Book Review: Tough Times Never Last, But Tough People Do by Dr. Robert H. Schuller

This book was a thoughtful gift from my friend and leadership, Cathrine Sibanda—the founder and powerhouse behind the Financial Literacy Trust. Honestly, one of the coolest people I know. She gifted it it to me during my farewell celebration at 267 Restaurant in Botswana before I left for Namibia.

For most of my first year in Namibia, I kept promising myself I would get to it. And finally, I did. Just from the title, I could tell it was a motivational book focused on resilience through difficult times. Looking back, I believe Cathrine gifted it to me as a reminder to stay the course as I embarked on this new chapter of my life.

About the Author

Dr. Robert H. Schuller was the pastor behind the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, California—an architectural masterpiece and an engineering feat in its own right. A church made entirely of glass, allowing one to worship under the sky. Throughout the book, he references the challenges of building the cathedral, using it to illustrate the importance of perseverance through tough times. Dr Schuller passed in 2015.

About the Book

Given that Dr. Schuller was a pastor, it should come as no surprise that this book is heavily Christian. His teachings are deeply rooted in faith, biblical principles, and stories from the Bible. If you're looking for a secular take on resilience, this might not be for you. But if you appreciate faith-based encouragement, you’ll find the book uplifting.

It’s structured into three parts:

Part 1. Tough Times Never Last, But Tough People Do

This section tells stories of resilience—real-life experiences of people who have faced adversity and come out stronger. Dr. Schuller shares his own struggles as a pastor, ministering to people in difficult times, and recounts several success stories of those who lived by the belief that tough times don’t last, but tough people do.

One of the most memorable moments in this part is when he explains how he first came up with the phrase that became the book’s title. Which was during a motivational presentation to a group of farmers on the verge of bankruptcy during the harsh summer of 1982, farms and businesses were on the line. During the speech, he recounts the story of his own father, a farmer who lost everything during a tornado and persevered on, bringing the story home to land the title of the book.

Part 2. Here’s How You Can Be Tough Too!

This section is the heart of the book. Dr. Schuller outlines practical ways to navigate life’s challenges, using examples from his own experiences, as well as those of his family and friends.

One thing I really liked? It’s not just feel-good motivation—it includes actionable steps. For example, in his 12 principles for managing challenges positively, Principle 8 is "Date." Essentially, he encourages a dating mindset when tackling challenges like job hunting:

"Discover the many different jobs there are. Look them over. Play the field. Don't let age be a factor; a change of career at forty might be what you need."

This section is filled with real, applicable steps to overcoming difficulties.

Part 3. Beginning is Half Done

This section emphasizes the power of action—just starting something can be half the battle. Dr. Schuller takes a creative approach by assigning an action word to every letter of the alphabet and expanding on each one.

Personally, I found this chapter a bit long-winded. Some of the letters felt unnecessary, but there were still a few gems. The ones that stood out to me? O for Overlook and Overcome.

It’s true—some problems require acceptance rather than a solution. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is let go and move on. Holding onto every little mistake—yours or someone else’s—can strain even the most genuine relationships. And in some situations, there simply isn’t a quick fix.

Final Thoughts

If you enjoy Christian writing, need some encouragement, and appreciate a laid-back, conversational style, this book is worth reading.

Dr. Schuller’s writing reminds me of Norman Vincent Peale, the author of The Power of Positive Thinking—a phenomenal book!

Would I recommend it? Yes—but especially if you’re looking for faith-based motivation. It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s a good, uplifting read that serves as a reminder to push through life’s challenges.