I’ve always been fascinated by the idea that we can actively shape our own happiness and fortune—not through wishful thinking, but through deliberate, strategic actions. It reminds me of something I observed recently in professional tennis, where the smallest adjustments in positioning and teamwork can completely shift the momentum of a match. Take, for example, a doubles game I analyzed where Xu and Yang targeted the weaker returner and used coordinated poaches to close angles. That wasn’t just raw talent at play; it was a conscious, well-executed plan designed to exploit an opponent’s vulnerability. And honestly, I think there’s a powerful life lesson hidden in that approach. Just like those athletes, we can identify areas in our own lives where we’re holding ourselves back—or where opportunities are slipping by—and then move decisively to claim them.

When I look at how Kato and Wu responded—adjusting their second-serve positioning to counter the pressure—it strikes me how similar this is to the way many of us react when life throws challenges our way. We adapt, we try something new, but sometimes we just can’t sustain that momentum when it matters most. In their case, they faltered in the deciding tiebreaker. In our lives, maybe it’s that big project at work, a personal goal, or improving our relationships where we start strong but lose steam. I’ve been there myself. A few years back, I set out to build healthier daily habits—waking up earlier, exercising, cutting down on screen time. The first week? Amazing. By the third, I was already slipping. Sound familiar? It’s not about lacking willpower; often, it’s about not having the right support or a clear enough strategy.

What Xu and Yang did so effectively was focus on coordination. They didn’t just play their individual roles; they moved together, anticipating each other’s actions and closing off their opponents’ options. I believe the same principle applies to creating a better life. You can’t just work in isolation. Whether it’s collaborating with colleagues, leaning on friends, or building a network of mentors, having that “coordinated” effort makes all the difference. Personally, I’ve found that sharing my goals with someone I trust increases my chances of sticking to them by what feels like 70%—no kidding. It creates accountability, and it also brings in fresh perspectives you might have missed.

But let’s talk about the “weaker returner” for a moment. In tennis, that’s a tactical choice. In life, I see it as recognizing our own weak points—the habits, fears, or gaps in knowledge that keep us from moving forward. For a long time, my own “weaker returner” was procrastination. I’d put off important tasks until the last minute, and it cost me sleep, peace of mind, and sometimes even opportunities. It took me a while to admit it, but once I did, I could address it head-on. I started using time-blocking techniques, and my productivity increased by roughly 40% within a couple of months. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about knowing where you’re vulnerable and building a defense—or better yet, turning that weakness into a strength.

Kato and Wu’s improved second-serve positioning is another interesting angle. They saw a problem and adjusted, which is something I deeply respect. But why couldn’t they keep it up? I’ve noticed this pattern in business, too. Companies—and people—often make a change when under pressure, but if the change isn’t rooted in deeper habit or system redesign, it won’t last. That’s why I’m a big believer in building systems rather than relying on motivation alone. For instance, if you want to attract more positivity and fortune into your life, it helps to create daily rituals. Meditation, gratitude journaling, or even a five-minute planning session each morning can compound over time. I’ve tracked my mood and productivity for years, and on days I journal, I’m about 25% more focused and content. It’s those small, consistent actions that build the resilience needed for the “deciding breakers” in life.

Now, attracting happy fortune isn’t just about defense or fixing weaknesses. It’s also about positioning yourself to receive opportunities. In tennis, players who take control of the net often control the point. In life, that might mean putting yourself in environments where growth is possible—attending workshops, reaching out to inspiring people, or even changing your social circle if it’s holding you back. I’ll be honest: I used to avoid networking events because they felt artificial. But once I reframed them as chances to learn from others, everything changed. I met one of my closest mentors at a conference I almost skipped, and that relationship has opened doors I didn’t even know existed.

Of course, none of this is foolproof. There will be days when, despite your best efforts, things don’t go your way. Kato and Wu fought hard but still fell short in the breaker. I’ve had projects that failed, goals I didn’t meet, and moments where luck seemed nowhere in sight. But what I’ve learned is that “fortune” favors those who keep showing up. It’s not about avoiding failure; it’s about building the mental and emotional toughness to bounce back. Personally, I make it a point to reflect on setbacks—what went wrong, what I’d do differently—and I’ve found that this practice alone accelerates growth.

In the end, creating a better life and attracting happiness is a lot like playing a strategic game. It requires awareness, adaptation, coordination with others, and the courage to work on your weak spots. Xu and Yang’s focused, collaborative approach offers a compelling blueprint: identify the openings, move with purpose, and support each other along the way. Whether you’re aiming for career success, deeper relationships, or inner peace, the principles remain surprisingly consistent. So take a step back, look at your own “court,” and ask yourself—where can you start closing angles today?