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?