In two cross-sectional studies we explored the motivational orientations correlates of the character strength of grit and its two component facets: perseverance of effort and consistency of interests over time. Specifically we examined how individual differences in grit are explained by distinct approaches to pursuing happiness in life: pleasure in immediately hedonically positive activities meaning in activities that serve a higher altruistic purpose and engagement in attentionabsorbing activities. In both samples grit demonstrated medium-sized associations with an orientation toward engagement small-to-medium associations with an orientation toward meaning and small-to-medium (inverse) associations with an orientation toward pleasure. These motivational orientations differentially related to the two facets of grit: pursuing engagement was more strongly associated with perseverance of effort whereas pursuing pleasure was more strongly (inversely) associated with consistency of interests over time. Collectively findings suggest that individual differences in grit may derive in part from differences in what makes people happy.