When I feel like I’m about to run out of solutions on a challenging project, I remind myself just how resourceful I can be. It revives my determination and prevents me from capitulating.

That’s a fancy word from a fella who dressed up as “Joliet” Jake Blues to promote Varsity sports at U of T in the 80s.

When I was hired to create and run a campus-wide program to get students to attend games of the U of T Varsity Blues Football, Basketball, and Hockey teams, I came up with the “Varsity Blues Brothers”. I wrangled one of my buddies to be Elwood, and, somehow, I found an old police car for us to use as the “Bluesmobile”.

I honesty can’t remember exactly how I tracked down this vehicle. I was in my early 20s, a full-time student, and I had no budget.

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Frankly, I amaze myself.

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That’s the point of this share. When faced with self-doubt, instead of giving up, I pause and reflect to know that it’s within me to find a solution.

Perhaps you’re faced with a seemingly insurmountable barrier or stumbling block on a project you’re leading or to which you are contributing, and you believe you’ve exhausted all possible options. Before surrendering to your feelings of frustrating futility, think of one of the incredible solutions you’ve come up with previously in your life.

It was 106 miles to Chicago, they had a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it was dark, they were wearing sunglasses and they had 60 cops chasing them, but they still made it to the Cook County Assessor at City Hall to pay the taxes for St. Helen of the Blessed Shroud Orphanage.

You can do this.

(ADDENDUM)

The program was part of a "Spirit Challenge", numerous events organized by UofT Department of Athletics. The lead organizer was Angelo Kioussis, who went on to found his own luxury travel business, The Traveller Inc. I continue to be inspired by his leadership and also continue to work for him on occasion.