Relentless

From Good to Great to Unstoppable

by Tim. S Grover, Shari Lesser Wenk

4.7(12,535 ratings)

10 min read

Brief overview

This book focuses on developing an unshakable mindset that pushes you beyond lingering doubts and limitations. It takes you on a journey from simply performing well to mastering intense focus and a driven work ethic. Through real stories and proven strategies, it demonstrates how to embrace discomfort and channel your competitive drive to become truly relentless.

Introduction

Success stories abound, but they rarely reveal the invisible drive beneath the surface. This book opens with a stark truth: you can’t coast on talent. You have to choose to push yourself, over and over, past every comfort zone.

Drawing from examples of elite athletes and top-tier professionals, the author emphasizes that most people settle for “good enough.” Yet those who excel refuse to be average; they demand excellence even when it’s difficult.

This story begins by outlining three types of performers—Coolers, Closers, and Cleaners—and why only the Cleaner mindset delivers unstoppable results. This mentality is tough on the body and mind, but it’s the only path to absolute success.

From there, you’ll explore how internal pressure matters more than external praise. Being relentless starts with facing the hardest truths about yourself, owning your flaws, and deciding you’re willing to sacrifice for what you really want.

Coolers, Closers, and Cleaners

A major focus here is on three categories of performers: Coolers, Closers, and Cleaners. Coolers follow instructions and can perform when everything is calm. Closers step up impressively in big moments, but may falter if conditions shift.

Cleaners, by contrast, rise to every occasion without apology. Their fierce commitment and constant desire to improve set them above the rest. These individuals exhibit a quiet confidence, rarely seeking validation, always seeking the next win.

You learn that Cleaners don’t wait for someone else’s approval or sign-off. They are decisive. When things go wrong, they shoulder responsibility rather than deflect blame. This attitude fosters self-reliance and an unwavering pursuit of higher standards.

Stop waiting for a crisis or a final moment to prove yourself; act as though every moment is crucial.

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What is Relentless about?

Relentless: From Good to Great to Unstoppable shows that consistent success depends more on mental grit than raw talent. Through revealing stories, Tim S. Grover demonstrates that pushing past your comfort zone begins by getting comfortable under stress. This mindset demands honest accountability and a willingness to confront what most people avoid.

Central to the book is the distinction between Cleaners, Closers, and Coolers, highlighting how elite performers thrive on results rather than applause. Its powerful message focuses on doing the work every day, shaping a resilient frame of mind that enables you to thrive, not just survive, when the stakes are high.

Review of Relentless

Relentless stands out for its clear, unflinching perspective on peak performance. The author’s direct style provides crucial insights on transforming adversity into energy, leveraging both minor wins and major setbacks. Each idea is backed by practical tips, such as creating structured daily routines and identifying your “dark side” so you can harness that drive effectively.

This book appeals to professionals who need a solid mental framework for delivering results under pressure. Although it pulls no punches, the writing remains accessible and grounded with real-world applications. If you’re seeking a straightforward plan to move from acceptable effort to unstoppable focus, Relentless offers a strong recommendation.

Who should read Relentless?

Business leaders aiming to build resilient, high-performance teams in fast-paced environments.
Athletes and sports coaches who want to handle intense competition and keep improving.
Entrepreneurs facing risks and looking for a decisive mindset grounded in discipline.
Individuals committed to self-improvement and tired of short-lived motivational boosts.

About the author

Tim S. Grover and Shari Lesser Wenk are the authors of "Relentless: From Good to Great to Unstoppable." Tim S. Grover is a renowned performance coach, bestselling author, and highly sought-after speaker with over 35 years of experience working with elite athletes, including Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Dwyane Wade. He holds a Master's degree in Exercise Science and a Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology from the University of Illinois-Chicago. Grover is also the CEO of ATTACK Athletics, Inc., and has written another bestselling book, "Winning: The Unforgiving Race to Greatness."