There is often a hurdle one must overcome in order to make a dream come true. And I don't know in what order you'll find this hurdle.
But I do know a leap is required between how good you are and how bad you want it.
Maybe you're great at something but your skill only gets you so far. Perhaps upping your passion will take you to the finish line.
Likewise, you may want something like you've never wanted anything before. But the wanting alone won't make the dream come true. You need talent, too.
When you're up against it, check and see where you're lacking. Are you good enough? Do you want it bad enough?
Until you can answer both questions with a yes, you may keep coming up short.