The Anatomy of Determination
1.Easy way to become better at controlling will power is controlling your diet.  Yep - glucose increases will power.
http://psr.sagepub.com/cgi/content/short/11/4/3032."Environment trumps discipline"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.3.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!)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...4.I think what is missing is luck - which can also be hacked somewhat.  Book: The Luck Factor: The 4 Essential Principles: 
http://www.amazon.com/Luck-Factor-Four-Essential-Principles/...