Well, working harder/smarter is is the only lever that students have. They can't go back to God and ask for a different brain

And if you work a little harder, you will likely do a little better (at least locally). (and sure, there is eventually a diminishing marginal return or even a negative return on each additional marginal unit of effort expended).

The Dweck powerpoint I read sometime back (sorry can't find the link) made clear her view that success is a function of both ability and effort.