I claim to be an average man of less than average ability. . . . I have not the shadow of a doubt that any man or woman can achieve what I have, if he or she would make the same effort and cultivate the same hope and faith. –Mahatma Gandhi
This is remarkable coming from someone who achieved some of the most outstanding things of the 20th Century. I think where the rest of us fall short is in either having the right hope and faith, or putting out enough of the right kind of effort. But this can still motivate us to try harder.