This picture is the inset from map 1 from the AMC Guide to the White Mountains. If you are not familiar, map 1 focuses on the Presidential Range, some of the highest peaks in New Hampshire. The inset then focuses on the summit of Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast. Looking at the map you can see there are three trails to ending, or beginning, at the summit along with the Mt Washington Auto Road and the Cog Railway. On a busy summer day it can be a crowded place with a mix of hikers, train riders, and people walking over from their cars. I have arrived at the summit on foot, by car and by train. When I have hiked it, I always feel it to be a little surreal to wait in line for a summit picture with small dogs and people in flip flops, or to buy a hot dog and fries from a mountain top snack bar.
When I work with my students on making decisions, we use the ABCDE model. This picture was created by one of those students to illustrate how it goes. Ask questions to define your problem. Brainstorm ideas for solutions. Choose one of those ideas. Do it. And evaluate your choice, or as they came to say, eat a burger. Eat a burger reminded them to slow down and think about what happened. Was is a good choice? Did it work? Can I do better?
There is a saying that can be paraphrased there are many paths to the top and it does not really matter which one you take, as long as you take one. We all make choices throughout our lives that take us through our daily routines. Hopefully we put a little thought into those choices and pick the right one for ourselves at that time. Setting and working toward goals is key to growth and this problem solving model can help you on your way.
Remember not to judge people for the choices they have made, it might have been best for them in that moment. The summit map shows that no matter how you choose to go the view is there for everyone. Just be sure to eat a burger when you reach your summit and reflect on how you got there.
Be well.
Sirius Fun 
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