On a Sunday morning in June, I listened to Chris Brogran’s Owner Mind podcast while I peeled lemons for limoncello. As I enjoyed the Meyer lemony smells all over my kitchen and hands, Chris interviewed Tim Grover about his book Relentless: From Good to Great to Unstoppable
Now, I’ll say this: I am a book junkie. I’m always reading something… actually, I’ve always got at least 4 books going (1 audiobook for in the car, 1 fiction for before bed, and usually 2 nonfiction books related to leadership, productivity, psychology, or nutrition). And my list of books that I want to read is really long and always growing. So it is rare for me to immediately buy a book and have it move to the front of the line.
But when I started skimming the introduction of Relentless, I couldn’t stop. If it weren’t for work and silly stuff like that, I would have read it in one sitting. I loved the anecdotes about Michael Jordan, Dwayne Wade, and Kobe Bryant. But even more than that, it was an inspiring kick in the pants to stop dragging my feet and be relentlessly me.
As a leader. As someone who wants more from life. As someone with a purpose.
Why you should read Relentless
Tim Grover doesn’t mince words. He’s direct and honest (he also drops a few f-bombs). And while I don’t always agree with some of the details, his underlying message is spot on: “In order to have what you really want, you must first be who you really are.”
Not the nice girl who makes other people happy.
Not the gold-star chaser.
Not the unassuming wallflower who moves out of the way so others can shine.
It’s not about making other people happy. It’s about finding that inner strength, the mental toughness, the drive to succeed. And in a world that wants you to be like everyone else, we all need to be reminded once in a while that it’s being completely who you are that makes you great.
You are made for something more than watching other people live their lives (Real Housewives, anyone?). Whether that is to bring beauty into the world, grow children into contributing adults, or bring about world peace.
No one else can tell you what your purpose is, it’s got to come from inside of you (although if you need help putting your purpose into words, I can help with that). And if you want a little nudge into thinking like the unstoppable leader you are, give Relentless
P.S. Here is the finished limoncello (and in case you’re interested, I used this recipe).
Photo Credit: Lemons & limoncello are mine. Graffiti photo: Eddie via Flickr (Creative Commons License)