This concept, is basically related to Karma (Asiyah in Hebrew). The idea is that a person inherits a ball of wax that he can improve on. Based upon a life of Godliness, higher aspirations, human service, a person can make the world a better place, or go in the opposite direction like some people are bent on doing. Some people have an innate ability to get things done and this is related to Z'echu. When I was at Shlomo Carlebach's funeral I overheard someone saying how none of the American trained rabbis can get things done like to old crew from Europe. They aren't on the same spiritual level.