When people reach their dreams, how much do you think is down to luck versus sheer effort?

A natural way to answer

I'd say it's a blend, but effort is the part you control. Luck opens the door, yet you still have to walk through it prepared. The people who seem 'lucky' have usually put in the groundwork long before the opportunity arrived.

Key phrases to use

• in the game — actively taking part and giving yourself a chance“You have to keep applying to stay in the game.”
• put in the groundwork — do the early preparation that makes later success possible“They put in the groundwork for years before it paid off.”
• seize the moment — act quickly and decisively when an opportunity appears“When the chance came, she seized the moment.”