Years ago, I came across a story about a CEO who had this sign on their desk. “Bring Me Solutions.” Unbeknownst to me at the time, I internally adopted that.

Solutions. Not complaints. Not hand-wringing. Not excuses.

I’m drawn to people and organizations that cut to the chase like that.

I loved watching the DenverWorks staff help people bypass welfare by helping them find jobs. 

I loved watching the Dalit Freedom Network programs educate low-caste children (including girls) so they could escape the bonds of caste.

I love the organization I’m involved with, Principles First, which brings principles and bipartisanship to the public conversation. When I mention it, people often say, “Wait. What?” Yes, it is possible.

Sometimes I think we get so stuck, we can’t think out of the box, but good things happen out of the box. Take Jesus for example. He was so far out of the box that I’m guessing he heard “Wait. What?” a lot. His solution isn’t based on earthly wisdom. It’s for all who are willing to think out of the box.

What if we weren’t allowed to make excuses for ourselves or to criticize others? What if we were just allowed to bring solutions to the table?

What if?