Micro Adventuring: Dopamine, Discovery, and Decision-Making

Observations from Managing Partner Jen Prosek in the Leading in Volatile Times Newsletter.

How small, intentional escapes can fuel sharper thinking and more resilient leadership.

As someone with a hectic job that keeps me on call most of the time, I’ve always believed in the power of micro adventures — those small, accessible escapes that can make a weekend feel like a real break. A run in fresh snow, a fishing trip, a spontaneous kayak excursion. Even just wandering a less-traveled neighborhood in New York City. Whatever the activity, the point is always the same: to get lost in something new, even if just for an hour.

These moments have long helped me recharge, though I didn’t fully appreciate why they worked so well until recently. Now I understand: novelty releases dopamine and lights up the brain. It fuels creativity and spontaneity. It keeps us emotionally agile, curious, and even — dare I say — young.  It’s always nice to know that something you already do is validated by science.

Accidental Habit to Intentional Strategy

I’ve come to realize that my lifelong instinct for micro adventuring wasn’t just personal preference — it was strategy. These bursts of novelty are a critical part of my self-care , and as I get older I’ve started seeking them out with more dedication. That means not just on weekends, but also during personal and business travel.

My recent micro adventures have included ice fishing last winter near my childhood home in Connecticut, running during a snowfall in New York City, and competing in a mother-daughter tennis tournament. (It was an adventure because I had never played in one.)

One of my favorite micro adventures came when a random Google search alerted me to the fact that there was a world-class dive spot within two miles of me in West Palm Beach. I quickly dusted off my dive certificate, grabbed my favorite dive buddy (my daughter, Scout), and headed for the boat. Within an hour, we were sixty feet under, swimming among loggerhead turtles and an incredible 700-pound goliath grouper.

Being under the water listening to my breath and interacting with this colossal creature made me feel energized, alive, and adventurous. It’s always amazing when you find out that something right around the corner is as good as something you’d think you’d have to travel around the world to see.

Why Leaders Need Micro Adventures

The beauty of these adventures isn’t just in the experience — they’re a mental and emotional reset. They reboot your perspective, create energy, and clear out the noise. For leaders navigating complex issues and volatile times, that’s essential.  Micro adventures force you out of your routine, nudge you toward presence, and encourage you to stay curious.

A Practice, Not a Luxury

The best part is that you don’t need to take a long, expensive trip to have a fulfilling experience. All you need is intention and openness. When I travel for work now, I always carve out a bit of time for a micro adventure. It could be as simple as a walk through an unfamiliar district or even just striking up a conversation with someone I might not interact with otherwise. These small moments open up big shifts in mindset.

So here’s my request: Make room for the micro. Don’t overplan it. Wander. Try. Get a little lost. Because in uncertain times, the leaders who thrive aren’t just the ones with the best strategy — they’re the ones with the most adaptable minds and open hearts.

Follow Jen’s Leading in Volatile Times Newsletter on LinkedIn.