He has the ability to defeat theory by imposing fact.

From Stop Trying To Convince Yourselves Seattle's Pass Call Wasn't Stupid by Kyle Wagner. An intricate discussion of the factors to be considered under constrained circumstances with binary outcomes. A great line:

He has the ability to defeat theory by imposing fact.

And thus does history play itself out. A tapestry of received wisdom, with the design periodically recast by someone willing to impose fact on the pattern.

In my model of KESVB (Knowledge, Experience Skills, Values, and Behavior) it is VB that is the hard element to predict. KES are hard in themselves but even if you have good awareness and measurement of KES, it is the variability of VB that so often determines the outcome.

Someone convinced of victory will sometimes defy the rational, empirical odds and attain victory simply through the exercise of their values and behaviors.