Have you heard of Type 2 Fun?

by | Oct 2, 2025 | 0 comments

Why the Best Kind of Fun (Type 2) Doesn’t Feel Like Fun at First

I recently learned the term Type 2 Fun from a book I was reading about endurance athletes and I was intrigued because I found so many parallels in the description of what draws endurance athletes, to their sport to what draws our clients to consistently work on their goals in the face of resistance, unforeseen challenges, and setbacks. 

What is Type 2 fun? 

Something that’s hard in the moment but you reflect on later as being rewarding or satisfying. I mentioned being a natural planner, which I am, but it’s definitely type 2 fun, not easy, but rewarding afterwards when I feel grounded and clear about what I’m working on. Type 2 fun is this morning’s workout. Did I really want to get out of bed in the dark and meet my friend to do sand sprints? No. Was I hoping I’d open up my phone and she would have cancelled? Yes. Did I show up anyway, and did we get our workout in while watching a beautiful sunrise? Absolutely, and that right there is type 2 fun. 

The 3 Types of Fun 

Apparently there are 3 types of fun – who knew? Although in fairness, type 3 is no fun at all. 

  • Type 1 Fun: Fun in the moment (sharing a meal with friends, going to a concert). 
  • Type 2 Fun: Not fun while doing it, but rewarding and satisfying after (long hike, tough workout, planning your quarter). 
  • Type 3 Fun: Sounds fun, but turns out not to be in the moment or after (getting lost, poor planning that creates stress). 

Why Type 2 Fun is Good for Us 

I like the reframe of thinking of planning, hard workouts, and pursuing goals as type 2 fun. I like to have the dance party, concert-going, friend’s gathering type of fun, but I like this fun too. Good thing, because it turns out that type 2 fun activities: 

  • Build resilience and mental toughness 
  • Create satisfaction and pride after the fact
  • Prevent the regret of type 3 experiences (stress, chaos, and burnout) 
  • Kees us aligned with our long-term vision and values 

So as you head into the last stretch of the year, how might building in some type 2 fun help you finish 2025 feeling resilient, satisfied, and aligned?