Dr. Kelly McGonigal wrote a book I am currently reading (The willpower of instinct).  It contains some compelling insights to self-control and self-discipline which anyone would find helpful in the pursuit of goals and self-improvement.  Just the other day I found a presentation where she was sharing how to turn stress into an advantage.  It wasn't something I found new, but the angle she took made it interesting and refreshed my desire not to waste stressful or difficult situations.

http://99u.com/videos/50938/kelly-mcgonigal-how-to-turn-stress-into-an-advantage

http://www.amazon.com/Willpower-Instinct-Self-Control-Works-Matters/dp/1583335080/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1437230472&sr=8-1&keywords=the+willpower+of+instinct