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Winning: The Unforgiving Race to Greatness

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From the elite performance coach who authored the international bestseller Relentless and whose clients have included Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Dwyane Wade, comes this brutally honest formula for winning in business, sports, or any arena where the battle is fiercely unforgiving. In Winning, Tim Grover shows why he is one of the world’s most sought-after mindset experts. Drawing on three decades of work with elite competitors, Grover strips away the cliches and rah-rah mentality that create mediocrity and challenges you to embrace reality with single-minded intensity. The prize? Massive success. Whether you’re an athlete with championship dreams, an entrepreneur building a business, a CEO managing an empire, a salesperson closing a deal, or simply a competitor determined to stand in the winner’s circle, Winning offers thirteen crucial principles for achieving unbeatable performance. This book reveals the truth about the obstacles and challenges that stand between you and your Winning never lies. Winning knows your secrets. Winning wages war in the battlefield of your mind. Winning wants all of you. And more. If you’re addicted to the taste of success and crave more, then you’re ready for Winning’s results-driven performance strategy. And if you’re already winning and want to learn how to execute at a level that will establish you as one of the greatest—so you can own not just this moment, but the next, and the next—this book will show you the path.

237 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 18, 2021

859 people are currently reading
6715 people want to read

About the author

Tim S. Grover

18 books273 followers

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5 stars
2,678 (55%)
4 stars
1,334 (27%)
3 stars
596 (12%)
2 stars
138 (2%)
1 star
57 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 343 reviews
Profile Image for Mackenzie.
96 reviews3 followers
March 10, 2022
My coworker gave me this book and told me it was the best book he’s read. I trust and respect said coworker so I read the book. This was the worst book I’ve ever read. This is a book you give to a 12 year old who just got cut from the 7th grade JV football team. It was the most repetitive, fluff piece I’ve ever encountered. I think I could have written the same book in maybe 4 pages. Grover pretty much tells you that in order to be successful in life you have to be a selfish narcissist. I thought about putting this book in a free library, or donating it, but I feel like the world would be better off if I burned it.
Profile Image for Jason Green.
119 reviews3 followers
July 20, 2021
I liked that the book validated my feelings about persevering through criticism and keeping your eyes on the prize. I'm a high performer but I'm often attacked for doing the things that make me a high performer. Grover lets us in on the secrets of the greats. They don't even give it a second thought.

The place where I struggle is that Grover portrays winning as the best thing we can do in life. It's the prize that gives us value and allows us to do other things. As a Christian my self-worth is not tied to my accomplishments. I'm valuable, but my number one and number two goals are to love God with all my heart and to love my neighbor as myself. The absence of spiritual direction in this book reduces it's value. Don't get me wrong. It has value. It just doesn't complete the mindset of winning with the attitude of gratitude that accompanies a true winner. He touches on it, but doesn't drive home the message that leads to a purpose driven life.
Profile Image for Tyler Daly.
23 reviews
June 12, 2021
Tim Grover is a proven winner. His life work and the clients he has taken on throughout his amazing career speak volumes to this. Though I found this book in the "Personal Development" section of Barnes & Noble, this book was far from any sort of "Self-Help" book I've ever read. He states right from the beginning that this book isn't going to provide you with "10 Easy Steps to a better life" or any answers on how to improve. Rather, he lays out practical (and often harsh) truths regarding the realities of what it takes to achieve winning. Winning is a lonely, brutal, infinite journey that takes unwavering commitment if you want to win in life. Tim beautifully lays out key aspects of this process, and includes many anecdotes from his time training the greats like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. If you are in a rut but know you have the seeds of winning within you, this book will help you uncover some uncomfortable truths about yourself that, if you can confront them, will propel you towards a life full of winning for yourself!
Profile Image for Smitha.
88 reviews1 follower
June 28, 2021
I listened to this an audible book and I loved it! The reason I would want to give it 4 stars I stead of 5 stars is because sometimes the lessons and virtues expressed sound inspiring and motivating, but aren’t necessarily practical nor equitable. It seems the author is well aware of the luxuries he has, but doesn’t go as far to recognize that the luxuries he has and likewise his clients can be a privilege in their nature of winning that others cannot afford nor access.
Profile Image for Kadir.
79 reviews4 followers
February 27, 2023
4.5 stars
Winning is everything! I like the way it is structured and explained with great examples. It is not a recipe book for winning and it explains why winning takes a lot of hard work, discipline and courage.
Profile Image for James Hull.
32 reviews12 followers
June 9, 2021
Quick read packed with kernels of insight only available to those who’ve struggled and grabbed a visit with Winning before it slipped away again. Grover’s style is raw and tough. But not in a typical manner. He shares touching stories from his own life (raw). He has great one liners that clarify the process (tough). Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Kelly Storc.
30 reviews5 followers
May 23, 2021
This book is an especially important read for anyone who has found a little success in their life, only to get knocked down and wonder what’s needed to get back up. If you’ve never tried and failed at something, not all of these lessons are going to make sense. Great read!
Profile Image for Andrew Lafleche.
Author 32 books158 followers
January 9, 2024
What is winning? Everything. This is the anti-thesis to balance. It lays out the cost of going the distance so that you can begin with eyes wide open what it will take to achieve your desire. Using examples from Grover's time with MJ and Kobe and other great's, he give unprecedented access to the mindset of winning. It's nasty. And it makes me wonder...
Profile Image for Dustan Woodhouse.
Author 8 books229 followers
June 28, 2021
As a massive fan of ‘Relentless’ I knew going in that the original book would be tough to top.

Setting aside a desire for more of the same, because Relentless is so good it leaves you wanting more, wasn’t easy.

‘Winning’ is a different book, and it makes (mostly) different points.

There’s a deeper conversation of the realties around embracing the dark side and on being selfish. These topics aren’t easy to unpack for a reader that hasn’t pushed themselves.

If you get it you get it.

The book is worthy of a second listen. And I’ll give it that.

Right after I listen to Relentless one more time.
Profile Image for Cassandra.
393 reviews
August 24, 2021
I really want to love Grover's books but I am always left with "that was ok" feeling after finishing. There was some nuggets in there but too many clichés. I definitely liked this better then Relentless but I still didn't leave wowed.
57 reviews
July 24, 2023
Great listen! Many great ideas in this book. But as a woman trying to chase dreams and be a mom and wife I felt like many of the ideas were pushing on the idea to focus on the goal and only the goal and nothing else.
Profile Image for Bryan Stovall.
12 reviews
August 17, 2024
Just ok. Probably being harsher than deserved, but this just didn’t hold a candle to Relentless. Good principles, but too succinct of examples when Relentless gave the entire perspective.
Profile Image for Chetan.
310 reviews7 followers
October 31, 2024
“Focus is about controlling your behavior, so it becomes easier to do the right things, and harder to be distracted by the wrong things.”

A further developed sequel, that is more or less the same vein as the previous edition. I would say it’s a little bit more clear cut on the emotional side while being more relentless on the intangible factors. Those that one needs to be obsessed about to win.
Profile Image for Jim Archambeau.
42 reviews2 followers
June 22, 2024
This one deserves more than 5 stars. An incredible mindset book for getting to the next level in anything in life.
10 reviews
October 14, 2023
Blah blah blah if you want to WIN you must work hard.. the guys in love with himself it was painful by the end
Profile Image for Marissa Schauder.
89 reviews2 followers
April 19, 2024
So this book is a little intense imo, but it makes sense since it’s written by the guy who strategically coached Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. The guy has a really unique view on winning. He explains how generic motivation (“you can do this” or “keep crushing it”) and stereotypical sayings (ex. “it’s a marathon not a sprint”) are not helpful to succeed at winning in any aspect of life. He also made interesting points on the differences between friends vs. allies, time vs. focus, and grinding vs. sculpting. Tons of good quotes from this one:

“When you know what to think, you’re ready to compete. When you know how to think, you’re ready to win.”

“You have to be willing to challenge what you’ve been taught, and learn it again with a different perspective.”

“Innovate, don’t imitate.”

“Everyone wants to “set the world on fire.” But you also have to control how it burns.”

“When you’ve been knocked down, confidence gives you the patience to stay down for a minute, until you know how to get up better than you were before.”

“That’s how you become not just a competitor, but a true competitor: You get better every day for a long time. Not accidentally, but intentionally.”

“You’re not trying to prove others wrong, you’re proving yourself right.”

“Showing up is knowing the day you’re about to have isn’t the day you planned.”

“A sense of urgency is the ultimate distinction between those who win and those who watch others win.”

“Don’t bother to roll up your sleeves, just rip the fucking things off” — This one made me laugh 😂
Profile Image for David Peña.
1 review
February 12, 2023
great book !

Good to have as a reminder of the cost and sacrifice of your objective and goals in the short and long term.
Profile Image for Kimberly DuBrul.
43 reviews
February 3, 2022
I will re-read this one many times over. Full of in your face nuggets which if you’re willing to allow may set you straight in your thinking on many levels.
Profile Image for Tony Creech.
157 reviews5 followers
May 22, 2021
Tim lays out what winning really means - the realities that you can’t understand fully without putting skin all in the game. A great follow up to relentless- I love the principles he lays out in this book - more like laying out realities he’s seen first hand many times. Hard stuff that draws the line on fire and blood between the bullshit and the real thing.
25 reviews
January 8, 2022
Not even near "self-help". By far the best book I've read on High Performance!
Do yourself a favor, stop reading books from Instagram coaches and read amazing professionals with proven track records like this one.
But be aware that will taste bitter.
1 review
February 5, 2022
From a worldly perspective this is a great book about doing whatever it takes to win. However, reading from a Catholic perspective, putting this amount of focus on winning will ultimately make a person very unhappy as it will never be enough. Grover also tends to downplay the importance of balance in life, saying if you prefer balance, you actually just don’t want to win, which will cost you family, friends, and maybe even your health. Apparently he feels this is worth it for a win that even he agrees will not be enough after hours, days, or months go by.
Profile Image for Mike Shaw.
295 reviews7 followers
March 18, 2023
Hustle porn. Some good reminders but nothing new.

I’d recommend Goggins over this for specific tools that you can learn.
Profile Image for David Pulliam.
410 reviews20 followers
December 17, 2024
The last two chapters about:
1. do not manage time but manage your focus
2. your darker side

They were the best two chapters for me. Do not read this book until you read the first, Relentless, and watch the series, The Last Dance.
36 reviews
January 23, 2025
Tim Grover is a go-to resource in my personal development library! He always wins!
4 reviews
May 17, 2021
As someone that has read "Relentless". The book showing another way to view achievements and the obsession of becoming the best in your field. "Winning" was a nice welcome.

I find that Mr Grover's style of writing is extremely effective with me. His no-nonsense approach of "telling you like it is" is replicated in this book. Once again he wrote out a list of 13 must-dos all starting with "1#".

This is a man that has worked with some of the best athletes of all time and he shares insights and stories of what made them great.

I would recommend this book to anyone that has read "Relentless" and wants an extra addition to their mental arsenal read this book.

3 reviews
January 16, 2025
First read by this author. It’s a bit over the top for me. There is motivation, do better,become great, then there is this. I can see the connection and mindset that is required, however for the average person it’s not realistic yet he talking about not to be average. Prioritizing your goals, aspirations and dreams are important There are good pointers I will take away from the book.
Profile Image for Jenna Pearson .
14 reviews
February 12, 2023
I absolutely despised this book for the first half. The book discussed adult challenges such as business ventures yet presented methods seemingly directed at middle schoolers.

The latter half of the book includes some more refined commentary on winning as a selfish being and discusses self-honesty along with the benefits of isolation. These chapters felt more planned and thought out.

Overall, I’d lend a few specific chapters of this book to my high school brother, however, I’d defer from recommending the full purchase of this book to the majority of individuals.
Profile Image for Amir Ernesto.
40 reviews
August 7, 2023
Great book. In resume it tells you that the only way to achieve winning is through hell. I mean, you must work tirelessly through achieving your dream, you must look into new ways of doing things, doing all the stuff you don’t want to do, thinking and doing stuff differently, always searching ways to improve and support and the pains and suffering. The only road to winning is hell. And to stay on top, you must win over and over again, it’s and endless battle. To win you need your set of values, you need lots of self confidence, and determination. But winning is everything, if you start winning you will become addicted.


Great book, it will give you lots of self confidence.
2 reviews1 follower
September 10, 2024
Great read

Grover is authentic and direct. Great book for those that can handle their inner demons. Fantastic book for those who dare to do what others won’t.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 343 reviews

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