The matter is not simple since we often have contrary tendencies and contradictory pulls. Besides the human mind has an almost endless capacity for self-deception.
The answer to the question of everything being fated and predetermined or tied to a link of cause and effect it, depends upon what vantage point we look at it. Both are true!
In each life we are given certain possibilities of growth and progress. If we miss that opportunity then we have to still do it but under even more difficult circumstances.