Mental toughness, by my definition, is the ability to focus on personal goals despite hardships, setbacks, criticism or episodes of emotional turmoil. It is, like talent, one of the keys to success.
Persons who are mentally tough need not be self-absorbed or brutish. They may be kind or not, empathetic or not, personable or not. Indeed, there are generally no outward features that identify them beyond their obvious commitment to achieving their goals. Above all else, they take personal responsibility for their choices and mistakes; blaming others is not in their constitution.
I suspect that both genetic factors and familial influence are at play. As a result, mental toughness is often evident in children, long before their life goals are established. Those who lack the trait are unlikely to succeed at a high level, whether they choose the professions, business, creative arts or sports; while some individuals inherit opportunities, lasting success without mental toughness is unlikely.
