The Benefits of Adventurousness

I’m the adventurous type when it comes to food. I will try a new spice, a new meat, or an odd fruit I’ve never seen before in the grocery aisle. I’ve tried to instill this in my children, and even to influence my wife. It’s not so easy to change another person’s outlook—especially their sense of adventure. 

When I’m travelling I appreciate a local restaurant, rather than rushing to a chain I could have dined at back home. Recently, I stopped in at this diner (see photo), deciding I could quench my thirst with a cup of coffee. I figured that would be a safe item, and if I was intrigued I could order something else. 

What I found in this particular place was some good conversation about cooking.  I began to recall times in the kitchen with my grandmother sharing stories about preparing food and eating. One of the cooks shared that their diner is known for their “home fries” as she sat peeling potato after potato into a bucket. When is the last time you saw a person at a restaurant peel potatoes?  It impresses me to see actual food being prepared.

Adventurousness is a personality style measured by several psychology inventories. The one I use often is the Workplace Big Five. On that test, being a person who appreciates adventure means you are open to change and new experiences. Adventurousness is closely related to imagination, complexity, and artistic interests.

This personality style can be helpful in careers that are fast paced and place you in positions where a new culture or new way of thinking is valued. Conversely, with a low adventure style you hold fast to acceptable practices and methods in the workplace. 

Making a match between your adventure scores and a career is an important factor my line of work. For more information, you can visit scramboose.com.

By the way, a lot of good has come from my tendency towards adventure. Also, I’ve had a whole lot of sour tastes, and quickly disposed of foods—if you know what I mean. 

What are you most adventurous about?  What new foods or experiences do you now enjoy because you "took a chance"?  Make a comment below.