[mswen]

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?

[bayan1234]

I read somewhere (a YC video or post I can't find now) that during a pivot, the problem you're working on shouldn't really change, but the solution might change completely.

I interpreted the superordinate goal as the higher level problem you want to solve and dedicate years/decades of your life towards. It might result in multiple startup attempts with entirely different products.

It seems that a superordinate goal which is something you truly believe is worthy is probably well-validated due to deep personal experience. This seems less likely to change easily.

[godelmachine]

I believe this is the right tone to perform a SWOT analysis , but then again I am just repeating what you are saying.

I believe Instagram is a good example of how they decided to pivot and made it big.