http://www.fanfiction.net/book/Deltora_Quest/

I begin this story with a 16 year old young man named Leif, he is told by his father Jarred, Dels only Black Smith for many miles, that he must leave his home, family friends and all that he knows, to venture out to find 7 Gems, that were scattered all over the kingdom of Deltora by the minions of the evil Shadow Lord. Each gem came from each of the seven tribes they were also considered as very special and powerful talismans that came from deep within the earth.

"What a very brave lad to be taking on such a huge responsiblility of saving an entire kingdom. "Rock on Dude!" Apparently a 'Badass Hero is Required in Deltora.

Jarred calls his most trusted friend Barda. After they are given the run down of what to do they set out for big unknown. First they were two, then they became 6.
Anyway, this is where i am going to add my tit-bit to the story...Leif asked his father.

"Father, can i take the Holden?"
"Eh...sssuuurrree son, the key is hanging on that twig that is stick out the window."

Jasmine is another one of the main characters she also marries Leif. He first meets her in the Forests of Silence where she is 'rolling him and Bardas of their belongings' but all is forgotten.
With Jasmine comes her only friends and companions a crowe named Kree and a little furry creature named Fili.

They encounter many challenges, boundaries and perilous dangers throughout their journey, but they keep on going.
So my overall OP, is "Determination and Focus is the way to go baby."