Why is it when we leave our comfort zone and do something different or something adventurous, it ignites our senses and makes us feel alive again?
I’m addicted to the outdoors and the happiness it generates, but I could never really articulate exactly why!
I recently visited my mentor and dear friend Mark Diggins. Mark is one of the most accomplished and qualified guides you could ever meet. He’s also been working in the outdoors for over 40 years. Who better to shine a light why the outdoors feels so good…
With a big smile, he said, “because you have had and believe in creating, intrinsic experiences for people!”
Mark explained he believes there are two main contributors, “engaging in an intrinsic experience and being in a state of flow. Together, you can achieve ecstasy.”
Intrinsic experience = Fulfilment.
The advantages of intrinsic experience can be long-lasting and self-sustaining. Efforts to build this kind of motivation are also typically efforts at promoting organic interaction with nature. Such efforts often focus on the experience rather than rewards or extreme.
Extrinsic experience = Momentary and not long lasting.
Extrinsic refers to the performance of an activity in order to attain the desired outcome, it is the opposite of an intrinsic experience. Common extrinsic motivations are rewards (for example money or a glorified challenge). Competition is another example, because it encourages the individual to win and to beat others, not just to enjoy the rewards of the activity.
I feel we have subconsciously incorporated the intrinsic principle in the way we create our trips. They always offer organic involvement, this journey sounds almost mathematical. But we have found that the more engaged a person is, the deeper, greater and longer lasting the reward becomes.
In simple terms I believe an intrinsic experience is achieved when a person is prepared to;
- Seek out new experiences.
- Engage in personal challenges.
- Become immersed in the activity itself.
- Be open to gaining knowledge.
There is another very powerful element, which is what we always strive for when designing our experiences. One I believe is the second half of the puzzle.
Watch out for my next blog and prepared to be amazed…