Everyone should have a purpose in their heart, which they are out to accomplish.  You must make this the centralizing focus of your thoughts.

This may be some spiritual endeavor for the greater good, or a business or athletic accomplishment, depending on where you are at that point in your life and development.  Make that purpose your supreme duty, and dedicate yourself to its attainment.  This thought focus is the royal road to self-control.

Of course you may fail…

But failure is relative.  Because if you haven’t had some major failures in your life yet, it simply means you are challenging yourself enough! I’ve had many major failures on my road to prosperity and enlightenment.  And look forward to many more…

Because this causes me to rethink, learn new skills, and develop more character.  Just as you build muscles in the gym, you build character in your mind.