I quickly learned that if I kept at it and plowed right through the rejections I would eventually get somebody to buy my wares. 
Nobody wants to be passive; indexing is not passive - much more goes into indexing than watching a stock become the next buggy whip.
Many times I can see a solution to something differently and quicker than other people. I see the end zone and say 'This is where I want to go.'
Most of the mutual fund investments I have are index funds, approximately 75%.
The way to get things done is to stimulate competition. I do not mean in a sordid, money-getting way, but in the desire to excel. 
The man who does not work for the love of work but only for money is not likely to make money nor find much fun in life. 