I think the good nights are what keeps us coming back. It's getting that first taste, that first buzz, and getting hooked. So we come back night after night looking to get the same high. ... Oh dear, am I on the right forum.
If the inspirational advice (like the desire and goal stuff) work for you then, sure, you should use them. The reason why there are so many articles that list such similar advice is that most stories can be boiled down to find these attributes as a sort of innate truth (there has, after all, got to be some point to the story and some reason for the character's actions). But I do suggest that you be careful that following clichéd advice doesn't lead to a completely clichéd story. Yes, you must be able to look back over your story and see that the characters have reasons for theirs actions, but you must also leave room for the characters and story to surprise you. Get to know your characters (good and bad) and keep an eye out for character and story attributes that may lead to less obvious choices. Such things can give a tale unexpected elements, something of a spark that helps you and the reader enjoy the ride.