Top 10 Life Discoveries from 25 Years of Adventure
For over twenty five years, I’ve been in the business of creating adventures. It started with a simple idea: that a scavenger hunt could be more than just a game—it could be a powerful tool for connection.
What I didn’t realize when I founded cityHUNT was that in the process of helping others find clues and cross finish lines, I’d end up discovering a few fundamental truths about what it means to live a happy and fulfilling life.
Here are ten of the most important lessons I’ve learned along the way.
1. Treat Connection Like Natural Medicine
In a world struggling with record levels of burnout, I’ve come to believe that connection is a form of medicine.
I often say that a shared experience can be “the new medicine that doesn’t come from a pharmacy.” I’ve seen firsthand how a few hours of collaborative play can completely transform a team’s dynamic. It’s a prescription for loneliness and disengagement, reminding us that we are better when we are together, working towards a common, joyful goal.
2. Redefined “Winning” to Find More Joy
Early on, I became fascinated by the psychology of happiness, especially the famous study about Olympic athletes.
The fact that bronze medalists are consistently happier than silver medalists struck a deep chord with me. The silver medalist often focuses on almost winning gold, while the bronze medalist is thrilled just to be on the podium. It taught me to measure my own success not by how close I came to someone else’s ideal, but by the tangible achievement of my own goals.
This shift in perspective is a powerful tool for finding genuine satisfaction in your own accomplishments.
3. Disconnect to Gain Clarity
My trip to the Ecuadorian Amazon wasn’t just a vacation; it was a reset button.
In a place with no cell service and no distractions, I was forced to be present, and it was there that my core beliefs about human connection were solidified.
I’ve learned that you can’t find true clarity amidst constant noise. Whether it’s a trip to a remote jungle or simply turning off my phone for an evening, I now make it a practice to intentionally disconnect. It’s in those quiet moments that the most important insights emerge.
4. Finding Adventure in My Own Environment
While I love a grand adventure, I’ve learned that you don’t need a plane ticket to find one.
Some of the most memorable experiences can be found right in your own backyard. This is the magic behind cityHUNT—turning a familiar neighborhood into a landscape of mystery and discovery.
It has taught me to look closer at the world around me and to appreciate that novelty and excitement are often just a matter of perspective.
5. Seek Unfamiliar Settings to Understand Core Truths
There is a unique power in stepping completely out of your element. Being in a place like the Amazon, where the culture and environment are entirely different, strips away the non-essentials and reveals the fundamentals of human nature.
It was an experience that reinforced what I already believed in my work: that at our core, we all crave connection, community, and a shared sense of purpose.
6. Sharing My Story to Build Deeper Connections
For a long time, I focused on telling the stories of the teams and companies I worked with. But as I shared my own journey, particularly in interviews, I discovered a different kind of connection.
Being open about my own path, my “why,” and the values that drive me has allowed for a much deeper level of trust and rapport. I’ve learned that vulnerability is not a weakness, but a bridge.
7. Making Fun a Cornerstone of Teamwork
In the corporate world, “fun” can often feel like a forced agenda item. I decided early on that for my work to be meaningful, the fun had to be genuine. I built my entire company on the belief that joy and play are not distractions from the work; they are essential for effective teamwork.
When people are laughing and enjoying themselves, communication flows, hierarchies dissolve, and real bonds are formed.
8. Harnessing the Power of Place
I’ve learned that a location is never just a backdrop; it’s an active participant in the experience.
The energy of a historic neighborhood, the layout of a city park, the buzz of a market—all of these elements shape the way we interact and feel. By carefully choosing our environments, we can create experiences that are not only memorable but also deeply tied to the unique character of the place itself.
9. Blending Mindfulness with My Business Strategy
My interest in positive psychology and mindfulness isn’t just a personal hobby; it’s a core part of my business strategy.
I’ve found that applying these principles—focusing on strengths, fostering positive emotions, and encouraging presence—doesn’t just make for a happier team, it makes for a more successful and resilient one.
It’s about creating an environment where people can thrive, not just perform.
10. Building a Business Around My Core Beliefs
The most rewarding lesson has been realizing that my business is a direct extension of my deepest values. I didn’t chase a market trend; I built a company around the things I believe in most: adventure, connection, and the power of play.
Aligning my work with my personal “why” has not only given me a fulfilling career but has also served as my north star through every challenge and decision along the way.
Conclusion
In the end, all of these lessons circle back to one central idea: life is richer when we actively seek out connection, joy, and meaning. It’s about more than just achieving goals or checking boxes; it’s about the quality of our experiences and the strength of our relationships.
You don’t need to run a scavenger hunt company to apply these ideas. You only need to ask yourself: Where can I find a small adventure today? How can I redefine winning to appreciate what I have? When will I next disconnect to truly hear myself think? The clues are all around you, and your own greatest adventure is waiting to be discovered.
