The Key Differences Between Stubborn and Successful People

[Anderson]

When I think about persistence and stubbornness, I’m reminded of a conversation I had with two distinct types of people: those who are relentless in their pursuit of success, and those who are simply stubborn.

The persistent ones, like the Collison brothers who founded Stripe, are the type who don't just listen when you point out a flaw—they dig into it with an almost predatory curiosity. They want to know every possible problem because they’re committed to fixing it. They don't stop until they’ve tried every possible solution. It's not about clinging to a particular method or idea; it’s about being committed to the goal itself and being flexible about how to get there. 

On the other hand, stubborn people are different. When you point out an issue to them, you can see it in their eyes—they glaze over, and their responses become mechanical, like they’re defending a belief rather than seeking a solution. They don’t want to change direction, even when it’s clear they’re heading toward a wall. This rigidness often comes from clinging to the first idea that pops into their heads. They get attached to the method rather than the outcome, which usually leads to failure because they’re not adaptable.

This difference becomes even clearer as challenges grow more complex. Persistent people remain focused on their ultimate goal, adapting their approach as necessary. Stubborn people, however, apply their “never give up” attitude indiscriminately, refusing to pivot even when the situation demands it. Their resistance to change isn’t just a minor flaw—it’s a fundamental personality trait, a sort of reflexive aversion to altering their ideas. It’s not the same as being foolish, but it often leads to foolish outcomes because they resist even when evidence mounts against them.

Persistence, on the other hand, is a far more sophisticated quality. It requires not just the refusal to give up, but also creativity, resilience, and common sense. Persistent people keep trying different methods because they’re constantly thinking about what else might work. They are active, inventive, and when they encounter setbacks, they remain undeterred. They’re rational about their choices, focusing on the potential value of different paths rather than stubbornly sticking to one.

However, even persistent people can seem irrational at times—usually when choosing their ultimate goals. But this irrationality isn’t a flaw; it’s often what drives them to tackle challenges others wouldn’t. They might choose a goal because it’s personally meaningful, or because they see something in it that others don’t. This focus on a key objective is crucial. It’s not about pursuing just any goal; it’s about finding one that is both motivating and meaningful.

In essence, persistence is a rare and powerful blend of five qualities: activity, creativity, resilience, common sense, and a focus on the right goal. It’s these qualities that set persistent people apart from the merely stubborn. While anyone can be stubborn—children, drunkards, and fools alike—true persistence, with all its complexity, is what leads to the kind of success that seems almost magical.

Here is a series of interesting post about luck and hard work, have a look