Sure, but I would argue the root feeling of perseverance should be "I can do this" not "I can withstand this," which is a victim-mentality that reinforces work

Sure, but I would argue the root feeling of perseverance should be "I can do this" not "I can withstand this," which is a victim-mentality that reinforces work = pain. It's this mentality that causes burn-out, resentment, and a wide array of other negative feelings. Focusing on what you can do and learning to do better / more is how I think success is eventually created.