Bill Keefe, Founder HighSchoolBlues.com

Remember this truth: If you are lucky you will face great adversity in your life!
This may sound absurd to you at first until you recognize that facing adversity is a significant step towards accomplishment. However, this does not mean that all people experiencing trouble are on their way towards success, in fact quite the opposite. Enduring or experiencing adversity and difficulties provides little value as these words indicate passive behaviors. But, those who "face" adversity greet it with creative thinking and action and when it is over they are better for it.

Moments of adversity, no matter their source or potency are opportunities for decisions. These decisions aren't always obvious in each situation, but they are always present. If your response is to retreat, curl up in bed or embrace various forms of distractions you are physically and/or emotionally avoiding the challenge.

During any period of adversity beware of the urges that draw you to various distractions as they will be stronger than usual. You might even crave them. These temptations are important decisions and should be recognized as so. By choosing a distraction over facing the adversity head on you have chosen the easy path and have weakened your will and have missed an opportunity to take courageous action. Develop the habit of demonstrating courage in the face of adversity because doing so will provide you with more rewards than any other decisions.

Remember This: The measure of any person is what they do when times are difficult not when times are easy.

Learn to smile at adversity. Pain, anxiety, stress, anger and disappointment are all common responses to adversity. These are emotions that you have learned to attach to troubles. If you allow them to, they will fill your consciousness and consume your subconscious in a way that will move you towards behaviors based in spite, revenge, fear and hurt. These actions will inevitably cause you to say things you wish you hadn't, think things that are self-defeating and make decisions that will have lasting negative consequences.

There is something that you can learn to do that will minimize the negative affects of adversity and begin to channel your energy towards positive thinking. It begins with a smile. A smile is not consistent with the emotions that you have conditionally tied to adversity. This simple act of smiling at adversity is the first step in taking control. It allows you to prove to yourself that you can take a step back from the pain or confusion and observe the situation.

This separation provides perspective and clarity of vision unavailable to those in the grips of negative thinking. Now this doesn't mean that you pretend that there isn't a problem, but it does mean that you are able to apply clear thinking to it. Learning to exercise this mental toughness while experiencing difficult situations will separate you from the rest and you will be rewarded.

Your greatest opportunities are available to you during your greatest peril. Adversity breeds inspiration as the dissatisfaction of the moment forces one to create solutions. Solutions are synonymous with the value that attracts power and wealth.

Remember This: Rarely do solutions ever come when a problem hasn't first been identified.