The Anatomy of Determination
1.<p>Easy way to become better at controlling will power is controlling your diet.  Yep - glucose increases will power.
<a href="http://psr.sagepub.com/cgi/content/short/11/4/303" rel="nofollow">http://psr.sagepub.com/cgi/content/short/11/4/303</a><p>2.<p>"Environment trumps discipline"<p>I'd read an article that said that for most people - their income will be very close to the average income of their 5 closest friends.  Create the environment - and discipline will come on its own.<p>3.<p>Ambition either comes from having kickass heroes or from facing strong problems.  England started becoming a super power only when King Henry read the book of King Arthur and his Knights of the round table.  (King Arthur's story was a false story written by Thomas Malory - while in prison.  A convict changed the fortunes of England which was until then a land of misfits and barbarians - by giving them a hero!)<p>When there is a lack of heroes, you need strong problems to build that burning ambition.  Eg: how Chandragupta and Chanakya went on to unite India 2300 years ago - because Alexander threatened their existence.  Up until Alexander showed up in India - no one even dreamt of uniting India...<p>4.<p>I think what is missing is luck - which can also be hacked somewhat.  Book: The Luck Factor: The 4 Essential Principles: 
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Luck-Factor-Four-Essential-Principles/dp/1401359418/" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/Luck-Factor-Four-Essential-Principles/...</a>