Congratulations on both of your persistence!  If you could retrospectively look back at the times you were stuck, frustrated, etc. where was your focus (literally?).  I'll bet your eyes were cast downward, right?  When you felt hopeful, optimistic, excited ... where were your eyes cast then?  Probably upward and outward - toward a shared vision.  What do you think I'm going to suggest next?  Yes, the next time you feel less than hopeful or you feel stuck, GET YOUR EYES UP!  Focus on where you want to go ... everything else could just follow!