You can read all you want, you can work all you want, but if you're unable to change your mindset in key moments, you'll keep walking around in circles.
For each person it is different in what sense they can or should change their mind. One needs more ambition, the other needs to be happy with what they have. Maybe you feel unlucky, but are you, really?
Many battles are won or lost in your mind before you even take one action.