I think that this question reflects an inner conflict that is ongoing within our minds. This is a conflict because two ideas our bred into us from the American society those ideals is that of destiny or fate and  choice, Carpe Diem-esque concept.
The concept of destiny and fate has been a piece of culture and literature for generations. Examples can be drawn from the Tragedy Oedipus Rex to Star Wars. In both a prophecy was told, Expelling one's fate from the shadows. However in both of these stories an attempt was made to deny their fate or destiny. It was useless. This is because the end result was as foretold and unavoidable. reoccurring themes integrate themselves into the human thought process, well at least for me. Another example is religion. I would be lying if I said that I have never heard a Christian say "God has a plan" when something gone awry, another example the concept of fate. In this situation just used as a mechanism of survival to get through a tragedy or even just a bad day.
Carpe Diem, seize the day, an idea in essence of taking control of your own destiny, Making choices. For an example one just has to draw on the economic system in which we are immersed in. Capitalism which your worth is determined by what you make of yourself. Survival of the fittest a complete simplification, but one that will work to get the point across, if somebody just believes they will naturally surface to the top of our world they will probably not; where as somebody who works hard and makes the right choices will achieve great things. Allowing for those who work hard to become the fittest and the most successful.

This is how this question arrived to my mind however I don't see a solution in sight.