Why Success Isn’t Always the Summit

There’s a certain unspoken expectation for outdoor enthusiasts that when we set out to undertake an adventure, the goal is to finish it. That somehow, if a peak or high point or trail end isn’t reached, we haven’t truly succeeded. 

Well, I’m here to convince you to try and redefine that definition of success. Because at day’s end, the summit—be it literal or figurative—isn’t truly where the magic happens. 

Success is in the Process

The process in every journey—no matter how small or large, or how far we get—has something to teach us. From those meditative pauses to appreciate our surroundings, the power of our body and how far we’ve come to every misstep, detour, and moment of fear, frustration and struggle that puts us on the verge of crying, screaming or giving up, what happens on the ascent is often the greatest lesson. All those moments combined leave a mark regardless of whether the adventure goes according to plan, we just have to shift our mindset to recognize the value in it.

Adjusting Expectations

As much as we can prepare for a change of plans during our adventures, when the time comes to turn around earlier than expected or switch the gameplan, it’s often surprising just how much that act can stay with us; a pinprick, of sorts, reminding us that we have something left unfinished. 

But I’m sure you’ve heard this saying before: expectation is the thief of joy, is it not?

If we begin an adventure by adjusting our expectations, and allow ourselves to acknowledge multiple versions of success before even embarking on our journey, we can better embrace all the thousands of small moments that, in their own ways, help us become a better version of ourselves. 

Finding Purpose in the Ascent

Goals are important, there’s no denying that. And crossing a finish line or topping out on a summit, however that may look, certainly offers an incomparable gratification, especially if we’ve put in the time preparing for it. But what are we hoping to find once we reach that summit or finish line?

Rather than just going through the motions to check off a bucket list adventure or weekly mileage goal, try and find intention in every journey outdoors. It can be as simple as asking yourself: why am I hiking today? By adding a bit more mindfulness and self-reflection, and really thinking about how movement in nature impacts us, we can transform every adventure into an opportunity for personal growth.