Futile grit

Futile grit is an irrational application of self-discipline for goals that are not worth the cost. Grit is considered an important characteristic of a good student. This is why schools pay a great deal of attention to developing grit. However, due to the lack of attention paid to the signals form the brain (e.g. in reference to the pleasure of learning), the grit may be unproductive and unhealthy. Such grit is futile or harmful. For details see: 50 bad habits learned at school.

For the distinction between futile grit and healthy self-discipline, see: Self-discipline.

This glossary entry is used to explain texts in SuperMemo Guru series on memory, learning, creativity, and problem solving