I have been splitting my time between a part-time PM role and starting my own company. In both, I realized breakthroughs and progress happen because of one main underlying character trait.
Obsession about the domain.
Obsession about the customer and problem.
Obsession about the goals and strategy.
Obsession about the current product and business.
Obsession about execution details.
Obsession about delivery.
Obsession about feedback and results.
Obsession about learning and improving.
Obsession with the craft of PM and product development.
When you are obsessed, there's a constant thread in your brain that's always obsessing about all these factors. You are also constantly researching, learning, tinkering, discussing, ideating, and iterating.
Obsession, when combined with curiosity, knowledge, intellect, and collaboration, leads to clarity, evolution of ideas, elegant simplifications, breakthroughs, and getting all the details right.
To be a successful PM or a Founder, you need to truly pick a domain and area that you can be obsessed with. If you're hiring, prioritize obsession.
Notes:
1. Obsession is probably the main trait to succeed in any profession.