Grit is an important ingredient for success. Professionals with grit are passionate and persistent in pursuing their long-term goals. They have the mental toughness to keep going even in the face of rejection. Grit isn’t something you have or don’t have — it’s a trait you can develop with practice.

It’s easy to see why so many people want to be classified as gritty. Angela Duckworth, a psychologist and best-selling author, says that grit is the biggest predictor of achievement. But if you’re not careful, grit can also derail your dreams.

Lolly Daskal, the founder of Lead from Within, has seen this happen many times with leaders. They end up becoming too gritty and it costs them their leadership success. In this issue of PromoPro Daily, we highlight a post from Daskal that explains the downsides of excessive grit. Read on to learn what you should watch for as you work to strengthen your grittiness.

Beware of burnout. Some professionals go to any lengths to cultivate grit, and this can cost them their overall well-being. Daskal says leaders are at risk of burning out when they don’t know when to give up. They may keep trying to win losing battles, even when their persistence is costing them. Look for signs of burnout in yourself and your team members and take steps to prevent it. This might mean taking more frequent breaks, delegating more often or setting boundaries.

Watch for clouded judgment. Excessively gritty people can sometimes lose sight of the bigger picture. All they care about is succeeding, and they may not make the best decisions for themselves or their team. Leaders should seek different perspectives and input from others to help them make the most informed decisions, Daskal says.

Remember who you are. Grittiness can lead to a loss of identity. Daskal says professionals may become so obsessed with who they should be rather than who they are. This may lead to loss of self-worth or feelings of inadequacy. She recommends taking time to think about your values and goals and making sure your actions are aligned with your true self.

Stay mindful of your mental health. Leaders who are too gritty may be at risk of depression, Daskal says. When they’re under constant pressure to succeed, this can take a toll on their mental health. If you notice signs of depression in yourself or someone you work with, seek support.

Everybody seems to want to get more grit. It’s a worthwhile pursuit in and of itself, but just be cognizant of the potential pitfalls. It’s good to be gritty, but remember to give yourself some grace, too.

Compiled by Audrey Sellers

Source: Lolly Daskal is founder of Lead from Within, a global leadership, executive coaching and consulting firm based in New York City. She’s a leadership coach, consultant, facilitator, speaker and author.