If you’re going to do anything big, you have to believe it can.
Whatever you think about, you become.
Whatever you focus on, you achieve.
Whatever you imagine will become reality.
Burn so brightly that you can set the world on fire.
We all have one shot at life, so we might as well do something important.
You may have heard a variation of these quotes before. They suggest that belief, focus, and action can turn dreams into reality. Many of us have felt this firsthand. The thrill of seeing a goal materialize through consistent effort and determination is undeniable. It’s inspiring because, in many ways, it’s true. No one with a passive heart ever shaped history. Great achievements often demand deep, almost obsessive dedication.
Still, ambition alone doesn’t operate in isolation. It needs the right environment and conditions to flourish. My father’s story illustrates this well. He worked as a heavy-equipment mechanic and operator for the government. One day, he made a bold decision to quit his stable job and start selling spare parts. Over time, he expanded into selling construction machinery and became one of the most successful people I know. His success didn’t stem from willpower alone. His years of experience and the relationships he built within the industry gave him a foundation to succeed. Former colleagues became clients, and his credibility opened doors that might have remained closed to someone starting without connections.
This shows that ambition is the spark, but it needs to be fueled by expertise, networks, and strategy. It’s not just about working harder. It’s about working smarter and using every resource at your disposal.
I. The World Really Is “Malleable” with the Right Tools
Marc Andreessen once said, "The world is a very malleable place. If you know what you want, and you go for it with maximum energy, drive, and passion, the world will often reconfigure itself around you much more quickly and easily than you would think."
These words capture the power of boldness. Acting with conviction often opens doors that seem locked at first. This malleability is real, particularly when you have access to the right resources or hold a position of influence.
However, my father’s story reveals that malleability isn’t automatic. It’s less like soft clay and more like a puzzle. You need the right pieces to make progress. Relationships, resources, and credibility are the keys to rearranging the playing field. Without them, you might find yourself stuck, no matter how hard you push.
This reinforces an important truth. While passion is a powerful driver, it’s not enough on its own. It must be paired with the right tools and opportunities to create meaningful change.
II. High Agency and Unequal Starting Points
Steve Jobs once said, "Everything around you that you call life was made up by people that were no smarter than you. And you can change it, you can influence it. Once you learn that, you’ll never be the same again."
This quote emphasizes the liberating idea that the world is shaped by ordinary people. If others can achieve great things, so can we. It’s a powerful reminder that agency, the belief in our ability to make choices and shape outcomes, is within everyone’s reach.
Yet, not everyone begins with the same advantages. The documentary Two American Families spans 34 years and tells the story of two hardworking families striving for stability. Despite their relentless efforts, systemic barriers such as stagnant wages and a lack of safety nets hindered their progress. This contrasts with the idea that hard work alone guarantees success. Similarly, today’s knowledge workers face disruptions from AI, like ChatGPT, which automates tasks once considered secure. Education and skill alone are no longer surefire safeguards.
This doesn’t diminish the power of Jobs’s message but adds nuance to it. Yes, we can shape the world, but systemic constraints often determine whether individual effort translates into success. Recognizing these constraints doesn’t mean giving up. It means working strategically within and around them.
III. Tenacity as a Building Block
John Collison once observed, "As you become an adult, you realize that things around you weren’t just always there; people made them happen. But only recently have I started to internalize how much tenacity everything requires. That hotel, that park, that railway. The world is a museum of passion projects."
This sentiment highlights the role of persistence in bringing big ideas to life. From iconic hotels to transformative apps, none of these achievements materialized overnight. They were built through relentless effort, trial and error, and unwavering belief. My father’s journey reflects this truth. Behind what might appear to be a “lucky break” were years of learning, networking, and navigating setbacks.
Even so, tenacity often needs to be complemented by industry expertise and connections1. For example, selling to large enterprises or government clients typically requires navigating compliance requirements, procurement processes, and trust-building. Without these additional elements, even the most determined entrepreneurs can hit roadblocks.
This balance between persistence and preparation is crucial. Success doesn’t come from effort alone. It also requires knowing when and how to engage the right systems2 and resources3.
IV. Balancing Vision, Effort, and External Realities
So how do we reconcile these motivational ideas with the reality that external factors such as AI disruption, economic shifts, and systemic barriers can limit progress? I believe the answer lies in balancing three critical elements:
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The Spark: Ambition and high agency give us the energy to begin. Believing in the malleability of the world fuels creativity and perseverance.
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The Foundation: Expertise, relationships, and financial resources create the scaffolding needed to turn ambition into sustainable growth. These elements anchor our efforts and make them more impactful.
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The External Reality: Sometimes, even when we do everything “right,” external factors like AI advancements or market downturns can reshape the landscape. Recognizing these realities allows us to adapt rather than feel defeated.
Neglecting any of these can hinder progress. Ambition without resources is like a fire with no fuel. Resources without action lead to stagnation. And ignoring systemic factors can leave us blindsided by forces beyond our control.
V. Moving Forward in 2025
As we step into this new year, it’s worth reflecting on how we can align ambition with strategy and adaptability.
- Keep the Spark Alive: Continue to dream big. Embrace the mindset that everything around you was created by people like you.
- Build Strong Foundations: Strengthen your expertise, nurture your network, and seek mentors or allies who can open doors.
- Adapt to the Landscape: Stay ahead of trends like AI disruption and economic shifts. Be prepared to pivot and adjust as the world evolves.
These principles remind us that ambition is not just about setting goals but also about creating the conditions that allow those goals to thrive. By combining vision, effort, and strategy, we can navigate challenges and make meaningful progress.
This year, let’s commit to dreaming boldly while staying grounded in the realities of the world around us. With the right balance, we can make 2025 a year of growth, resilience, and transformation.