John Collison
John Collison’s Take on Tenacity: The Passion Behind Every Achievement
I recently read a quotation from John Collison. He is the co-founder of Stripe, and has a knack for simplifying big ideas into relatable truths. One of his most powerful reflections comes from observing the sheer persistence behind everything we take for granted. “That hotel, that park, that railway. The world is a museum of passion projects,” he said, emphasizing that tenacity is the invisible force that turns dreams into reality.
It got me thinking, “How do we internalize this lesson in our own lives?” How can we harness the tenacity that drives great achievements, both big and small? Let’s dig into Collison’s perspective and explore how it can inspire us to approach our own endeavors with unshakable determination.
Everything Around You Is a Product of Tenacity
It’s easy to walk through a park or admire a building without thinking about the decades of effort, vision, and problem-solving it took to create them. But Collison’s observation reframes these everyday sights as reminders of human grit. That beautiful hotel wasn’t always there; someone envisioned it, fought for funding, overcame countless setbacks, and made it happen.
This realization can be both humbling and empowering. For me, it’s a source of awe. The world isn’t built by superheroes—it’s built by ordinary people with extraordinary determination, and supplemented by intricate and extensive support systems. These include: financiers, transportation, educators, risk managers, energy producers, and I could go on. The important thing is that means you, too, have the capacity to create something lasting. The world’s support systems are now more supportive than ever. Just think what you can do and access from a personal computer.
Tenacity as the Foundation of Success
Tenacity isn’t just about working hard; it’s about pushing forward when things get tough, when progress feels slow, or when the path ahead is uncertain. Collison reminds us that this kind of persistence isn’t optional—it’s the price of admission for bringing any big idea to life.
Imagine starting a small business. The idea might be exciting, but the reality? Long hours, unexpected challenges, and more than a few setbacks. Tenacity is what keeps you making calls after rejections, improving your product after negative feedback, and showing up day after day. Without it, even the best ideas fizzle out.
Lessons in Tenacity from the World Around You
- Recognize the Stories Behind Successes
Next time you admire a park, a startup, or a community initiative, pause to think about the effort it took. Behind every success is a story of persistence—someone who didn’t give up when it would’ve been easier to walk away. - Embrace the Grind
Collison’s insight reminds us that tenacity often means embracing the mundane and repetitive parts of progress. That “overnight success” often took years of daily effort that no one saw. - Find Your Passion Project
Tenacity comes more naturally when you care deeply about what you’re working toward. Whether it’s building a business, writing a book, or improving your community, let your passion fuel your perseverance.
How to Cultivate Tenacity in Your Life
- Set Clear Goals:
Tenacity thrives when you know what you’re working toward. Break your vision into manageable steps, and celebrate progress along the way. - Learn to Love Challenges:
Collison’s words suggest that challenges aren’t barriers—they’re part of the process. Reframe obstacles as opportunities to learn and grow. - Surround Yourself with Inspiration:
Seek out stories of people who’ve achieved great things through persistence. Whether it’s a historical figure, a mentor, or a peer, their journeys can remind you that tenacity pays off. - Stay Flexible:
Tenacity doesn’t mean stubbornly sticking to one path. Be willing to adapt and pivot while maintaining your focus on the ultimate goal.
Turning Tenacity into Action
Collison’s quote highlights an important truth: the world is full of visible results but invisible effort. The next time you feel discouraged by slow progress, remember that you’re not alone. Every meaningful achievement, no matter how polished it looks now, began with someone rolling up their sleeves and saying, “I’ll make this happen.”
Let’s say you’re working on a side hustle. At first, it might feel like an uphill battle—late nights, trial and error, and setbacks. Tenacity means pushing through those moments, knowing that each small win is a step toward your larger vision. The passion behind your project is what keeps you moving forward when the initial excitement wears off.
A Museum of Passion Projects
Collison’s idea that the world is a “museum of passion projects” is a powerful metaphor. It reminds us that the things we admire, enjoy, and rely on didn’t appear out of thin air. They were built by people who refused to quit. And just as they left their mark, so can you.
Think about your own passion projects. What do you want to contribute to this global museum? It doesn’t have to be monumental. Maybe it’s creating a community garden, launching a small nonprofit, or even writing a novel. Whatever it is, your tenacity will be the key to making it real.
Start Building Your Legacy Today
The next time you’re in a park or staying in a hotel, let it serve as a reminder: the world is shaped by those who dare to dream and persevere. You have that same ability. So, roll up your sleeves, dig in, and let your tenacity shine. Who knows? One day, someone might walk through your “museum exhibit” and marvel at the persistence it took to create it.
Bob Fagan has just published “The Little Book of Questions That Matter — A Lifetime Companion For Transforming Your Life.” It is available on Amazon. Through 2025, all proceeds will be donated to charity.
