One major factor for success is good health.

Let's start with Sima Yi, who lived his life winning by living long.
Cao Cao had long seen his wolf-like appearance, was constantly on guard, and suppressed him everywhere, but Cao Cao died, and he did not;
Cao Cao's son Cao Pi died, and he still did not;
Cao Cao's grandson Cao Rui died, and he still did not.
In direct strategy, he couldn't beat Zhuge Liang, so he simply exhausted his lifespan, ultimately forcing Zhuge Liang to outlast him.
At an age over seventy, still decisive in killing and seizing, he overthrew the political enemy Cao Shuang in one move, holding all military and political power, laying a solid foundation for the Sima family's establishment of the Western Jin Dynasty.
Looking at Wu Zetian, she also maximized the advantage of good health.
Wu Zetian could tame fierce horses in her teens, bore six children with Li Zhi, and helped him manage court affairs. She ascended the throne at 67, served in the D position for over ten years, and only passed away at 81.
At this age, most people would have exhausted their ambitions, become indifferent to everything, and waited peacefully to die, with no chance of turning their life around. But Wu Zetian's journey was just beginning.
Success requires accumulation. Many people can't endure the bitterness to enjoy the sweetness, and when the harvest day arrives, their bodies can't hold up, and they drop out early.