As a speaker, I hear lots of other speakers talk about how they overcame tremendous challenges.  Whether the adversity was abuse (drugs, alcohol, domestic violence), poverty, or a physical challenge, I’ve noticed a consistent similarity in their stories:

They have specific goals that drives their behavior.

Most people know what they DON’T want.  They do a good job of articulating their source of pain or frustration.  They desire to be in a better place, but they have not decided where they DO want to be.

Your desire needs to be channeled.  It needs a focus.  Your desire for “better” can only be a driving force if you know where you’re going.  If not, you’re all over the place and that energy gets wasted.