“Don’t find fault, find a remedy.” — Henry Ford

Where would life be without a machine to wash clothes?

On this date in 1797, Nathaniel Briggs of New Hampshire received a parent for such a machine.

Perhaps you’re not interested in Briggs or the history of his invention. But if you’re a coach or an athlete, you better be in the same general business that he was — the solution business.

For instance, if you’re preparing to face a team that has more speed than your team does, you’ve got a problem. And you must come up with a solution.

If you’re overweight and so far nothing has helped, you’ve got a problem. And you need a solution.

My favorite definition of complaining is pointing out a problem without offering a solution. The world has enough problems. It needs solutions.

The next time you’re in the gym, take a look around. Every single thing you see is a solution to a problem. The walls and ceiling keep out the elements. The backboards and rim are an improvement over earlier models.

So one of the things you must do to be successful as an athlete or coach is to decide what you are going to do in your career: merely point out problems, or solve them?

Coach Tully’s Extra Point: You can find some wonderful quotes on the subject of problem-solving here.