The '5' in 5 3 1 success stories could be five different opportunities that are identified. The '3' then are three ways to capitalize on those opportunities. And the '1' is the final achievement. Consider an artist. They identify five art exhibitions as opportunities. They use three strategies like creating unique artworks, networking with curators, and promoting on social media. The '1' is getting recognized and selling their works at a high price, thus achieving success.
In a 5 3 1 success story, the '5' may stand for five resources available. The '3' can be three actions taken with those resources. And the '1' is the successful outcome. Take a sports team for example. They have five types of training facilities (the '5'). They focus on three types of training drills (the '3') to achieve one goal, which is winning the championship. They carefully allocate the use of the facilities for the drills and with determination, they reach their goal.