfort zones, and I think if I did the exact same adventure again it would yield different results depending on the external circumstances (mood, weather, # of tram riders, fullness of my belly etc.). This is no different from any other adventure. This is why I always leave my door to creativity open; in case it wants to join me.  

My POV

How would you currently describe your level of creativity?  

I would describe my current level of creativity as mid to high level. I feel like I have opportunities to exercise creativity frequently in my daily life but there’s always room for more.   

Do you feel like your level of creativity could be improved?   

Yes, I think it can always be improved.  

What are things that typically inspire you?   

Nature, music, other people creating  

The Adventure Begins... 

As we were driving, we took a route there that I didn’t know, and it was interesting driving and seeing things I hadn’t seen before even for a short time. For my micro-adventure, my grandmother and I went for a day out at The Hudgen’s Center for Art and Learning. This included viewing all the works they had on display and viewing the premises. It was more like a fieldtrip than a micro-adventure, but I would like to extend this definition of micro adventure to be something that gets you out of the predictability of your typical routine, a small disruption. Our outing was not extremely uncomfortable or scary, but it was a break in our routine. 

So, do I feel more creative? Overall, yes. I was inspired by the artwork I saw being shown, and the anticipation of wondering what I would see while driving there was a bit of excitement that I don’t feel all the time. It was refreshing to have a small yet delightful element of the unknown in my day. Not to mention, I had great company which made me feel even more inspired. 

Taking on the mindset that what we set out to do was not to simply walk through a building but that it was to have a very small-scale adventure made me immerse myself in the experience more. I found myself noticing more. For example, I paid close attention to the mural on the wall as you walk up to the building and the plants in the atrium. They stood out to me because I was in the adventure mindset. The artwork itself was also incredible; the paintings and ceramics created by Chris Ahn and Minna Hong resonated with me.  

In conclusion, I think that if you set out to have an adventure no matter how small, it will open your eyes to opportunities to be inspired that you might otherwise overlook. Whether you’re taking an overnight camping trip, visiting a place you’ve never been before, or being a tourist in your own neighborhood, these small acts of abandoning what’s usual and taking in something new can surely inspire you and boost your creativity. Try it out for yourself and share your experience with us.