If you don't think statistics apply to you as an individual, you are essentially claiming to be different from the statistical average in some meaningful way.

If you don't think statistics apply to you as an individual, you are essentially claiming to be different from the statistical average in some meaningful way. It may help to articulate what that is. So maybe most people fail this class, but I think I'm smarter or more determined than the average person, so I shouldn't be discouraged from trying. I say this because if you don't actually believe you're above average in some meaningful way, you very much should be discouraged by statistics. I don't think myself stronger, more determined, or more desperate than the average navy seal candidate, so even though I'm an individual I shouldn't actually expect to pass the special training that most fail. Similarly, I should expect to pass basic training because most do and I don't think myself any worse.