The distinctions between self-control and grit as articulated in this paper speak to one of the fundamental issues that start-up founders face. Defining a superordinate goal that will be pursued with grit, passion, zeal and persistence over a period of years or decades. Versus the self-control at a more granular level which has much more to do with productivity.
But the key is what to do when something (usually market fit) isn't working. Do I persist and pursue alternatives but still all directed toward meeting the same superordinate goal? How long do we persist? How many alternatives do we explore? At what point do I determine that a pivot is needed? That merely changing a lower level approach is failing and I need to take these resources including core team and deploy them to a different superordinate goal?
How do you go about deciding when persistence in the face of failure is enough and it is time to change the superordinate goal?
But the key is what to do when something (usually market fit) isn't working. Do I persist and pursue alternatives but still all directed toward meeting the same superordinate goal? How long do we persist? How many alternatives do we explore? At what point do I determine that a pivot is needed? That merely changing a lower level approach is failing and I need to take these resources including core team and deploy them to a different superordinate goal?
How do you go about deciding when persistence in the face of failure is enough and it is time to change the superordinate goal?