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Every now and then, I pick up a book (or plug into an audiobook in this case) that shakes things up for me, lights a fire, and forces me to level up. The 10X Mentor by Grant Cardone is one of those books. It’s not just a motivational readā€”itā€™s a straight-up manual for turning good into great and great into unstoppable.

This isnā€™t my first ride with this one. My friend, John Berry, introduced me to it last year, and I devoured it. Recently, I went back and took another listen. Itā€™s amazing how much more you take away the second time around. Grantā€™s golden nuggets just kept jumping out at me, but there were a few chapters this time that really hit different and challenged me to step up my game.

Relatable Lessons from a Relatable Guy

I think the reason I resonate with Grant so much is that he speaks my language. His no-fluff, straight-to-the-point style is something I can appreciate. We share some similarities in how we approach life and business, and he has a way of boiling big ideas down into clear, actionable steps. Thatā€™s a rare gift in a world where everyoneā€™s just spinning wheels without going anywhere.

When Grant talks, you can tell heā€™s lived itā€”the wins, the losses, the grind. I love that authenticity. Heā€™s not sugarcoating the hustle, and thatā€™s what makes him feel like the mentor you never knew you needed. For me, his messages arenā€™t just words; theyā€™re calls to action.

Chapter Highlights That Hit Hard

There were three chapters that stood out to me this time aroundā€”ā€œGet Known,ā€ ā€œConnect,ā€ and ā€œThe Mythology of the Middle Class.ā€ These sections didnā€™t just inspire me; they drove me to take action.

Get Known

If thereā€™s one thing Grant understands, itā€™s that visibility is key. Youā€™ve got to get your name out there. This chapter was a wake-up call for me. It got me thinking about what I can do to elevate my own visibilityā€”to tell my story in a way that connects with people. That right there sparked an idea. I sat down, wrote out all the good and bad moments in my life, and crafted a story that showcases the ride Iā€™ve been on. You know when you read something and think, ā€œYeah, I needed thatā€? That was this chapter for me.

Connect

People matter. Connections matter. Grantā€™s all about digging deep into building meaningful relationships, and this chapter was like a masterclass on that. It made me relook at how I engage with others and how I can tighten up those bondsā€”whether itā€™s with my team, my clients, or even the window washing community I write for monthly.

The Mythology of the Middle Class

Growing up middle class myself, this chapter unpacked some hard truths about the mentality so many of us grow up with. Donā€™t get me wrongā€”thereā€™s pride in where I come from. But Grant shifts your perspective on what it means to break out of the limits you unknowingly place on yourself. This chapter hit me like a gut punch and got me thinking differently about the habits Iā€™ve held onto and how to crush that ceiling.

Actionable, Relatable, Hardcore Motivation

Grantā€™s teachings arenā€™t just pie-in-the-sky ideas. Theyā€™re grounded in reality, and best of all, theyā€™re actionable. He gives you tools and maps to create the life you wantā€”not the one you settle for. This book pushes you to dream bigger, aim higher, and stretch yourself further.

I love how Grant frames his mentorship. The way he talks about deliberate action is a game changer. Most people coast through life on auto-pilot, letting bad choices or lack of focus keep them stuck. Not Grant. And not me. His insights about sales, storytelling, and expanding your reach are things Iā€™m either already doing naturally or areas Iā€™m trying to step up in. Heā€™s like a megaphone for what Iā€™ve been thinking but havenā€™t always articulated.

Why Mentorship Matters

If you know Grant, you know his belief in the power of mentorship is strongā€”and heā€™s right. We all need someone who can lay it out, give us the path to walk, and push us in the right direction. For me, that path involves following Grantā€™s advice, but with my own spin. Youā€™ve got to take the lessons and apply them in a way that fits your life and goals.

Donā€™t believe me? Just look at how Grantā€™s words drove me to reflect, take charge, and improve. I took his advice, wrote my story, and wove it into my latest article for American Window Cleaner Magazine (shameless plug alert). The 10X Mentor drove home just how important it is to lean into those tough moments, connect with people, and craft a lifeā€”not just one you endure, but one you actually want to live.

Wrapping It Up

Hereā€™s the thingā€”if youā€™re not listening to mentors like Grant Cardone, youā€™re missing out. Whether youā€™re running a window cleaning business, building a team, or just trying to figure out life’s next steps, this book is a must-read (or listen). It lights a fire. It pushes you. And if you apply even a fraction of what Grant teaches, youā€™ll see the difference.

Remember, the path is there. Itā€™s been laid out for you by those whoā€™ve been through it. The hard part is deciding if youā€™re ready to take it. Because as Grant says, ā€œIf you donā€™t, you are where you are.ā€

Take the leap. Listen to The 10X Mentor. Then get to work. Good things happen when you do. Trust meā€”Iā€™m living proof.  And is why this book gets 5 golden squeegees!  HELL, because I read it twice – this year – it gets 10 golden squeegees!  

gabesalinas

Author gabesalinas

Gabe Salinas is the world's greatest window cleaner! With three decades of experience in the industry, Gabe has the confidence and knowledge to claim his title. Gabe's passion for cleaning is only matched by his drive to reach and inspire those who want to better themselves, and he is always ready to talk with those who want to learn.

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