Adventure Time in 2025

In my last post, I talked about getting ahead of myself and how I need to remember that where I am now with my painting is, and probably always will be, a step along a path, not a final destination.

I think we can all agree that reshaping habitual mental processes is much easier said than done. 

So how am I going to manage this?

Answer: My deep love of the Legend of Zelda.  

The opening screen from my favorite video game of all time.

Hang with me for a minute.

The Legend of Zelda is a videogame franchise where you play as Link, an adventurer in the land of Hyrule. The creator of this game, Shigeru Miyamoto, has said that the game is inspired by his exploration of the area around his childhood home.  When I heard that, it made perfect sense to me.  I have always loved playing Zelda games because you have to explore, you never quite know where you are going or what you will find.

So let me show you my brain hack for 2025.

The map from the original Legend of Zelda hanging behind my easel.

I’ve printed out the map to the original Legend of Zelda game (thanks to Walmart’s printing services) and hung it behind my easel. There are 128 blocks (screens) on the map.  Each time I paint or draw, I check off one of the blocks.  My goal is to have all of them checked off by the end of the year.  In addition, there is a row of items you find throughout the game on the bottom.  Each time I produce a finished piece of art, an item gets checked.

Twelve days into the year and I've got six checks. I'm well on my way towards my goal!

This achieves two objectives.  One, it tracks my efforts throughout the year.  Going back to my last post, one of the points I emphasized was the need to paint a lot. This gives me a little extra motivation to get those days in.

Second, the map reminds me to be adventurous.  My 2025 resolution is to think of my painting journey this year as an exploration of what is out there, or rather “in” there.  In my brain.  In my ability.  

I could go on with video game references about side quests, grinding, and boss battles.  But I’ll just leave it here: more adventure, less certainty.  Whatever it takes, right?

I do hope you'll join me along the way. I also hope you consider what you want your journey to be like this year. And I hope you'll find room for an adventure of your own.

Hopefully all metaphorical dangers, but just in case...