“can-do” spirit

As American settlers moved west in the early and mid-19th century, they had to learn to depend on themselves.
They didn't have all the comforts of their homes back East. These brave pioneers had to build their own houses, invent new farm tools and make clothes and household items out of the resources available.
As a result, Americans developed a “can-do” spirit and an optimism about their ability to handle any challenge. They would jokingly say that a difficult problem can be solved immediately; an impossible one may take a little longer.