I see things like what you say, that "they just need to start trying" and it makes it seem like if I said "I could just start training to be an athlete, and in

I see things like what you say, that "they just need to start trying" and it makes it seem like if I said "I could just start training to be an athlete, and in a couple of years I'd probably win [whatever]". They haven't really done anything until they actually... do something.