In order to prepare for success, the ground work and foundation must be laid so that one can achieve it.  If you were to ask anyone who considers themselves successful, I am sure that they could tell you stories about how they overcame some great hardships early in life, that led to them being more focused as adults.  Life teaches us varied and multiple lessons to help us prepare for each next stage that we are to enter.  We forget sometimes that as difficult as some of those stages were, that the lessons were invaluable and as a result, it made us even stronger or determined in our efforts to achieve.  It can be a challenge when one faces repeated obstacles, when that occurs you just have to be determined to ensure that you learn the assignment that you were presented with.  Interestingly, once you learn a particular task, you then get to move on.  Although our paths to success can take a variety of turns, if you are resolved and determined, it does not matter that your path is full of unknowns, as long the real compass to get to your destination lies within you.  Envision yourself at the end of the journey that you are on, so that you can begin to feel what that accomplishment will be like when you arrive.  Remember to not pay any mind to those detractors that want to see you fail or question your ability to attain what you desire.  There are people that are placed on our journeys to reinforce how strong your conviction is and those individuals that questioned your ability should be looked at as simply part of your reinforcement of your ability to succeed.  All of the steps that you have taken thus far, are part of what your intended path was.  Therefore don't get caught up in quizzing yourself about why your path may have been harder than others.  Your success will probably be greater as a result of the adversity that you overcame.