EPISODE · Apr 1, 2026 · 27 MIN
Ep. 143 | How to Disrupt the Monotony
from SuccessFlow Podcast · host Phil Crawford and Steven Harris
Why You Need a Side Quest (and How It Can Change Your Life) The hosts discuss the growing idea of “side quests” as intentional challenges outside one’s main job that add joy, purpose, and personal growth, distinct from hobbies or income-driven side hustles. They compare life to gaming, where side quests support the main mission and often have clear endpoints (e.g., training for a 5K, writing a weekly newsletter, starting a podcast). They share examples of side quests becoming massive successes in business, including 3M’s sticky notes, Google’s Gmail, Stewart Butterfield’s Flickr and Slack (built as internal tools while developing failed games), Twitter emerging from a failing podcasting company, and Patagonia evolving from climbing tools to apparel and culture. They connect side quests to identity beyond career, mention Jesse Itzler’s “Misogi” yearly challenge, and suggest making AI learning a valuable side quest.00:00 Side Quest Defined01:04 Why Adults Need One03:14 Hobby vs Intentional Growth04:35 Gaming Origins Metaphor07:30 Side Quests In Business08:10 Flickr Slack Origin Story15:57 More Success Examples19:23 Personal Side Quest Ideas21:56 The Misogi Annual Challenge24:44 AI As A Side Quest25:36 Identity Beyond Your Job26:55 Wrap Up Take ActionFollow the SuccessFlow Podcast on Instagram: @successflowpodcastTo connect with Steven and ways he can help:Founder/Creator: www.oppoflowmindset.com Small Business Payroll - PHX Franchise Owner: wwww.journeypayrollhr.com Instagram: @steven.oppo.flow To connect with Phil and contact directly: https://phillipcrawford.com/ X: https://twitter.com/PhillipCrawford Instagram: @flowstatecrawfordAcknowledgements:The Intro and Outro Music credit to Holden Peyton.This podcast episode is produced and published by Dolphin Podcasting, LLC. Launch your podcast today at www.DolphinPodcasting.com
What this episode covers
Why You Need a Side Quest (and How It Can Change Your Life) The hosts discuss the growing idea of “side quests” as intentional challenges outside one’s main job that add joy, purpose, and personal growth, distinct from hobbies or income-driven side hustles. They compare life to gaming, where side quests support the main mission and often have clear endpoints (e.g., training for a 5K, writing a weekly newsletter, starting a podcast). They share examples of side quests becoming massive successes in business, including 3M’s sticky notes, Google’s Gmail, Stewart Butterfield’s Flickr and Slack (built as internal tools while developing failed games), Twitter emerging from a failing podcasting company, and Patagonia evolving from climbing tools to apparel and culture. They connect side quests to identity beyond career, mention Jesse Itzler’s “Misogi” yearly challenge, and suggest making AI learning a valuable side quest.00:00 Side Quest Defined01:04 Why Adults Need One03:14 Hobby vs Intentional Growth04:35 Gaming Origins Metaphor07:30 Side Quests In Business08:10 Flickr Slack Origin Story15:57 More Success Examples19:23 Personal Side Quest Ideas21:56 The Misogi Annual Challenge24:44 AI As A Side Quest25:36 Identity Beyond Your Job26:55 Wrap Up Take ActionFollow the SuccessFlow Podcast on Instagram: @successflowpodcastTo connect with Steven and ways he can help:Founder/Creator: www.oppoflowmindset.com Small Business Payroll - PHX Franchise Owner: wwww.journeypayrollhr.com Instagram: @steven.oppo.flow To connect with Phil and contact directly: https://phillipcrawford.com/ X: https://twitter.com/PhillipCrawford Instagram: @flowstatecrawfordAcknowledgements:The Intro and Outro Music credit to Holden Peyton.This podcast episode is produced and published by Dolphin Podcasting, LLC. Launch your podcast today at www.DolphinPodcasting.com
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Ep. 143 | How to Disrupt the Monotony
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