The Mountain Madness challenge is a good rewards system that uses teamwork, bonding, and enjoyment to accomplish results. Depending on one's perception of what "your attitude determines your altitude" is, outcome varies a lot. Following are problems found in the case and possible solutions to solve the issues.
1. Negative attitude towards company efforts. Thinking negatively about the outcome without even trying often results to failed efforts or not even having the chance to carry out the goal. In Lena's case, she focused on "what could get wrong" instead of thinking of ways to overcome her challenges. She reacted without having tried or undergone the challenge. Thus, the best approach is to concentrate on how to conquer the problem and create plans (Dern 2010).
2. Resistance to ideas resulting to "unpreparedness" during actual execution of plans. If an idea does not fit in one's overall plans, it does not necessarily mean that the idea won't work. Lena's negativity and resistance to ideas hindered her from preparing herself fully for the challenges ahead although everyone was given ample time to get ready physically and mentally. Thus, to become more accepting of abstract thoughts, ask questions for clarification until you are satisfied and comfortable with the idea. Challenge the idea, if you must, but do not close your mind to it. Strive to be more open to ideas (Dern 2010).
3. Too much attention on others perception. Lena's self-consciousness just shows how she views herself as an individual. In fact, focusing too much on how people view you does more harm than good because you become enslaved by how others see you. As such, the result is you will tend to conform in order to be accepted instead of standing your ground. If you have to, listen to what others say about you, but build on your self-confidence so you are not easily swayed to think negatively of yourself.
4. Focusing on the "now" instead of seeing the "future". With Lena's concerns about how fit she will be before the Mountain Madness challenge, she focused too much on matters that could have been solved had she prepared and readied herself for the challenge. To resolve this, you can try to review the situation at hand and make conclusions based on your appraisal. See the future and the potentials instead of seeing problems.
Remember that the mental state or position you take regarding your life and affairs (Dern 2010) determines how successful you will become. It is not what you think but how you think (Dern 2010) that matters. You can choose to continually see "what is wrong" instead of seeing what can be improved on; or, accept the challenge and choose to concentrate on possibilities.
In the end, it is all a matter of perspective and attitude. If you choose to see the problems, then that is all that you will see. But if you go past the issues and move forward – by yourself or as a team, then the more successful you will become. Thus, your success depends largely on your outlook, how you see things – in other words, your attitude.
Works Cited
Dern, Natasha. "Your Attitude Determines Your Altitude." Huffpost Healthy Living. 2010. Web. 15 November 2012. < http://www.huffingtonpost.com/natasha-dern/your-attitude-determines_b_552064.html>.
