G.R.I.T. Mindset (Mental Health and Performance Program)

What is G.R.I.T.?

Growth Mindset - Student-athletes, with the assistance of the UIC Department of Athletics, will adopt a growth mindset – a mindset that embodies and supports education and learning regarding how we view our minds and its capacity.

Resilience - Student-athletes will develop improved mental toughness and be able to remove the distracting noise from everyday life and athletic performance. When tough times show themselves, tough people will have developed a coping plan and how to best attack the issue.

Initiative - Student-athletes will be made aware of resources and opportunities to further their own psychological strength and fortitude. They will go get help when they need it and will promote the usage of psychological resources for personal well-being and athletic performance and development.

Tenacity - Student-athletes will not let personal problems engulf them. They will instead face problems and issue like they would any competition — tenaciously. They will not fold or give in to life's troubles. They will be stubborn and stout while using resources provided to keep the fire burning.

Mission

The G.R.I.T. (Growth Mindset, Resilience, Initiative, Tenacity) Performance Program is a proactive view of mental wellness and performance psychology. Student-athletes will grow mentally by learning to be resilient. Student-athletes will take the initiative to help themselves and others to seek mental help and resource to improve cognitive well-being and capacity. Student-athletes will take these tools into competition and everyday life to set themselves up for the wins and lessons that college athletics and life have to offer.

A student-athlete who has G.R.I.T. is considered to have courage and strength of character. A person with the gift of G.R.I.T. proceeds with passion and perseverance. This person will set goals and complete them in a matter that is exemplary. Flames will exhibit G.R.I.T. and will burn through the wick.

Onboarding and Screening - Initial screening before a student-athlete gets to campus to identify issues with eating.
Injured Athlete Group - Group addresses student-athletes who are recovering from injuries and meets twice a month. Topics include the pitfalls of recovery and how to stay ahead of the psychological aspect of your injury.
Team Meetings for Education - Educational meetings cover the topics of mental health, sport psychology and the overall team G.R.I.T. mentality. Education is delivered based on need.
Individual Performance-Based Meetings - Student-athletes are able to set up performance-based counseling sessions with members of the Social Work or Kinesiology/Sport Psychology programs to address sport-specific issue they may have mentally.
Group Performance Meetings - Performance groups have been established for those who would like to come and learn more about ways to address and improve their personal performance. Members of the Kinesiology program run these meetings.
Mental Health Education Meetings - Student-athletes who have an interest in learning about mental health and the pitfalls of not addressing the symptoms meet in regular groups coordinated by members of the Social Work program.
Performance Videos - These videos address techniques that student-athletes can implement when feeling the pressure to perform. They are housed on the G.R.I.T. website and feature members of the Kinesiology/Sport Psychology program, along with other outside contributors. Guided imagery sessions and relaxation sessions also address personal and team stress.
Social Media Presence (SAAC) - The chair for mental health for the UIC SAAC (Student-Athlete Advisory Committee) posts a weekly mental health educational topic provided by members of the Social Work program. All topics are particularly relevant to student-athletes.
Nutrition Consultations - Appointments with Kinesiology/Registered Dietitians are available to discuss eating at the dining hall, how to shop at the grocery store and how to make healthy choices on the road, as well as identify foods that assist in physical and mental wellness (brain foods).