The right kind of stubborn

People have called me stubborn multiple times. I don’t want to say it’s a theme but it’s happened a few times so it got me thinking, am I stubborn? Paul Graham once wrote about “the right kind of stubborn,” and I’ve been thinking about what that means for me as a founder. I figured I’d write my own essay on it in hopes it helps guide me (and any others) in the future. To build something from scratch, you have to hold deeply rooted beliefs that others might not see yet. When I push back on advice, it's not because I haven't considered it or am quickly dismissive, it's because I've already wrestled with the tradeoffs a hundred times personally so I'd like to push my argument until I believe it breaks. That said, I change my mind often. I seek out smart people, weigh their opinions carefully, and use what strengthens our mission: To get more people to the outdoors. On my team, one of our core principles is simple: best idea wins, be ready for a fight. The arguments aren't personal. They're about building something that matters. Right now, my work and my life are inseparable, and while that won't always be healthy, it's the reality of early-stage entrepreneurship. The key distinction in stubbornness is this: persistence versus obstinance. The right kind of stubbornness means standing firm on conviction while staying open to better ideas, new data, or unexpected wisdom. It’s about listening, adjusting when the facts demand it, and never folding just because someone says, “that’s not how it’s done.” A mentor recently asked me if entrepreneurship was really for me. The truth is, I don’t really know if I’m built for it. If I have what it takes to succeed. What I do know is that I can’t imagine doing anything else besides what I’m doing right now. I fucking love it. This isn’t a hobby; it’s what I wake up and go to bed thinking about. Here’s what stubbornness has taught me about startups that has translated into a few key principles: 1. Always be learning. 2. Speed defines startups. Focus enables speed. 3. Do hard things. Find comfort in the uncomfortable. 4. Best idea wins. Be ready for a fight. 5. Human power rules. 6. Obsession with the customer. 7. Say what you do. Do what you say. 8. Build on the backbone of trust. 9. Do the right thing and money follows. 10. Consistency is king. That’s the kind of stubborn I’m aiming for.