The Surprising Power of Sticking With It When Success Seems Doubtful

You might think the most successful founders never doubted themselves, but that’s a myth. Over and over, the innovators behind famous companies faced long periods of uncertainty—they weren’t sure their ideas would work, and a lot of times, people rejected those ideas outright. Sometimes their confidence waned because their initial plans didn’t fit reality. They changed course, faced resistance, and endured more 'no's than 'yes’s. But if there was one thing that separated the enduring successes from the rest, it was stubborn daily movement, regardless of the odds.

There were days when nothing clicked, weeks of skepticism from investors, classmates, or the public. Early Hotmail, for example, was questioned on whether people would ever use web-based email—now it’s commonplace. People like Sabeer Bhatia faced dismissive investors and persistent technology doubts. Still, the founders kept pushing, often just one small step at a time. Sometimes it was personal journaling, other times it was showing up for the next tough meeting.

Behavioral science calls this grit: the mix of passion and sustained perseverance. Angela Duckworth’s research shows it predicts long-term success better than raw talent or luck. People with grit do not have fewer doubts—they just keep moving anyway, slowly accumulating breakthroughs when others have already quit.

Here’s a new approach for when doubt weighs you down: first, remind yourself—uncertainty is normal when you’re reaching for something new. Then, pick one project that matters to you and commit to daily action for a solid stretch, even if the results are small or invisible. Log your effort and setbacks, knowing each rejection or obstacle is a stepping stone, not a dead end. When feedback stings, treat it as a valuable clue to level up, not a reason to shrink back. Over time, this habit transforms self-doubt into stubborn momentum. Get your notebook ready and start today.