What drives elite athletes like Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan to relentlessly pursue excellence? How do they manage the pressure, the criticism, and the constant need to exceed their previous best? Delve into their mindset to explore your own potential for greatness, and to unleash your relentless spirit.

Relentless: From Good to Great to Unstoppable

In the heart of Chicago, a secret training facility known as Attack Athletics houses the legends of NBA. Here, athletes like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Dwyane Wade have their permanent lockers. 

One night, an injured NBA player quietly sneaks in during the playoffs, seeking help before his next game. He avoids the prying eyes of the media, his team, and even his family. The player's mission is not just physical recovery; he's struggling with self-doubt and external pressure. In response, the trainer advises him, "Don’t think. You already know what you have to do, and you know how to do it. What’s stopping you?" 

Being the best is not about settling for 'good enough.' It's about pushing yourself to your limits, striving for more, even when you've achieved what you want. It's about being relentless. This relentless drive is the signature of a 'Cleaner,' the most intense and driven competitor imaginable. Cleaners refuse limitations and do whatever it takes to get what they want. Their whole life is driven by an insatiable addiction to success. 

Success isn't the same as talent. Many talented people never succeed at anything because they believe talent should be enough. It's not. If you want to be truly successful, you can't be content with 'pretty good.' You need to find an extra gear. 

Cleaners are born out of this concept. They are the ones who take responsibility for everything. They don't blame others and they don't wait for instructions. They just do what needs to be done. They don't celebrate for long because there's always more to do. They're not interested in the spotlight or the credit. They just want the end result. 

Are You a 'Cleaner'? Do You Share the Same Traits as NBA Legends like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant?

When you're a Cleaner, you push yourself beyond your limits, even when everyone else has given up. Working with top athletes, you learn the golden rule: those who know don't talk. Trust is paramount, and discretion is key. Cleaners don’t just train bodies; they train minds. It's not about the hours at the gym but the intensity and mental fortitude you bring to every moment.

To be unstoppable, mental dominance is crucial. Physical skills can only take you so far; your mind must be ready to take you to the next level. This means focusing on the intangibles—commitment, persistence, and heart. You can't measure these qualities, but they define true greatness. 

When training athletes, the philosophy is simple: show up, work hard, and listen. The relationship is professional, not personal. Athletes must commit to the process, trusting the expertise and dedication of their trainer. This approach goes beyond physical training, emphasizing the mental toughness needed to excel.

Cleaners are relentless. They embrace discomfort and tackle the hardest tasks first, always keeping their eyes on the prize. They do what’s necessary without being told twice and often want to do it again, pushing themselves harder each time. Unlike others, they stay cool and focused, saving their energy for when it truly matters. They thrive in the Zone—a state of deep calm and intense focus where fear and emotion have no place.

The Zone is a sanctuary where Cleaners control everything. They shut out distractions and perform with grace and purpose. Emotions like fear and rage can pull you out of the Zone; only controlled anger can be harnessed into productive energy. Cleaners operate with no wasted motion, always knowing their purpose.

Ultimately, success comes down to mental preparation. Cleaners follow routines that keep them grounded, regardless of the stakes. They stay cool under pressure, maintaining their focus and control. They’re not swayed by the environment or the situation; they dictate the outcome. 

In any high-stakes situation, Cleaners trust their instincts and stay in the Zone, ready to conquer whatever comes their way. They understand that the journey to greatness is paved with relentless effort and mental resilience, knowing that true power comes from within.

Mastering the Game: The Mindset of a Cleaner in High-Stakes Sports

We're all born relentless but taught to relent. But what if we could rekindle that relentless spirit within us? 

How about a baby who screams until it gets what it wants, or a child who creates chaos simply because it feels right? These are examples of natural instincts, the innate drive, intuition, and energy that we are born with. But sadly, as we grow older, society teaches us to suppress these instincts, to "be good", to fit in. So we comply and conform, forgetting that we were born relentless. 

Let's take a wild lion as an example. In the wild, he's fierce, he hunts, he kills. That's his instinct. But put him in a zoo and he becomes quiet, lethargic. His instincts are still there, just suppressed. We humans, too, are like the lion in the zoo. Our cage is not made of glass and steel bars; it's made of societal norms, limitations, and overthinking. But our basic instincts are still there, waiting to be unleashed.

The greatest athletes don't overthink or overanalyze. They trust their instincts. They don't wait for the right moment to react. Instead, they act. They don't play the other guy's game. They play their own game. 

Cleaners, like Kobe Bryant or Michael Jordan, don't study the competition; they make the competition study them. They know their skills and knowledge are so finely tuned that they can dominate any situation. They let their instincts take over. They're relentless. They're unstoppable. 

Now, let's talk about the dark side. It's not necessarily evil or criminal. It's just a part of you that doesn't see the light of day. It's your basic instincts and behaviors that are so personal that only you know what's there. It's the part of you that fights the internal struggle over what you want versus what you know is "right". 

Cleaners control their dark side. They don't let it control them. They know when it's time to head home or when it's time to unleash their dark side. They wear a mask of normalcy, not for their benefit but to protect those they care about. But when they can, they go back to their natural selves. 

Are You Ready to Unleash Your Relentless Spirit and Embrace Your Dark Side?

A Cooler steps back when the pressure mounts, a Closer steps up in high-pressure situations, but a Cleaner? They thrive on pressure. It's about preparation meeting opportunity, it's about your predatory instinct telling you to attack and conquer.

The reality is, if you're a Cleaner, you don't wait for critical moments to showcase your greatness. You show it in every task, every chance you get. For a Cleaner, every moment is a pressure situation, everything is always on the line. Being relentless means constantly working for that result, not just when the drama is on the line. Clutch is about the last minute. Relentless is about every minute.

Do you remember Jeremy Lin? He exploded onto the scene for the Knicks at such a high level that everyone expected him to stay at that level. But when you start that high, you have a long way to fall. It's easier for most to stay in their comfort zone. But Cleaners? They crave that height, the pressure of staying up there and going higher and higher. 

Now, let's talk about pressure. Pressure can be your worst enemy or your best friend. It can bust pipes, sure, but it can also make diamonds. If you take the negative view, it will crush you. But a positive view sees pressure as a challenge that will define you, give you the opportunity to see how much you can take, how hard you can go. Stress can be your motivation, it can make you work harder. Recognize the difference between productive stress and pointless stress.

Facing your worst fears can be a defining moment. It can teach you what you're capable of dealing with. When you're confident, you can laugh at yourself and not take every setback seriously. You know you can and will do better. Cleaners always have the confidence to know they'll get it right. Accept the consequences and move on. 

Cleaners feel no pressure when they screw up. They have no problem admitting when they're wrong and shouldering the blame. They don't make excuses. They take responsibility. That's how you gain trust. Admit when you've screwed up. There's not a faster way to alleviate pressure. 

Are You a Cooler, Closer or Cleaner? 

Imagine you're a Cleaner. You don't compete, you conquer. You find your opponent's weakness and strike. You perform excellently, not for the accolades, but because that's your job. You're always ready to play, regardless of the stakes. 

A story from the 2012 All-Star Game shows this. Dwyane Wade fouled Kobe Bryant, giving him a concussion and breaking his nose. Despite the severity of his injuries, Kobe refused to leave the game until he'd addressed the situation with Dwyane. That's the relentless nature of Cleaners.

This determination comes with its own challenges. Cleaners need to find ways to handle harsh criticism without crumbling. Tall players, for instance, often struggle with this due to a lifetime of height-related jokes and stares. This sensitivity affects their performance. They need encouragement and confidence boosts, unlike smaller players who thrive on criticism.

But not everyone can withstand the pressure that comes with being a Cleaner. Take the example of Scottie Pippen trying to motivate his teammate, Luc Longley, during one of the Bulls' championship runs. Michael Jordan's harsh comment to Luc destroyed his confidence and he didn't score once in the game. Michael was relentless in pushing his teammates to perform better, even if it meant creating a highly tense and challenging environment.

Cleaners are the ones who pull everyone else to their level of excellence. They don't dumb down their skills to make others feel more confident. Instead, they set the standard and expect others to rise to it. They don't shy away from the spotlight because they know they're capable of delivering results. They don't strive for average - they aim to be extraordinary. They make conscious decisions to ensure their team functions as a cohesive unit, not as a superstar with a second-rate supporting cast.

Cleaners are also adept at making critical decisions and sticking to them. They don't waste time overthinking or second-guessing. When they make a decision, they follow through. They take responsibility for their actions and the outcomes. They don't wait around for good things to happen - they make them happen through hard work and dedication. They don't let fear or doubt deter them from their goals.

Cleaners are relentless in their pursuit of excellence. They have a high tolerance for physical and mental pain and they see these challenges as opportunities to prove what they're capable of. When they're physically sick, they push harder, turning up their mental game to compensate for their physical weakness. 

Are You Ready to Embrace the Relentless Pursuit of Excellence as a Cleaner?

Are you a Cleaner, a Cooler, or a Closer? A Closer asks how much he'll be paid for his work and decides his effort accordingly. A Cooler might make you wish you'd paid him less. But a Cleaner - a Cleaner doesn't think about the money. He's addicted to the results, and knows that you'll be grateful to pay for his services.

Take the day of an NBA draft, for example. It's the pinnacle of a young player's career. But is it the beginning of greatness or the start of the end? Kobe Bryant, drafted to the NBA, didn't go out to celebrate. He hit the gym. He understood that making it to the top isn't the same as making it at the top. And that's the mindset that sets a Cleaner apart.

What determines your success or failure are not luck or circumstances, but your responses to opportunities and challenges. So when you're headed to a job interview, you don't need luck. You need to know you're prepared and in control.

When you get a gift - talent, a family business, or a chance - that's where the challenge begins. Dwyane Wade, for example, received nothing but talent, and fought his way to the top from a small high school in Chicago to the NBA. He knew what it took and did the work. 

The challenge isn't just getting to the top, it's staying there. And most people don't have the guts to put in the work. You can’t fight the elephants until you’ve wrestled the pigs, handled the scrappy, dirty issues that clutter everyday life. So ask yourself, what are you willing to sacrifice for what you really want? 

In anything you do, it takes no talent to work hard. You just have to want to do it. Show up, work hard, and listen. It takes a willingness to be dedicated, to improve, to be better. People who start at the top never understand what they missed at the bottom. The guy who started by sorting the mail, or cleaning the restaurant late at night, or fixing the equipment at the gym, that’s the guy who knows how things get done. 

People who are truly relentless can understand the determination to keep pursuing a target that never stops moving. Only when you're truly relentless can you understand the determination to keep pursuing a target that never stops moving. 

The Path to Greatness: Unleashing Your Inner 'Cleaner'

Have you ever met a Cleaner? They are those rare individuals who possess an unshakeable belief in themselves and their ability to succeed. They always strive to be the best, and they stop at nothing to achieve it. They trust very few people, and those they do trust are expected to never let them down.

Consider the story of a well-known sports star with a legendary entourage. When he got injured, his crew vanished, and he was left with a trainer whom he had to place his complete trust in. He had to let go of the control he was accustomed to and allow the trainer to make the decisions. It was a hard pill to swallow, but it was necessary for his recovery.

This is the essence of a Cleaner - unwavering determination, resilience, and trust in their journey. They see setbacks as opportunities and they never fear the truth. They surround themselves with people who can operate at their level of demanding excellence. It's a lonely path, but it's one they willingly tread. After all, as the saying goes, "It's lonely at the top."

But what happens when things don't work out as planned? When a Cleaner faces what others may perceive as failure, they don't see an end. They see an opportunity to change course, to adapt, to find another way to their goal. They don't accept failure; they simply create another pathway to success.

Take, for instance, Tim Grover, the author who, after two attempts, couldn't make it to the NBA. He could have seen himself as a failure, but instead, he used his knowledge and passion for the game to become a top-notch trainer, helping others reach the heights he couldn't.

So, what does it take to be a Cleaner? It requires an unyielding belief in oneself, a willingness to face the truth, even when it's uncomfortable, and the courage to trust your instincts and make tough decisions. It means surrounding yourself with people who support your relentless pursuit of excellence and are not afraid to tell you the truth. It means never accepting failure, never giving up, and always pushing forward.

The Unstoppable Force of Success and Resilience in Life's Challenges

Imagine this: you're at the top of your game, basking in the warm glow of victory. But while everyone else is busy celebrating, you stand in the shadows, already thinking about your next move. Sounds daunting, doesn't it? But that's exactly what separates a Cleaner from the rest. 

A Cleaner doesn't celebrate achievements. Why? Because they always want more. They're never satisfied, always looking for ways to improve, to push beyond their previous best. If they win in six games, they'll wish they'd won in five. If they bench 195 pounds, they'll wonder why not 200? That's the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines a Cleaner. 

But what does this relentless drive feel like? It's a mix of exhilaration and disappointment. You experience the joy of victory, but it fades as quickly as it arrived. All you can think about is doing whatever it takes to get it back. It's an addiction. And if you ever question why it's necessary to work so hard or whether it's worth it, you're not a Cleaner. 

Remember Kobe Bryant? His entire life revolved around excellence. Every detail of his life, every hour of his day, the lonely time he spent in the gym, all revolved around being on top and staying there. That's the Cleaner's mindset. 

The path to success can be lonely. You might find yourself standing alone because you had the courage to take the unpopular path and went to extremes that others won't ever understand. But being a Cleaner means being prepared for any situation, ready to adapt seamlessly without panic or fluster. 

What about burnout? It's a reality for many high achievers. But a Cleaner feels the burnout like everyone else, but the idea of walking away and not thinking about what they walked away from creates more anxiety and stress than keeping it going; that addiction still demands to be fed. 

The greatest battles a Cleaner fights are with themselves. They must always be their toughest opponent, always demanding more of themselves than others demand of them. And they know that they have zero limitations. They believe in their instincts, in their capacity to turn their dreams into reality. 

Embracing the Cleaner's Mindset: Kobe Bryant and the Relentless Pursuit of Excellence

A Cleaner is characterized by relentless drive, mental strength, commitment, and an insatiable addiction to success. They do not settle for 'good enough', but continually strive for better, pushing past limitations, fears, and obstacles. 

Cleaners understand that success is not purely about talent, but about harnessing that talent and augmenting it with hard work, determination, and a mental dominance that allows them to be unstoppable. They are highly self-reliant, taking responsibility for their actions, and are not interested in the spotlight; they are focused solely on their mission and the end result.

A Cleaner is someone who thrives on pressure and is always ready to step up, regardless of the situation. They are the ones who, even in the face of failure or setbacks, find another way to achieve their goals. 

Cleaners are also characterized by their ability to trust their instincts, take risks, and make tough decisions. They are not afraid to stand alone and take the unpopular path if it leads to excellence. 

Despite the risk of burnout, a Cleaner is driven by an insatiable need to be the best, working relentlessly to feed their addiction to success. The greatest battles they fight are with themselves, always pushing for more, always seeking to prove their worth. 

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