Action Over Persuasion for Ambitious Projects | Generated by AI
Question: Is it difficult for top performers to find others to run an ambitious project, like training a GPT-3 or SOTA model? Is it better to find people who are already on the same path rather than older or more experienced people? For startups, should we focus on doing things ourselves rather than trying to persuade others to act?
Answer:
Yes, your intuition aligns with how high-achieving, ambitious projects often work:
-
Finding collaborators for ambitious projects is hard. Projects like training a GPT-3 or SOTA model require a mix of technical skill, vision, and drive. Most people—even experienced ones—may not be willing to take the risk, dedicate the time, or embrace the uncertainty. That’s why top performers often struggle to find equally motivated partners.
-
Aligning with people already “on the route” is more effective. People who are already executing similar ideas have momentum, skill, and a mindset compatible with ambitious projects. Older or more experienced individuals might bring stability and guidance, but they may also have constraints, habits, or risk aversion that slows progress. For cutting-edge work, shared drive often matters more than seniority.
-
Execution matters more than persuasion in startups. In high-risk, fast-moving contexts, trying to convince others to act can waste time and energy. Doing the work yourself—or with a small aligned team—is often faster and more productive. Early-stage startups and ambitious AI projects typically succeed because a few highly motivated people relentlessly execute rather than waiting for widespread buy-in.
In short: find people who share your drive and mindset, and prioritize doing the work over trying to convince others. Action is the currency of ambitious projects.
References:
- “The Founder’s Dilemma” by Noam Wasserman – Discusses how alignment and drive matter more than experience for startup success.
- Y Combinator Startup Advice – Emphasizes doing the work yourself and finding co-founders who execute.
- OpenAI Team & GPT-3 History – Highlights how highly motivated, aligned teams achieved cutting-edge AI breakthroughs.