There is Always a Solution!

One of my favorite sayings is that ‘there’s no such thing as a problem that cannot be solved! And it’s true. No matter how thorny the issue, how intractable the problem – or even how dark the moment may seem, there is always a way! But finding the solution requires a calm and positive spirit, perseverance and most of all a faith that ‘yes,’ we can succeed, we can find a way!
 

So very often, I find myself actually repeating this exact phrase to myself when the going gets a little tough. And it does from time to time. However, I know that with the right spirit, all can be accomplished.
 

When life delivers one of those big, scary challenges, the kind that shakes your confidence, that’s when faith and attitude make all the difference. Take the example of someone who’s suddenly lost their job after years of dedication to a company. At first, it may feel like the world has caved in. Bills pile up, uncertainty looms, and self-doubt creeps in. Yet, those who refuse to give up—who instead use the time to reimagine their purpose or pursue that dream career they had set aside—often look back and say that the setback was actually a turning point. What began as an ending became a new beginning.
 

Another powerful example is found in family illness. Many people know the helpless feeling of sitting beside a loved one facing a serious health challenge. The fear can be overwhelming. But I’ve seen families who refused to surrender to despair, choosing instead to hold tightly to faith and positivity. They advocate, research, and hope together—until one day healing comes, often in ways they didn’t expect. Their strength, rooted in belief and steadfast prayer that a solution would come, carried them through the darkest hours and reminded them that attitude truly shapes outcome. 

Even in the devastation after natural disasters—when homes are lost, communities shattered, and futures uncertain—people find a way. After floods, fires, or hurricanes, Americans consistently rise to rebuild. I’ve watched towns that were nearly wiped off the map join hands to restore not just buildings, but their sense of purpose and connection. The common thread in each of these stories is a refusal to quit. Where some saw ruin, others saw the chance to start again, carrying forward the unshakable belief that solutions live on the other side of faith.

So yes, life can be hard—sometimes unbearably so. But even in those moments that seem impossible, our response determines the outcome. Challenges don’t have to defeat us; in fact, they can strengthen us in ways we never imagined. The secret lies in believing, deep down, that there is a way forward. Because there always is. With patience, faith, and a positive attitude, solutions don’t just appear—they unfold right before our eyes.

This week we are delighted to highlight a true ‘problem solver’ – George Dantzig.

I suspect you’ve probably never heard of George – but he personifies the idea that if you calmly apply your talents and intellect – without feeling totally overwhelmed by the challenge – you can ‘reason your way to a solution.’ In George’s case, he had the benefit of not even fully knowing how difficult the problem was in advance. As a result of this approach, George famously solved a difficult problem and today is viewed as a mathematics and operations research pioneer.

George’s key moment came while he was a graduate student at the University of California, Berkeley, in the late 1930’s. Arriving late to his statistics class, he found two problems written on the blackboard and assumed they were a standard homework assignment. Unbeknownst to him, these were examples of two unsolved problems in statistical theory that had baffled experts for years. Working intensely, he solved both, only to learn later from his professor that these were not homework but celebrated open challenges in the field.

George Dantzig’s accomplishment made a significant impact in mathematical circles and brought him international recognition. His solutions were so remarkable that his professor, Jerzy Neyman, arranged for them to be published and shared with the mathematical community. Dantzig’s work not only addressed longstanding mathematical riddles but also inspired later generations, even making its way into popular culture as a scene in the movie Good Will Hunting. The story showcases Dantzig’s resourcefulness and resilience—traits that would define his subsequent career.

Beyond this legendary episode, Dantzig became a central figure in industrial engineering and operations research. He is credited with founding and directing the Operations Research Center at Berkeley and is celebrated for inventing the simplex algorithm, which became the foundation of mathematical optimization and linear programming. These innovations enabled industries around the world to solve complex planning and resource allocation issues far more efficiently. For his work, Dantzig was honored with numerous awards, including the National Medal of Science in 1975, and held memberships in several prestigious academies.

George Dantzig’s life was marked by curiosity, humility, and dedication to advancing the capabilities of science and engineering. Despite the tension of that late day in class, his willingness to tackle problems without preconceived limits led him to extraordinary achievements. His story highlights the importance of open-mindedness and persistence, and serves as a reminder that sometimes the most challenging circumstances can produce remarkable solutions and lifelong inspiration.

Quote of the Week

"Every problem contains the seeds of its own solution.”

-Dr. Norman Vincent Peale