Abstract
Duckworth and Gross distinguish self-control — aligning actions with any valued goal against momentary temptation — from grit — sustained pursuit of one dominant superordinate goal over years — using a hierarchical goal framework where lower-order goals serve higher-order ends.
Duckworth, A. L., & Gross, J. J. (2014). Current Directions in Psychological Science, 23(5), 319–325. DOI
Key findings
- Hierarchical goal stack — Lower-order goals serve superordinate ends — failure can live at the wrong level of the stack.
- Self-control role — Adjudicates momentary temptation against whichever goal is active now — hour-to-hour discipline.
- Grit role — Organizes the stack around one enduring superordinate aim — year-to-year passion and perseverance.
- Partial independence — High self-control with low grit (many small wins, no north star) and the reverse both appear — diagnose before prescribing.
Limits
Conceptual review — not an intervention trial. Map to coaching language carefully; do not treat grit as virtue score.