(Quotes are capsules of information, reinforcement, or enlightenment.)


“Americans always do the right thing,
after they’ve tried everything else.”

Winston Churchill


Coaching Point: Churchill was a friend and fan of America. His comment was not intended as a ‘knock’ against it, rather an observation of how the USA processes and progresses.

But his view has a flaw, a common one, and transcends the subject of the quote. “…tried everything else” is that flaw.

Everything else had not been tried. Trying different things that don’t work out is the very definition of the discovery process. The final thing, ‘right thing,’ is always the last thing to try.

Once discovering the right thing there are other things that could have been tried that weren’t. So it’s not ‘everything.’

Why does this matter? There are at least these two good points.

First, the effective solution is found through repeated try-test-try cycles, an approach which requires – and rewards – diligence, staying power. Use your passion for the outcome to fuel your progress.

Second, there is always a solution. At least there is once you’ve tried ‘everything.’


Is there an outcome you want? Have you tried everything?


Copyright 2023 Steve Straus. All rights reserved.