In the story "Balboa" What is the author's purpose in developing this trait of self-awareness?

Balboa is a story of a boxer who, at first, was unsuccessful and favored by the losing side of fate. The author wanted to develop this trait of self-awareness because in her (Murray) story, Balboa, despite all the circumstances and failures life offered him, he was courageous to face all challenges and succeeded at the end of every trial just because he believed in his strength and self-confidence.