The Power of Low to No: Introduction

In the past few weeks, I’ve developed an incredibly powerful concept. In fact, it’s so powerful I might have to turn it into a self-help book and make millions. I hope you’re ready, because I’m going to share this concept with you (and potentially rock your world). I’m also going to use this as the basis for many future blog postings. I’m calling it The Power of Low to No, and it’s all about having low or no expectations.

Since I arrived in Moscow, I realized one of the reasons I’ve had such an easy, nay, delightful time here is because I had low to no expectations on pretty much every front. Then I thought about how this can be applied to other areas of my life, and it hit me: this could basically be my new life mantra. Growing up, I always got bummed out after my birthday parties because they never measured up to my high expectations…until my mom threw me a surprise party when I turned twelve. I loved it…partly because I had no expectations. The best dates were the ones when I had low to no expectations, the best friendships I had no expectations.

But as soon as you raise those expectations you also raise the potential for disappointment. Think back on all the moments in your life when you had high expectations. Always a let down, right? Reality rarely measures up. But now think about all the times you had low to no expectations. Probably some of the best moments and relationships came out of those.

I’m not saying you should lower your standards or not get excited. It’s difficult, but there is a difference. While we often set our expectation levels personally, others also influence them. The raving review of a play/restaurant/book that you don’t find so hot; the big sell of a blind date; the “cute and cozy” apartment that is actually the size of a cardboard box. It works both ways too, and often when people under-sell something, it works in your favor. Our imaginations are so much better or worse than reality.

I’m incredibly lucky—I was well prepared coming to Moscow. With low to no expectations, every day seems to bring a pleasant surprise. I hope you’ll give the power of low to no a shot and see what it brings you. More to come soon. In the meantime, I’m going to get ready for bed in the room that I don’t mind the size of, play some music despite the paper-thin walls because Rachel says she can’t hear it, and smell my smoke-free-scented pajamas.