That's a real phenomenon, where someone convinces themselves so thoroughly that they can't do something that they basically self-fulfilling-prophecy themselves into not being able to do it.
Think how many times someone has watched you practice some specialty of your own (*making music, programming computer, physical fitness, etc*) and said, "I sure wish I could do that".
And you tell them it's a lot easier than it looks, and all it takes is a little fortitude, commitment and discipline.
So they do an exasperated sigh and go, "I knew there was a catch!"
Think how many times someone has watched you practice some specialty of your own (*making music, programming computer, physical fitness, etc*) and said, "I sure wish I could do that".
And you tell them it's a lot easier than it looks, and all it takes is a little fortitude, commitment and discipline.
So they do an exasperated sigh and go, "I knew there was a catch!"
And continue not accomplishing anything instead.