Stubbornness and firmness are often confused, although they are as different as coal and diamonds. While stubbornness is based on uncompromising rigidity, firmness rests on solid convictions. The key to this distinction lies in the fact that the former ignores reason, while the latter takes it into account.
Stubbornness arises from emotions; firmness from arguments. Although stubbornness can be useful on certain occasions, especially as an initial impetus toward a goal, it becomes problematic when we close ourselves off to new ideas or facts that could challenge our beliefs. At that point, it ceases to be an advantage and becomes an obstacle.
On the contrary, firmness is the ability to remain constant and faithful to our goals, without losing the ability to adapt and evolve. While stubbornness creates a vicious circle of inflexibility, firmness allows us to move forward with determination, accepting learning and change when necessary.
When stubbornness reaches its peak, it turns into obsession: an excessive passion that clouds our judgment. Firmness, on the other hand, is a guiding force that keeps us focused but always open to new perspectives. Stubbornness holds us back; firmness pushes us forward.