Not gp. Actually agree with the article, but I find it interesting that people seem to be latching on to the first part and ignoring the second part. The article doesn't suggest a solution as much as present a conflict between the two.

Trying to resolve that conflict raises a number of questions: Have you done everything you can? If there's a possibility or even likelihood that you'll fail, should you still try?

// If it's the case that you can do everything you can and still fail, how are you disagreeing with the article

It's about moving the probably of desired outcome from zero to likely. Like, let's say op really wanted someone to "touch his genitals"- badly enough to invest a year in working on his physique, appearance, and personality. There's still no guarantee that it will work but it will move the odds tremendously.

If he does nothing, he's taking the guaranteed fail and I think that's sad.