I think that maybe the problem is that, I know Brad read the DB and DR book, but he needs to break down short term goals. And then take baby steps to reach them. One foot in front of the other. Make small goals that he can obtain right away. Start chipping(pun) away at those goals. If he look at the MLC as one huge problem, it can seem insurmountable, so the natural tendency is to just give up. But he said he doesn't want to give up.
Brad I hope you are reading this. What can we do to get you some smaller obtainable goals?