There's a difference between backing out because you found the going tough and did not have the stomach to go through it, and backing out because you don't find any meaning in it. It's a fine line but I think it makes a world of difference.

So there's no link at all but I still remember this Sing China contestant. He's from a minority race in China and he told the judges that he wanted to find his "true self" in this competition. He said he felt lost in a big city, where everyone was buffeted around by temptations and desires. (my translation makes it sound very cheesy but it sounds much better in Chinese). I like what he said... A lot of times I find myself wanting something. And then I pause: do I want it because (for e.g.) everyone is doing it? Or am I just being escapist? ...Or do I want it because it really has some meaning to me? Words to live by.