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'.}