Is the author poking holes in delusional optimism, a mere pocket of positivity, or honest self-esteem? Isn't the point of believing you can do something (being

Is the author poking holes in delusional optimism, a mere pocket of positivity, or honest self-esteem? Isn't the point of believing you can do something (being positive) so you try harder to achieve it and not just (as it seems to be written here) wait for it to fall in your lap?