The dark side of 'grit' at work

 

Angela Duckworth, in her book Grit, argues that success is powered more by passion and perseverance than by talent or intelligence. Her framework gained traction after her book became a New York Times bestseller in 2016 and her widely-viewed TED Talk, reinforcing the idea of grit as a key to success. She suggests that unwavering belief in one’s vision can defy odds and lead to extraordinary achievements, echoing J.K. Rowling's sentiment, "Anything is possible if you've got enough nerve."

While resilience is valuable, it’s important to address the limitations and potential dangers of overemphasizing grit. Grit, when unchecked or taken to extremes, can lead to burnout, toxicity, and compromised mental health. An example from behavioral economics highlights a classic flaw in decision-making known as survivorship bias. Much like researchers mistakenly reinforcing already-damaged areas of aircraft in WWII, success stories that spotlight grit often ignore the failures of equally determined individuals. For instance, statistics reveal that four out of five startups fail. Were all those founders simply not gritty enough?

Furthermore, grit can promote a harmful "push through at all costs” culture. Prioritizing mental health and balance is not a weakness but a necessity. I’ve witnessed leaders and talented professionals, including high-profile entrepreneurs and journalists, succumb to the darker side of relentless striving. Mental health challenges, substance abuse, or burnout don’t stem from a lack of grit; they often emerge from ignoring limits or creating environments that demand constant overperformance.

A more effective approach is to pursue resilience through moderation and a supportive environment. Philosopher Aristotle’s principle of finding balance is particularly relevant here. True grit is healthiest when paired with a workplace culture that fosters psychological safety, trust, and inclusivity. For example, Josh Graff from LinkedIn endorses the concept of “bringing your whole self to work.” His advocacy for inclusivity, whether addressing stigmas around mental health, addiction, or identity, highlights how workplaces can support resilience without imposing unsustainable demands.

My personal experience underscores the importance of prioritizing mental health over blind adherence to grit. Early in my career (well over 20 years ago now) I battled substance abuse while facing unchecked pressures to conform to toxic workplace norms. Over time, I’ve learned to maintain balance, guided by my own values, rather than external pressures. I’ve also seen many discussions around mental health in workplaces devolve into lip service or “mental health washing,” masking deeper systemic issues without offering genuine solutions.

Resilience is not about endlessly pushing forward; it’s about knowing when to step back to reflect, recalibrate, and grow while remaining committed to your values. True success comes through progress that is sustainable for individuals and organizations alike. For a more in-depth examination of the limits of willpower, I recommend checking out research by Yale Medical School or works by neuroscientists like Marc Lewis, who study addiction and its relationship to resilience.

Moderation allows us to focus on long-term well-being while maintaining ambition. Pursuing success without sacrificing your mental health is not just possible but essential.