Maxwell notes that discouragement is the thief of potential. He suggests combating it by identifying the root cause, refusing to feel sorry for yourself, and taking small, positive actions immediately.

We often treat problems as interruptions. Maxwell reframes them as tests of character. He famously writes, "Every problem introduces you to yourself." How you react to a problem shows you who you really are.

If you are stuck in your career, your relationships, or your personal growth, stop looking for a better strategy. Look at your attitude. As Maxwell puts it, "Your attitude is either your best friend or your worst enemy. It is your most valuable asset or your greatest liability."