That's what bothers me. What's wrong with trying your best and then failing? I think that's better than not trying at all. I don't see any shame in it, and I'd rather see people stretching their limits even if they're not sure of success.

Sure, you'll fail often. Occasionally you'll fail hard. Get up, dust yourself off, decide whether it's worth trying again, and move on. Even failing at something worthwhile will make you a better person than not having tried at all.

Fear of being labelled a failure is a horrible thing.