I think we need the right information, the right knowledge, effort, positive energy, passion, luck, etc. Like in the OP's topic, "it ain't meant to be easy," but at least someone needs those above-listed qualities to surf through. Definitely, it will not be easy, but some times and in some cases, you can diversify a little and try something different, but instead, some people will just keep putting effort into something that can just be fruitless at the end of the day.
Truly, the degree and weigh of luck can not be underestimate but little did we know. Being hardworking doesn't guarantee success. You can be putting effort and energy but if luck has not yet find you, you'll labour without having result. However, I'm not saying that you shouldn't be hard working or struggle but when you are doing so, you should also pray for luck and grace to locate you. The story can not always be the same. Things might be easy and smoothly for some even without putting much effort while to some even after putting the necessary effort, it might be difficult for them. Giving hope is what kills the dream. If you are consistent and not giving hope, you'll actually achieve your goals some days but how many of us are patient enough to keep positive energy from beginning to end when we feel like we are not getting the desire result at first?
Doing hard work may not necessarily be able to achieve what we want, but it is through hard work that our desires can be achieved and we must do it based on what we already know, don't do work that we don't fully understand, of course in this case we won't be able to achieve what we want. Doing work based on the knowledge we have consistently and asking for luck will certainly achieve the success we want.
You are right that everyone goes through a different process in achieving their success and there are those who are able to get back up after they experience failure and correct their mistakes so as to achieve success and there are also those who are unable to get back up after they fail.