One can and should admire the guts and determination that some among us show when facing obstacles to their goals. Certainly, one should take an example from those who do so, for without such determination we are doomed to failure where success could be had. However, we can easily fall into the trap of judging our own efforts by the subjective measure of the difficulty of the obstacle which prevented our success rather than judging our efforts on whether success was fully achieved.
It is all too easy to set unrealistic goals, to make a show of striving for them, and to expect a consoling and congratulating pat on the back for the effort. More important is to set goals that are meaningful and at least plausibly realistic, and set about with all our vigor to accomplish them.
I'm reminded of the Gordian knot in the literature of Greek mythology. What the wisest in the kingdom could not accomplish with all their greatest efforts, Alexander accomplished by simplifying the problem to the sweep of a blade. A meaningful goal is one where the problem is seen clearly. Often the most satisfying solution is a simple one that emerges from a clear understanding of the problem.
When the problems are compelling ones, the efficacy of the solution is far more important than the effort put into it. A starving family made so by great effort of will is not more to be desired than a well-fed family made so by little effort.
So it is with most of our life's works. Less effort for more results gives us a greater advantage and leads to more satisfaction most of the time.
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