Thanks for reading and commenting Mary. FWIW, most things we think of as being under our control are actually determined, or at least significantly affected, by factors we cannot control.

For example, what education you'll pursue is affected by your parents' guidance and resources. It's also affected by your teachers and mentors. Your peers often also affect your choices and how diligently you pursue your goals.

Want to buy an EV? The government can and has removed the $7500 tax credit with little advance warning.

Planning to retire with a $1 million nest egg? Guess what, two years of high inflation just made everything cost 15% more.

Etc. Etc. Etc.