Grit, defined as passion and perseverance for long-term goals, is related but separable with
conscientiousness, self-control and virtue of conscientiousness. In other words, grit is a positive character
focusing on individuals’ super-ordinate goals. Based on the interest of super-ordinate goals and the
current situation, grittier people will regulate their cognition and behavior for pursuing highest level
goals. Theoretically and empirically, grit is essential to success in different areas. Moreover, downward
counterfactual thinking and deliberate practice are cognitive and behavioral mechanisms linking grit to
self-achievement, respectively. The psychological antecedents of grit include optimistic explanatory style,
motivational orientations to happiness and growth mindset. However, future research should aim to make
a thorough inquiry on the concept and structure of grit in the Chinese context, refine measurements
of grit, explore the positive and negative effects of grit, and study correlated antecedents and their
interactions of grit for building its framework.