I recently received an email from the International Center for Studies in Creativity reminding students of the one-year anniversary of the passing of Dr. Mary Murdock. She was the professor for my first class in the science of creativity and change leadership. She taught me many things that stick with me today; yet, in one quick moment, she said one thing that framed perfectly a most productive approach to tackling any challenge. She said, “There are two kinds of problems: those that can be solved and those that don’t matter.”
Once you acknowledge that, excuses for not solving a problem go away.
So I use this quote when I facilitate teams through strategic planning as a signal not to shy away from a challenge, no matter how insurmountable it seems or how long it has been around—particularly if it’s solution is necessary to achieving your goals. More than once this has helped us identify and tame a rogue elephant in the room.
Please share the wise words of one of your teachers. I believe it’s a wonderful way to spread the legacy of our very best educators.
A Marketplace of Ideas 
You have validated the importance of every teacher’s role in all of our lives. They give so much and all they can do is hope that someone is listening and using what they have learned and sharing it.