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Is Talent Overrated? Why "Firmness of Character" is the Key to the Survival and Success of an IT Startup in Kazakhstan

Many people believe that the key to startup success is a brilliant idea and a talented team. But research shows that there is a quality that is often more important than innate abilities – it is perseverance and passion for your work. Find out exactly why "firmness of character" helps IT entrepreneurs in Kazakhstan overcome difficulties and achieve long-term goals.

In the startup world, people often talk about bright talents and breakthrough ideas. But what to do when the initial enthusiasm fades and obstacles stand in the way? Angela Duckworth, a renowned American psychologist and professor at the University of Pennsylvania, has devoted years to studying what distinguishes truly successful people in a variety of fields, from studies to business. Her conclusion is surprising: the main factor is often not IQ or natural data, but a special quality that she calls "firmness of character."

It's not just stubbornness. "Firmness of character" or perseverance is a unique fusion of two components.:

  1. Passion: Deep and sustained dedication to your long-term goals, an interest in your business that does not fade with time.
  2. Persistence: The ability to keep moving forward, overcoming difficulties, setbacks, and periods of stagnation. This is a marathon, not a sprint.

People with developed "firmness of character" do not expect instant results. They are ready to work on their goals for months and years, perceiving mistakes and failures not as the end of the road, but as lessons and an opportunity to become stronger.

The entrepreneurial path in the IT field is full of uncertainty. Product development may take a long time, the first version of a website or AI bot may not take off, investors may refuse, and the market may change. In such circumstances, programming talent or a brilliant idea alone is not enough.

It is the "firmness of character" that helps the founders and their teams.:

  • Don't give up after the first bugs or negative reviews
  • Methodically search for Product-Market Fit, iterating and improving the product
  • Continue to believe in your mission, even when funding is in question.
  • To keep the team motivated during long periods of hard work
  • To take every difficulty as a challenge, not as a sentence.

The good news is that this quality can be developed. Here are some ideas:

  • Identify your passion: Make sure that you and your team are really passionate about what you're doing. Find the deep "Why?" your project.
  • Set long-term goals: Break them down into clear, achievable steps, but always keep the main goal in focus.
  • Practice mindfulness: Learn to notice your reactions to difficulties and consciously choose perseverance over despondency.
  • Create a culture of growth: Encourage learning from mistakes rather than covering them up. See challenges as an opportunity to develop skills.
  • Find support: Communicate with other entrepreneurs and mentors who understand your difficulties and can support you. The Astana Hub community is a great place to do this!

There are more and more talented developers and interesting ideas in Kazakhstan. But the ability not to give up when it gets difficult, to passionately believe in your product, and to methodically achieve your goal year after year is what your IT startup can really highlight. "Firmness of character" is not an innate gift of the chosen, but a skill that can and should be trained. It is he who often becomes the decisive factor on the way from an idea to a successful technology business.

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ТОО Cloudy Solutions

May 6, 2025 17:07

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