What Is Type 2 Fun... Is It Really Fun?
“TYPE TWO BABY!!!”, I first heard this yelled in the backcountry wilderness several hours into skinning up an icy San Gregorio Mountain. “What the hell is he talking about?”, I thought in between high altitude breaths while methodically sliding one moleskin covered ski in front of the other. I later learned my friend was referring to Type 2 Fun. It turns out, our adventures and experiences can be categorized into different levels and types of enjoyment. From exhilarating moments that make your heart race, to blissful encounters that bring sheer joy, each type of fun has its unique flavor. So, what is Type 2 Fun, and how does it compare to Type 1 and Type 3 fun?
Defining the Types of Fun: (I’m aware of the irony of defining types of fun)
Before we dive into the intricacies of Type 2 Fun, let's briefly outline the three types of fun:
Type 1 Fun: This is the most straightforward and immediate form of fun. It's the enjoyable experience you have in the moment, requiring little effort or discomfort. Think of a relaxing day at the beach, playing a board game with friends, or watching a comedy show.
Type 2 Fun: In contrast, Type 2 Fun is characterized by its challenging and often uncomfortable nature. It's the kind of fun that may not feel enjoyable in the moment, but it leaves you with a sense of accomplishment, growth, and fulfillment. Type 2 Fun typically involves pushing your limits, stepping out of your comfort zone, and embracing the adventure. Examples include hiking a difficult trail, summiting a mountain, completing a 15K Tough Mudder, or taking up a new hobby that requires persistence and dedication.
Type 3 Fun: Type 3 Fun is the retrospectively fun experience, meaning it's only enjoyable in hindsight. It involves enduring difficult, sometimes unpleasant, situations that don't provide immediate gratification or enjoyment. These experiences may be characterized by extreme challenges, setbacks, or even danger. While the actual experience may be grueling, it often becomes a source of great stories and personal growth. Examples of Type 3 Fun include surviving a challenging camping trip in bad weather or recovering from a demanding physical ordeal. (personal side note… I’ve definitely been excited about some Type 3 experiences while they are happening. The line between Type 2 and 3 is sometimes blurry and different for everyone)
Embracing Type 2 Fun:
Type 2 Fun may not offer instant gratification like Type 1 Fun, nor the eventual fulfillment of Type 3 Fun, but it has its own unique benefits that make it worthwhile:
Personal Growth: Engaging in activities that involve Type 2 Fun pushes your boundaries and encourages personal growth. By facing challenges and overcoming obstacles, you develop resilience, perseverance, and a greater sense of self-confidence. These experiences help you expand your comfort zone, unlocking new potentials and expanding your horizons.
Enhanced Well-being: Type 2 Fun often involves physical exertion and mental engagement. This combination stimulates the release of endorphins, boosting your mood, reducing stress, and enhancing overall well-being. The sense of accomplishment that follows a challenging experience can leave you feeling invigorated and satisfied.
Lasting Memories: While Type 1 Fun moments provide immediate enjoyment, it's often the Type 2 Fun experiences that leave a lasting impact and create lifelong memories. These are the stories you share with enthusiasm, recounting the challenges you overcame and the lessons you learned along the way. Type 2 Fun allows you to weave the fabric of your personal narrative, adding depth and richness to your life story.
Let’s Go!
While I love watching a good movie, and enjoying a well crafted meal with friends, I’m a big fan of Type 2 Fun! It is an integral part of a fulfilling and adventurous life. By willingly stepping out of our comfort zones and embracing challenges, we can unlock personal growth, lasting memories, and a sense of fulfillment. While Type 1 Fun offers immediate enjoyment and Type 3 Fun provides retrospective lessons, it is Type 2 Fun that truly tests our limits in a sustainible way, and shapes us into more resilient, capable individuals. So, go out there, embrace the adventure, and discover the transformative power of Type 2 Fun!
