Science tells us that if you have an optimistic outlook, but fail to achieve or receive what was hoped for, that your brain automatically goes into hyper-drive to figure out what to do. This is exactly what we want.
Jesus told us "have faith in God" and we know that hope is the foundation of that faith. We can't lose hope.

So encourage your kids to go after everything they desire -- in a good way. And encourage yourself and your older friends to hope for a better outcome and figure out how to get there. Normally the answer is right there. Even if not, the struggle for better is meritorious