Last week, my daughter Estelle and I joined two other dads and their kids on a quick Spring Break getaway to go skiing in Colorado. Now, this ski season in Colorado has been arguably the worst on record, with minimal snow and warmer temperatures. And we knew that going in to the trip. In fact, the ski resort we visited was offering some incredibly cheap lift tickets due to the lackluster year, which was a strong incentive for us!
We kept our expectations low, and we all agreed that no matter what, we would have some fun in Colorado, whether it was on the slopes or not. And by keeping those expectations low, we set ourselves up for a great escape!
Yes, the snow was minimal, but it was honestly better than expected, and as the temperatures warmed in the afternoon, we just transitioned to other activities, including basketball at the local gym a waterpark, and also some miles running...well, Estelle and I were the only two who went running, but I sure didn't mind the 1 on 1 time with her!
Thursday skiing was wonderful in the morning, and then Estelle and I ran home along the Fraser River once the snow was turned to puddles and slush by the 50 degree temps. The run was absolutely beautiful. We were in shorts on that sunny afternoon and then soaked up the sun while relaxing in our backyard that afternoon as well. Then, Friday morning, we woke up to a fresh 5" of powder and colder temperatures and even better skiing!
All in all it was just a wonderful trip for Estelle and I, and I'm so thankful for the smiles and the miles and the slopes! I overhead a fellow skier say the following on Friday, during the cold and snowy skiing: "There isn't bad skiing weather...just bad gear choices!"
I agree with that and have said the same thing when it comes to running. And it can also be applied to life. Life is much less about what happens to you and what circumstances in which you find yourself, and much more about how you deal, cope, manage, and adapt!
Setting expectations low when it comes to outdoor adventures can actually enhance the overall experience. Nature is unpredictable—weather shifts, trails change and plans rarely unfold exactly as imagined. By approaching a hike, camping trip, or day on the water without rigid expectations, you allow room for surprises rather than disappointments. Instead of measuring success by reaching a summit or sticking to a schedule, you begin to appreciate the simple act of being outside.
Lower expectations also reduce pressure, making the experience more enjoyable and less stressful. When you’re not fixated on everything going “perfectly,” small inconveniences—like slushy snow or muddy puddles or getting slightly off track—become part of the story rather than frustrations. This mindset can help you stay present, adapt more easily, and even find humor in situations that might otherwise ruin the day. It shifts the focus from outcome to experience.
Ultimately, keeping expectations low creates space for gratitude. In that way, lowering expectations doesn’t diminish the experience—it deepens it. Two things I try to show daily, and try to model for my kids, are Gratitude and Helpfulness. And with low expectations, it's easy to find ways to be both.
Lowering expectations in outdoor adventures ties closely to overall health because it directly reduces stress—a major factor in both physical and mental well-being. When you let go of rigid outcomes, your body is less likely to stay in a heightened “fight or flight” state driven by cortisol. Instead, you shift into a more relaxed mode that supports better immune function, improved sleep, and healthier cardiovascular responses. The outdoors already promotes calm through fresh air and natural surroundings, and a flexible mindset amplifies those benefits.
This approach also supports mental health by encouraging mindfulness and emotional resilience. When you’re not constantly evaluating whether an experience meets a certain standard, you’re more present in the moment. That presence is strongly associated with reduced anxiety and improved mood. Over time, learning to adapt to changing conditions—whether it’s unexpected weather or a change in plans—builds psychological flexibility, which is a key component of long-term mental wellness.
Finally, setting lower expectations can make it easier to stay consistent with outdoor activity, which is crucial for overall health. If every hike or trip has to be “amazing” to feel worthwhile, it becomes harder to maintain the habit. But when simply getting outside counts as a win, you’re more likely to go regularly. That consistency leads to better physical fitness, more stable energy levels, and a stronger connection to habits that support lifelong health.
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