"If we fall short it's not through a lack of effort. The players have worked so hard," McInnes told BBC Scotland.
"Naturally there'd be disappointment but certainly no sense of failure. We'd gladly have taken this position if it was offered to us in August."
The Perth side have surprised many with their league form in their first season in the top flight after a seven-year absence.
Their first goal was to avoid a swift descent back to the First Division, but the top six is still a possibility, although McInnes admits they must rely on Hearts slipping up.
"The Aberdeen game could well be our most important of the season," said McInnes.
"But it's all dependent on the result at Tynecastle. It's Hearts' to throw away, so it's out of our hands at the moment.
"Regardless of the top-six issue, the trip to Pittodrie is still an important game for us as we want to end the season as strongly as possible - whether that be in sixth place, seventh or wherever.
"We know Aberdeen will give us a tough game, as they have in our previous two encounters.
"We had consciously not spoken much about the top six as it didn't sit comfortably with us.
"But over the last three or four weeks it's been something to go for.
"If it doesn't happen, there's nothing wrong with disappointment, but no one will feel we've failed - there's a marked difference."
Following their promotion, the Saints boss had always maintained that his primary goal was to avoid a prompt descent back to the First Division.
Now he concedes one win from their next six games would achieve that objective.
"I think it probably would. But we're just trying to get as many wins as we can," he said.
"The players have made a huge effort and worked hard to get in this position.
"But we're conscious we need to keep the foot to the floor and end the season well."
Source: BBC Sport
Source: BBC Sport