Plot-driven stories put major turning points, especially the inciting incident, beyond the character’s control … Character-driven stories do the opposite. They put major events in the character’s hands.*
Robert McKee

Perhaps the best strategy for lottery tickets is not to buy one. Your odds go up when you do useful and remarkable work for people who care.**
Seth Godin

In reality, our stories are a mix of the
plot-driven and character-driven, yet
what they hold in common is the possibility of
bringing and developing our best self.

Marcus Aurelius shares some habits he found to be helpful:
1. Accept only what is true.
2. Work for the common good.
3. Match our needs and wants with what is in our control.
4. Embrace what nature has in story for us.^

The apostle Paul adds to these with some
personal virtues that aided him in imprisonment:
Humility, gentleness, patience,
Forbearance, and love.^^

*Robert McKee’s Character;
**Seth Godin’s blog: How to buy a lottery ticket;
^Ryan Holiday’s The Daily Stoic;
^^Ephesians 4:1-3.