The vast majority of that which you say here is valid (although I am a little skeptical of the elasticity of IQ tests at the scoring fringes - no doubt that she was and is very very smart).
The one thing I'd suggest however is that giving up can take at least two forms:
1 - "I'll never manage." Stated with sincerity and conviction, involves the greatest risk of permanency.
2 - "This is beyond my ability or means." The risk of permanency somewhat depends on whether there is an unspoken "right now" at the end of this sentence.
3 - "This is not worth pursuing right now." This invokes the lowest risk of permanency. Sometimes giving up temporarily can be a smart move - allowing the self to invest one's energies in more fruitful endeavors.
{As an aside I am occasionally guilty of '2' but far more often guilty of '3'.}
RE: "Being Defeated Is Often A Temporary Condition..." -Marilyn Vos Savant