The Relentless Competitor

Competitors love to have goals, and they pursue them with everything they have. Nothing will get in their way! They will give their all—all the time. They will not give up or give in. And they will not give out. They are relentless.

“It’s hard to beat relentless.” – Jay Bilas

Relentless is everywhere these days. There is a Relentless energy drink, Relentless Nike running shoe, Relentless movie, “Relentless” country album, and even a Relentless steak and lobster restaurant.

As we unpack this concept of relentless competitor, there are several good one-word definitions of relentless:

• Unyielding
• Unbending
• Determined
• Never-ceasing
• Persistent

However, the opposite of relentless is to relent.  Here are some one-word definitions of relent:

• Abandon
• Soften
• Relax
• Bend
• Weaken

One definition for relent even read, “To melt or dissolve under the influence of heat.”

Relentless means to be strong.

Relent means to be weak.

You could probably rephrase the verse to read, “But we are not those who RELENT, but those who are RELENTLESS.” God want us to move forward, be strong and not give up. As followers of Christ, we need to have relentless love, pursue relentless devotion and be on a relentless mission.

We also need to be a relentless competitor. A relentless competitor is one that has some grit and guts. He or she doesn’t buckle or fade. Or rust out or burn out. He or she has tenacity and fortitude.

Relentless competitors are able to absorb the inevitable criticism, obstacles, challenges, and setbacks and keep advancing. They keep their eyes on completing the mission and are willing to find creative solutions when things don't go as planned.

Relentless competitors understand that they are relentless leaders. Bill Hybels defines relentless leaders with these three characteristics:

1. Relentless learner
2. Driven to action
3. Deep, personal sacrifice

Busy leaders cover ground.

We need to advance and be driven to take ground every single day. Most leaders just cover ground but don’t take ground. One is a matter of staying busy, and the other is a matter of being strategic. Busy leaders are distracted by the tyranny of the urgent; they are often reactive and responding to the needs of the moment. They are frequently playing defense. Busy leaders maintain and manage, but rarely advance. Simply stated, they cover ground.

Relentless leaders take ground.

Relentless, strategic leaders remain focused on the finish line; they are proactive and align their time, energy and activity around the most important priorities. They are frequently on offense. They remove distractions and avoid interruptions. Relentless leaders move forward and take ground. God is calling us to take ground. Kingdom leaders are relentless leaders who are strategic, not busy. They are decisive, not hesitant. So the next time someone asks you how you're doing, let the answer be "I am strategic and taking ground." 

Relentless leaders don’t cover ground; they take ground.