Although we all start life with different circumstances (gender, race, culture, etc..), we are all given the same amount of time in each day. What we do with that time determines where we end up. No matter what life has thrown at us, there is one area that we have control over and that's our attitude. Attitude combined with focus on goal attainment is a powerful force. To illustrate my point, check this video. You can hear what's going on before you see it. Even though he and his bike are battered, he remains keenly focused on his goal.