You Can Come To Me With Any Problem, Just Always Come With A Solution

“Focus 90% of your time on solutions and only 10% of your time on problems.”

                                                                                              — Anthony J. D’Angelo

As I sit and reflect on my journey, one thing becomes crystal clear: people have a profound impact on our lives—sometimes for a lifetime, sometimes for a fleeting moment. And here’s the magic: it’s not always the amount of time spent with someone that matters, but the quality of the impact they leave behind. Even brief encounters can ignite something that stays with you forever.

I’m reminded of one such person in my life: Frank Jeffrey.

When I first graduated from college, I embarked on my professional journey with the Procter & Gamble Distributing Company. Frank was my first District Manager, and even though I didn’t directly report to him, his influence was undeniable. He became my mentor, a wise, steady presence guiding me through the challenges of my early career.

I’ll never forget my first day in the P&G Beauty Care Sales Division in Chicago. Frank invited me to his office for the usual onboarding talk—company expectations, my role on the team, career paths, and organizational values.

But then, he said something that would stick with me forever, words I’ve carried with me through every role I’ve had since:

“You can come to me with any problem, just always come with a solution.”

It’s been over three decades since that conversation, and those words still resonate deeply with me. From my time as a sales rep to a corporate executive, to becoming a business owner, martial arts instructor, speaker, coach, father, and friend—this mindset has been my guiding light. It has been a reminder that in the face of challenges, the key is to focus on solutions, not dwell on the problems.

By coming to a situation with a solution-oriented mindset, you don’t just wait for someone to tell you what to do—you take ownership. You step up as part of the solution.

Now, let me be clear: This doesn’t mean you should never ask for help. On the contrary! Seeking guidance is vital. But the real power lies in asking for help from a position of empowerment. When you think through a challenge, reflect on possible solutions, and then ask for advice, you’re coming to the table as a proactive, solution-driven individual.

Sure, there were times when the solutions I crafted weren’t perfect. They may have been different from the path I eventually took. But more often than not, I discovered that the answer was already within me, waiting to be unlocked. This approach fostered a greater sense of trust in myself and made me show up with more confidence in my work.

Through my years of leading, coaching, and mentoring, I’ve shared this mindset with many individuals. And without fail, it’s been a game-changer. When someone walks into a coaching session or leadership discussion with a well-thought-out solution in hand, there’s a unique energy that comes with it—one that propels the conversation forward. Together, we tackle challenges with a sense of unity and determination, turning obstacles into opportunities.

In my previous “Mind of a Champion Tip of the Week, Are You Being a Victim or an Owner?, I explored master coach Steve Chandler’s brilliant approach to reframing challenges. He provided us with three powerful questions to ask ourselves when facing adversity, allowing us to shift from victimhood to ownership. These questions are perfect for this context, too. CLICK HERE to explore those questions.

As leaders, one of our greatest responsibilities is to help those we lead discover how to think for themselves. When we empower others to become leaders in their own lives, we create a ripple effect of growth, positivity, and resilience.

Tom Peters, a legendary business author and speaker, captured this perfectly when he said:

“Leaders don’t create followers; they create more leaders.”

This week, I challenge each of us—whether we’re navigating our own obstacles or guiding others—to embrace the power of a solution-oriented mindset. Let’s be proactive in problem-solving, and inspire those around us to do the same.

And maybe, just maybe, one day you’ll be the person remembered for the simple yet impactful words you shared with someone who needed to hear them most:

“You can come to me with any problem, just always come with a solution.”

Chris Natzke
Black Belt Leadership Speaking & Coaching

PS: If you're ready to transform problems into solutions and start taking full responsibility for your life, then I’d love to invite you to explore my Breaking Through Online Course. This course is designed to guide you through powerful mindset shifts, practical tools, and actionable steps to break free from limiting beliefs, take full ownership of your life, and begin creating the future you’ve always dreamed of.