In my opinion it takes Perseverance the academic world is full of trying stuff, and failing. You have to be willing to fail a lot, and I mean A LOT, have everyone tell you that your ideas aren't worth while, and still persevere. Then on top of your perseverance, you have to be right in the end.
Good observation - I think the right in the end part is probably the scariest. I mean what happens if you're not?
You don't get tenure.