When planning a change or presented with a change to consider most people follow a simple three step approach.  This can be a conscious or unconcious activity.

First, analyze, then based on the analysis act and finally judge the results, ie, succeed or fail and repeat.  The choices to act can range from wait and see, submit and hope for the best or to proactively influence the change.

For Example

You are thinking of making a lifestyle change from a single to married status.  Whether conciously or without great direct thought the impacts of the change  are considered ( this happens whether you realize it or not).

You may actively list pros and cons or just let emotions and intuition drive your action.  Or a combination of conscious and unconscious thoughts may lead to the decision.  You will get married, or not and you will be happy with the decision or not.

Waiting, Hoping

As you move through life you may encounter change initiated externally to you .  That is, a change made for you, not by you .  In these cases, the process, analize, act, check results is the same.

When the change appears positive or exciting, something that creates an opportunity for you you may decide to wait before acting or submitting your thoughts and then hoping for the best.

This does raise an interesting question about the correct balance between creating your own destiny (being proactive and working to control the results) versus waiting/hoping for the best (like winning the lottery)

People do win lotteries but my recommendation is always take some proactive steps to influence the results ( to some extent).  After all, it is your destiny.