By elevating role models as examples of what anyone can be if they want to, people who appear to have overcome adversity are used to debase others who have not achieved similar results. “If I can do it…anyone can” is a well-trodden, declaration which, from the standpoint of the naturalistic model makes no sense.
If I have done something difficult what that demonstrates is that, at least at one point in my life my determinants enabled me to accomplish that difficult task. It may even be something I can do again, but given that our determinants are continually changing, it may not be. As our determinants change so do our abilities. At any moment you may be able to do something that you were previously unable to, or there may be something that you have done in the past that you can no longer do.
At best, having achieved a challenging accomplishment only suggests that you might be able to repeat it, but it should not be taken for granted.
What should never be assumed is that one person can do something just because another can. Whatever someone is able to do, is because of their specific determinants. Occasionally, people we encounter can inspire us to act in ways that we otherwise may not have. The way, however, in which some people’s accomplishments may cause them to be treated as role models — examples for us all to follow, is of dubious value, based on mistaken assumptions. Declarations of “If I can do it anyone can!” are at best insensitive, and at worst they are used to denigrate those who may be struggling to function as best they can.