There is simply nothing that can compromise Lance's positive attitude and total focus on his goals -- whether it's literally inclement weather or the emotional storms that come from being a celebrity, team leader, and top dog in the highpressure world of professional cycling.

"When it's raining, I just put on a rain jacket and go", the champion says

Close your eyes for a second and imagine Lance waking up, looking outside, seeing rain, getting dressed appropriately, and heading out the door to train without hesitation. Behind this simple but highly symbolic image lie secrets that his competitors and everyday folk would kill for. You might not face a six-hour training ride in the freezing rain of Europe in February nor newspaper headlines that attack your character and accuse you of the worst sporting transgressions.

However, each of us faces the "bad weather" of stress, negative emotions, and personal conflict in our daily lives. Do you put on a rain jacket and carry on? Or do you complain, explain, and blame?

Image: In this file picture, Lance Armstrong (left) shakes hands with New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg after finishing the New York City Marathon.

Photograph: Timothy A Clary/AFP/Getty Images