I will always remember how I got my first job — "Charlie's on Main" - a small, hole-in-the-wall bar nestled in the Northwoods of southern North Dakota. I didn't go through an interview or meet with the managers; I didn't even have a resume or a list of references. I just remember that I was terribly stressed. At the time, my parents were moving to American Samoa and selling their house and cottage. Soon I would be homeless and I needed a job — any job that would take me, a 26-year-old, fresh out of college and ready to take on the world.
I set out early in the mid-afternoon with nothing but my broom in hand. I went over to Charlie's front stoop and started sweeping up the dirt and cigarette butts littering the ground. Keep in mind, no one asked me to do this. It was out of pure motivation and un-matched gumption that I continued to do this day after day for nearly four months before the owners took notice. They gave me two options: stop loitering and leave immediately or come inside for a job. And just like that, I was employed by Charlie's on Main. I created my own job. I solved my own problem.
My question for our Nation is this: "It's time for us all to do the same."
Nowadays, when I come across a stressful situation or an issue needs immediate attention, I go grab my broom and start sweeping up around the office, parking lot, or sidewalk. I will go outside to pick up trash or go into the break area to wash off tables. Maybe I will go around to various offices and conference rooms to push in chairs. We all have different ways of tackling challenges as they come up and I will expect that my cabinet members share the same ideals.
I designed the following list of questions to be difficult; however, they are scoped to what I believe a true American should be able to answer within 10 seconds.
An empty glass of water is sitting in front of you. Is the glass half full or half empty?
How many times does the letter "R" appear in your name?
If you are lost in a busy shopping center, do you ask for assistance or start crying?
You are at a close friend's house and accidently flush all of their prescription medication down the toilet. What do you tell your friend?