“Winning is Everything” but Not for Everyone
Tim Grover is known for his work as a performance coach for professional athletes, most notably NBA hall of famers Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. Grover is the CEO of ATTACK Athletics, and he focuses on assisting individuals with achieving excellence through the art of physical and mental dominance. You may have seen Grover featured throughout last year’s hit documentary “The Last Dance,” as he was one of the people working with Michael Jordan through his championship runs.
Grover sat down with Patrick Bet-David to discuss his book, “W1nning: The Unforgiving Race to Greatness,” as well as the overall concept of winning and why it is so difficult.
Let’s take a look at some notable points from this interview, specifically around capacity. To say this interview is inspiring is an understatement.
Winning and its Relation to Capacity
According to Grover, winning is in all of us, but it has different meanings to each individual. Winning comes from being relentless, however Grover notes that being relentless is just a mindset. Winning is where one achieves that mindset.
At this point in the interview, Grover expressed the importance of capacity in regards to winning. He stressed on how people look at winning and finishing as the same thing, despite the fact that they are not. There are those that go through the motions, and feel that they’ve won just because they are participating. However, there are others who raise their capacity to elevate themselves to the next level. It’s this constant battle between settling and being the best version of oneself. Look at marathon runners, or completing a physical challenge. Sure you won’t be in the top 1% of performers in that event, but your personal capacity and ability to win at something else will elevate to the next level.
“Winning is everything.”
By constantly raising their capacity, the result is winning.
Why People Settle and Don’t Raise Their Capacity
Grover then touches upon why people settle as opposed to raising their capacity in order to win. His point on this is pretty simple--winning is too hard. He also notes that people don’t want to escape their comfort zone. So, instead of making an attempt to reach new heights, people settle because this is all they know and it’s comfortable.
The question that tends to pop up is “is it worth it?” Grover says winning doesn’t always bring what you expected, and as a result this deters people from reaching their full potential. To some people, it simply is not worth it to them.
The Guilt of Winning
In one of the more powerful portions of the interview, Grover is asked about guilt. After all, to put in all this work in order to raise your capacity and be a winner, it’s a time consuming process. That means sacrifices will be made, and there will be times where you’re conflicted. You want to continue to put in the work to achieve, but you also know you can’t forget about your family and other responsibilities outside of your professional career.
Guilt will start to set in, however the results will dictate what you are doing. Grover says results also need to benefit your loved ones. To Grover, this doesn’t mean you won’t spend time with your family. He says when you’re spending time with your loved ones, make it count, and be present.
It’s a difficult process, and leads to a lot of conflict for individuals. Guilt is certainly a key reason as to why people don’t raise their capacity in order to win. You feel like you are letting your loved ones down, even though you’re doing it for them.
Guilt is all around, from your loved ones asking questions like “why do you have to workout?” or “Can’t you make an exception?"
Their intention isn’t malicious, they just don’t understand what you’re doing, who you are trying to become. I loved Tim’s advice around this, communication. Communicate clearly, often and provide a timeline for results. Results are everything when sacrifices are being made, especially with loved ones.
Grover’s Principles of Winning
Winning makes you different, and different scares people.
Winning wages war in the battlefield of your mind.
Winning is the ultimate gamble on yourself.
Winning isn’t heartless, but you’ll use your heart less.
Winning belongs to them, and it’s your job to take it.
Winning wants all of you, there is no balance.
Winning is selfish.
Winning takes you through hell, and if you quit, that’s where you’ll stay.
Winning is a test with no correct answer.
Winning knows all your secrets.
Winning never lies.
Winning is not a marathon, it’s a sprint with no finish line.
Winning is everything.
Conclusion
Overall, in this insightful interview, Tim Grover made it clear that the reason people settle and don’t look to win is because it’s too difficult. So, instead of raising their capacity, people would rather just go through the motions because it’s what they are comfortable with. As Grover notes, it’s all about mindset and willingness. Consistently winning is not easy to achieve, and there’s so much sacrifice and responsibility involved.
But, at the end of the day, it’s worth it.