One of the characteristics of successful people is a belief in free will. Basically, that you are in control of your destiny.
A characteristic of all of the people I've met that never seem to get their shit together is a very strong belief in a spiritual being/force or "Universal Energy" that has great influence on their lives.
I now understand that they have been unsuccessful because they believe this other-worldly power needs to be placated, and they believe they are failing to do so.