A word of encouragement came from an unlikely source the other day in a television interview with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. The former football player, wrestler, and now actor was asked about a low time in his life when he was very discouraged about his career and future.

"How did you make your way back from that?" he was asked.

The Rock replied, "You have to put yourself out there. You have to get out there and fail, and learn from your failures."

What advice would you give to someone who is discouraged by life? How do you deal with discouragement yourself? Whether it's a low point in your work life, a serious health issue, a difficult family situation, something you've been working hard at and yet you're not seeing results, doing the right thing in the face of criticism, being disapp…