Grit isn't about the hype. It's about showing up.
Mason Gillis shares what grit means to him, how he’s rebuilding his routine during recovery, and why learning new skills off the court is part of the grind.
October 10 Update
Mason is feeling good and well on his way to recovery.
What does grit really mean to me?
Grit means that when things get hard, you double down on yourself and get the job done. You separate from emotions, from feelings, from what everybody else is saying. You focus on your role, your job, and you do it at a high level. That’s grit.
The grittiest people are the ones you want in your foxhole when things get tough. They’re the ones you trust when the game is on the line and you need a stop. They’re the ones who show up and get it done.
I’ve always prided myself on being in great shape, being tough, and being grounded. That doesn’t mean having the flashiest playing style. It doesn’t mean driving the nicest car or having the fancy corporate job. Being gritty means putting your emotions aside and doing what needs to be done.
Are you gritty in your daily life?
Do you push past the feeling of not wanting to go to the gym? Do you take that extra step or complete that task that moves you closer to your goal, even when it’s uncomfortable? The little things matter most. Do you consistently wake up when your alarm goes off, or do you hit snooze and end up rushed, skipping parts of your morning routine?
Right now, my daily life starts with waking up and getting a healthy breakfast. I take time to get my mind right and make sure I’m checking in with myself. That’s how I start every day.
Then it’s usually practice and lift. I’ve just been watching practice lately and keeping score, but I’m excited to get back out there. I’ve started doing individual workouts again. I’m exhausted, but I just need to get my wind back.
After practice, I get in some extra conditioning. Since I’ve been hurt, that’s looked like swimming or riding the bike. Then it’s usually a trip to the grocery store—there’s one right next to my house, so it’s easy—and I make a clean dinner. I’m a simple chef. Most nights it’s steak, ground beef, or chicken with rice or pasta and some veggies. Nothing fancy. I just try to eat healthy and cook as many of my meals as I can.
Grit means that when things get hard, you double down on yourself and get the job done. You separate from emotions, from feelings, from what everybody else is saying. You focus on your role, your job, and you do it at a high level. That’s grit.
The grittiest people are the ones you want in your foxhole when things get tough. They’re the ones you trust when the game is on the line and you need a stop. They’re the ones who show up and get it done.
I’ve always prided myself on being in great shape, being tough, and being grounded. That doesn’t mean having the flashiest playing style. It doesn’t mean driving the nicest car or having the fancy corporate job. Being gritty means putting your emotions aside and doing what needs to be done.
Are you gritty in your daily life?
Do you push past the feeling of not wanting to go to the gym? Do you take that extra step or complete that task that moves you closer to your goal, even when it’s uncomfortable? The little things matter most. Do you consistently wake up when your alarm goes off, or do you hit snooze and end up rushed, skipping parts of your morning routine?
Right now, my daily life starts with waking up and getting a healthy breakfast. I take time to get my mind right and make sure I’m checking in with myself. That’s how I start every day.
Then it’s usually practice and lift. I’ve just been watching practice lately and keeping score, but I’m excited to get back out there. I’ve started doing individual workouts again. I’m exhausted, but I just need to get my wind back.
After practice, I get in some extra conditioning. Since I’ve been hurt, that’s looked like swimming or riding the bike. Then it’s usually a trip to the grocery store—there’s one right next to my house, so it’s easy—and I make a clean dinner. I’m a simple chef. Most nights it’s steak, ground beef, or chicken with rice or pasta and some veggies. Nothing fancy. I just try to eat healthy and cook as many of my meals as I can.
One small thing that’s brought me a lot of joy lately is coffee. I’ve always loved it, but being here has made me appreciate it even more. There’s something about finding a quiet local coffee shop, grabbing a cup, and just sitting for a few minutes that helps me reset. It’s a small moment, but it matters. Whether I’m journaling, checking the market, or just people-watching, those little pauses remind me to slow down and enjoy the process. Grit isn’t just about pushing through. It’s also about knowing when to breathe.
Lately, I’ve also been diving into investing and stocks. I’m really interested in it, and with the extra time I’ve had, it’s been cool to push myself to learn that skill. Focusing on something outside of basketball has helped me get through this injury. I’ve had a lot of time on my hands, and putting my mind toward investing and trading has been a good outlet.
I think it’s a valuable skill that will pay off in a decade or two. It’s something I want to build for myself, and I think everyone should learn at least a little about finances and investing. Some people call it the eighth wonder of the world. It’s a powerful tool, and it’s a path to financial freedom.
I think it’s a valuable skill that will pay off in a decade or two. It’s something I want to build for myself, and I think everyone should learn at least a little about finances and investing. Some people call it the eighth wonder of the world. It’s a powerful tool, and it’s a path to financial freedom.
Winning Mindset: Unlocking Mental Mastery for Peak Performance Paperback
What does it take to truly excel - not just in sports, but in life? In Winning Mindset, trainer Jordan Delks and athlete Mason Gillis pull back the curtain on the powerful relationship between a coach and a player.
