Many years ago, I attended a master class given by the great oboist, John de Lancie. A blustery fellow asked, “Isn’t it true that success in music is really just luck?” de Lancie, looking sternly over his bifocals responded, “Son, luck is the meeting of preparation and opportunity.”

Putting that into perspective with respect to the article, you need to approach things as the author describes; thus, you are prepared. Opportunity is, however, a sine qua non. In the business world (where a vast majority spend their career), you may do all the right things, but not get the needed opportunity — no one above you has left, your superiors are less meritocratic and more political, the corporate structure is more flat and less pyramidal. Often, the longer one stays in such an environment, the more one escalates their commitment. The thinking goes something like, “I’ve got 5/10/15 years invested in this company. What if I leave now and that position opens? And besides that, I’d have to start all over in a new company with new people (i.e. better the devil you know.).”

So, your point is well taken, but we must also keep in mind that life, death, and everything in between is fraught with risk. There are many of us out there that have done all the right things that go unrewarded. Accept this in life, and be sure to have plenty of external pleasures as a reward to yourself for all of your hard work.