Calvin Coolidge famously said: Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination are omnipotent. The slogan press on has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.
Seth Godin: Is effort a myth?
Overcoming Bias: Make an Extraordinary Effort
All we can do is play the cards we are dealt the best we can. And try to do so with every hand.