Is giving up good for your health?

I'm the first to admit I'm competitive. I like to get on treadmills next to people who are running hard and set mine to go faster. I play basketball with boys. I push myself to do my best at everything I do, and I always thought that was a pretty good trait.

However, recent research by psychologists Gregory Miller and Carsten Wrosch showed that those who throw in the towel when facing unattainable goals were healthier than those who never give up. They had fewer health problems overall and showed fewer signs of psychological stress.

Well, that's fine and good, but I can't help but wonder about the health benefits of a sense of accomplishment. What do you think?