Perhaps we are looking in the wrong pile.

 Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes; and I will keep it to the end. Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart. Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it. Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain! Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things, and give me life in your ways.

Psalm 119:33-37 (ESV)
 
Those who are successful in this life desire to be taught by God with the idea of obeying Him. With this obedience comes understanding. With the understanding comes the valuable guidance that we all want.
 
The obstacle to this is selfishness, and fuel for self is the consumption of insignificant things. We have a culture that indulges in the worthless, hoping to find worth. We look for treasure where there is only waste, and then wonder why we are never satisfied.
 
Perhaps we are looking in the wrong pile. Maybe we need to absorb things of value, God's Word, meditate on them, and see where that takes us.