Cleaners are able to easily get into the “zone.” To Grover, this means that they are alone in their own heads, blocking out external stimulation and pressure and replacing it with complete focus. In this “elusive space,” they feel “fearless and powerful” (55). The only emotion they may feel is a controlled, simmering anger. Grover claims that everyone has a personal trigger that lights up this competitive and focused part of themselves.

An essential part of being in the zone is managing one’s emotions. Grover points to Michael Jordan as a perfect example of a Cleaner who was always in control. Like Kobe Bryant, Jordan began each game in a calm and collected manner, subtly greeting teammates and keeping to himself. Grover claims that “emotions make you weak” (63), with the exception being a slow-burning, managed anger.

Grover feels that Jordan was the only player in the NBA who was in the zone each and every game. While this was highly productive, it also took a toll, as being in the zone is a lonely place. In the zone, there is no thinking, only action. This state of total concentration can be relaxed but is always productive. Some players perform better at home or in certain locations because they struggle to develop their inner “zone” in different physical settings. He contrasts the bright lights and hot emotions of the court with the dark, “cool” reality of being in the zone.

The author’s analysis of the “zone” emphasizes action over thought and execution over emotion. This may limit his advice’s applicability to readers in less physical fields. For instance, people such as lawyers and engineers could not complete their tasks through “instinct” alone. In addition, his framing of emotions other than anger as liabilities overlooks the centrality of emotion to success in many domains, particularly interpersonal relationships and creative endeavors. 

Chapter Lessons

• Shut out emotions and thinking to get in the zone.
• Allow instinct to take over your actions.
• Expect to cope with the isolation of withdrawing into your own mental space.

Reflection Questions

• Have you ever felt in “the zone”? How did you get there?
• Do you agree with Grover that only simmering anger is a productive emotion?
• Why does Grover favor instinct over thought? Is this a feasible philosophy for your goals?