The current model of grit, where one uses the executive function, dominated by the pre-frontal cortex, to exert self-control and perseverance comes at a cost over time, as it degrades mental flexibility, causing stress from the failure to achieve goals. Pre-frontal cortex actions consume a lot of energy and by not developing emotional qualities such as compassion, gratitude, and pride to shore up self-control and perseverance, we are not fully using all the tools available to us for long term success. Gratitude increases trustworthiness. It enables individuals to be more honest. Compassion has similar traits, providing a sense of purpose and the ability to be effective. Compassion to oneself is also a principal factor in long term sustainability of grit as one is more forgiving of self-made errors and mistakes, which lessens internal self-criticism. Pride, in helping the tribe, increases diligence and motivation by admiration. By making these emotional traits the foundation of one’s self-control and perseverance, in conjunction with the executive function, one builds a more robust model for grit.
From David DeSteno: Emotional Success (2018)