Any path is only a path. There is no affront to oneself or others in dropping it if that is what your heart tells you to do. But your decision to keep on the path must be free of fear or ambition. Try it as many times as you think necessary. Then ask yourself and yourself alone one question.
All paths are the same.
They lead nowhere. There are paths going through the brush or into the brush or under the brush. Does this path have a heart is the only question. If it does, then the path is good. If doesn't, it is of no use.