Tim S. Grover is a highly regarded performance coach, speaker, and author, best known for his work with elite athletes, particularly in the world of professional basketball. His most famous clients include Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Dwyane Wade, among others. Grover’s expertise in pushing athletes to reach their peak performance has made him a sought-after coach and mentor, and his philosophy on mental toughness and relentless pursuit of excellence has resonated far beyond the sports world.
Early Life and Career
Tim Grover was born in Chicago, Illinois, to Indian immigrant parents. His father was a hospital administrator, and his mother was a nurse, instilling in him a strong work ethic from a young age. Grover earned a master’s degree in exercise science and was a standout in his field, specializing in sports performance and rehabilitation.
Grover’s career took a significant turn when he wrote a letter to every player on the Chicago Bulls, offering his services as a trainer. Although most of the team did not respond, one player did: Michael Jordan. This marked the beginning of a long and fruitful partnership that would transform Grover into one of the most respected trainers in professional sports. Over the years, Grover expanded his clientele to include other NBA legends like Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade, among many others.
“Relentless: From Good to Great to Unstoppable” (2013)
In “Relentless: From Good to Great to Unstoppable,” Grover distills his philosophy on achieving excellence, based on his experiences working with some of the greatest athletes of all time. The book is a no-nonsense guide to developing the mental toughness and relentless drive necessary to succeed at the highest levels.
Grover introduces readers to three categories of achievers:
- Coolers (Good): People who can do a good job when given clear instructions but lack the initiative to go beyond what’s expected.
- Closers (Great): Individuals who can perform under pressure and deliver results when needed, often excelling in high-stakes situations.
- Cleaners (Unstoppable): The rare few who are relentless in their pursuit of success, always pushing the limits and never satisfied with anything less than total domination in their field. This is the level that athletes like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant operated at.
Throughout the book, Grover emphasizes that being “relentless” isn’t about talent alone; it’s about mindset, work ethic, and the willingness to do whatever it takes to achieve your goals. He offers insights into how top performers think, act, and approach challenges, arguing that success is ultimately a result of mental strength and unyielding determination.
Impact and Legacy
“Relentless” became a bestseller and is widely regarded as one of the most influential books on performance and personal development. Grover’s insights have resonated not just with athletes but also with business leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone seeking to excel in their chosen field.
Grover has since expanded his influence through speaking engagements, coaching seminars, and his company, Attack Athletics, which provides training and performance programs for athletes and corporate clients alike. His direct, tough-love approach to coaching and self-improvement continues to inspire people around the world to push beyond their limits and achieve greatness.
Other Works
In addition to “Relentless,” Grover authored another book, “Winning: The Unforgiving Race to Greatness” (2021). This book further explores the mindset required to win consistently at the highest levels and delves deeper into the principles that have guided Grover’s legendary clients.