You're totally right. There are other things, like
luck, timing, and other events that happen. They play a role in pick-up, and they also play a role once you're going out. They also affect business success, getting a job, etc.
I like sailing, and John Vigor has a "Blackbox Theory" of luck:
Quote:
It states that there is no such thing as fortuitous luck at sea. The reason why some boaters survive storms or have fewer accidents than others is that they earn their "luck" by diligent and constant acts of seamanship. According to Vigor, aboard every boat there's an invisible black box. Every time a skipper takes the trouble to consult the chart, inspect the filters, go forward on a rainy night to check the running lights, or take any proper seamanship precaution, he or she earns a point that goes in the black box. Then, in times when human skill and effort can accomplish no more, the points are cashed in as protection. The skipper has no control over their withdrawal. They withdraw themselves, as appropriate. Those skippers with no points in the box are the ones later described as "unlucky." Those with points to spend avoid the mishap, but must start immediately to replenish their savings for the sea offers no credit. The point I'm trying to make to the members of the Boating Class as I cover safety requirements is that such measures as checking one's safety equipment at regular intervals or practicing safety drills earn points for the black box.
I see parallels in pick-up and relationships. As PUAs, we understand human relationships, attraction, etc. But we must still earn points every day that go into the "black box." Sometimes there's enough points to keep us afloat during an episode of bad luck. Sometimes, those points are exhausted and we lose. It's a good visual.