In my mind the hours and hours of frustrating circuit practice getting nowhere were the problem. I'd suggest to anyone having problems, just to ask their instructor to take them "flying", fly somewhere, land away for a break. Come back refreshed and motivated.
I couldn't agree more.
In this country there is such heavy emphasis on banging circuits. The student is mostly mentally overloaded and sweating like a pig, and learning very little.
Much better to do a landing (or a go-around) and then fly off somewhere for 10 minutes, relax, let the events sink in, then come back for another one.