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Problems, difficulties and hardships are a part of everyone's life. Yet, some people handle them better than others. They have developed a mental toughness that allows them to push through hard situations and successfully face adversity. The tendency to be soft instead of tough has existed for centuries. Basically, tough people last longer than tough problems.

We all have problems – and our problems only end - when we do. The only people without problems are in the cemetery. I'd like to stick around – problems and all. How about you?

No matter what problems we have to face today, there is a solution, because we have nothing to deal with but our own thoughts. As long as we think that our destiny is in the hands of other people, the situation is hopeless. We need to confront our problems with courage, boldness and action. There's an old Chinese saying that goes, "If you live with a problem long enough, it could eventually become a blessing." Within every adversity in life, there is always a seed of an equivalent or greater benefit. We have to look for it - find it - and act on it.

Optimism allows us to approach even the most formidable challenge with a belief that we will not only survive but thrive. You simply choose to remain optimistic in the face of adversity. This optimistic outlook must be pervasive to all aspects of your life: family, career, health.

Optimism helps us to respond positively, creatively and energetically to negative situations. Though not all problems can be solved, many can with creative approaches. Mentally tough people have thick skin and don't let circumstances or people control them. One of the results of the social media explosion is the voice it has given to virtually everyone. Now almost anyone, regardless of his qualifications, can critique almost anything. You must be able to handle criticism and keep on with your game plan. Most criticism will not result in any measurable negative impact beyond your simply feeling bad. Mental toughness is about having a high tolerance for short-term bad feelings. At some point you need to simply say, "This is tough but I am a whole lot tougher."

Lastly, anything worth doing in life will involve high pressure situations along the way. Feeling discomfort is not bad but rather a sign that you are doing something significant. A realistic perspective on life is that it is at times difficult and unfair. There are things that happen to all of us which create stress and hardship in our lives. Are you mentally tough enough to deal with and overcome your problems? Setbacks are a part of life and provide us with comeback opportunities. You can rebound from disappointments, mistakes and missed opportunities. Tough people know they can overcome the inevitable challenges of life.

Don't pray for an easy life, without problems – pray to become a strong person. The higher you go in life, the more problems you will have to deal with.