Bounce Back: 12 Warrior Principles to Reclaim and Recalibrate Your Life

by Travis Mills

Twelve principles to heal after trauma and overcome adversity—from New York Times bestselling author and retired US Army Staff Sergeant Travis Mills
 
“This book is a master class in recovery, renewal, and recalibration.  Travis does not make excuses. Travis does not complain.  Travis is not held back by challenges he faces—he is propelled forward by them.  Let’s be more like Travis.” 
—From the Foreword by Jocko Willink
 
We all have those moments, the ones where we are set adrift by a life-changing event.  Yet we often lack the ability to parse these moments, understand how to respond, and move beyond them.  Travis Mills, a veteran and a quadruple amputee, was confronted with this in the wake of the incident that claimed his limbs and changed the trajectory of his life forever.  In Bounce Back, Travis reveals the path that helped him through tough times—and allowed him to continue to be a dedicated family man, husband, and father to two amazing children. Along the way to his physical and emotional recovery, Travis developed the tools to keep moving forward, and he has outlined them in twelve principles,
• That Dog Don’t Hunt —Stop Torturing Yourself and Stop Asking Why
• Snap Your Fingers, Wiggle Your Toes, and Get the F*** Out of Bed —Create Small, Achievable Goals for Moving Forward
• Stay Within the Guard Rails —Manage Your Emotions and Control Your Attitude
• Get a Battle Buddy —Never Underestimate the Power of a Support System
• Serve —Find Your Voice, Build on Your Strengths, and Live Meaningfully
Travis’s message—that we cannot control what happens to us, and we can only focus on how we react and move forward—will inspire survivors from all walks of life.  

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction

224 pages, Hardcover

Published November 7, 2023

Reviews

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Amazing story of a veteran who was wounded in Afghanistan, and ended up a quadruple amputee.
His grit and determination are awe-inspiring, and his principles are encouraging and thorough. His advice is more than just powering through, but weaves together advice from many different disciplines to help one "reclaim and recalibrate". In the book, quoting another author, he differentiates between victimization and victimhood. The first may happen, but the second is avoidable. "Self-help" from someone who has dealt with these extremes is so much more inspiring than from an "expert".

[Debbie Schultz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audible version of the book and loved it. Ordered the physical book before I was even done so I can go back and highlight while I read again. So many bits of knowledge to help anyone to bounce back from trauma of any kind. Thank you Travis for putting this book out into the world. You were already an inspiration to keep my head up and keep putting one step in front of another. This book added actions that I can add to my tool box.

[Kenny Wurth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just a nice easy read to help put my mind in a better place. Perspectives are crazy. You never know what some people have been through in life and are able to continue their journey. I plan on working to be more grateful in my everyday life.

[J Kromrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC

"Bounce Back: 12 Warrior Principles to Reclaim and Recalibrate Your Life" by Travis Mills is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Authored by retired US Army Staff Sergeant Travis Mills (one of only five soldiers from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to survive a quadruple amputee injury) this book is a beacon of hope for anyone facing adversity.

Mills doesn't just share his story; he offers a blueprint for overcoming obstacles through twelve robust principles.

These principles are not abstract concepts but practical steps forged in the crucible of his experiences. From "That Dog Don’t Hunt", which encourages readers to stop torturing themselves with the question "why", to "Get a Battle Buddy", emphasizing the power of a support system, each principle is a stepping stone towards recovery and recalibration of one's life.

What makes this book stand out is Mills' refusal to succumb to self-pity or despair. Instead, he channels his challenges into a force that propels him forward, a quality that he encourages his readers to emulate. His writing style is direct and imbued with a sense of humor that makes the book not only insightful but also engaging to read.

The book is not just for veterans or those who have experienced physical trauma; it's for anyone who has encountered a setback and is searching for a way back. Mills' message is clear: we cannot control the events that happen to us, but we can control how we respond to them.

In essence, "Bounce Back" is a masterclass in resilience, a narrative that intertwines personal anecdotes with actionable advice, and a reminder that our greatest trials can lead to our most profound triumphs. It's a book that doesn't just tell a story—it inspires action.

[Keradwen Sweeten · Rating 3 out of 5]

As far as self-help goes, the information and ideas contained in this book are pretty good. There's something to be said about getting help from someone who struggled in such a unique way as Travis Mills.

That being said, I judge traditionally published books harder than indies, and whomever edited this book did Travis Mills a huge disservice. It's quite hard to focus on the material when you're constantly trying to correct the grammar and sentence structure.

Overall, this book was okay and it desperately needs another editing run.

[Alex Chapman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel that this is a good book for someone who has experienced trauma and they need a boost to help them or push them to see a therapist or to start focusing on healing. This book is a good help for people to understand everyone struggles and it’s ok to receive help and take the steps to help our self’s to be better.

[Frank Kohl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This self help book takes the reader through a paradigm shift when tragedy or disaster is encountered. The author is a quadruple amputee from an IED that he set off while serving in the Army in Afghanistan. While some of the principles are simplistic, I came away from reading this a better person. Chapter 9 was especially helpful with battling negative thinking.

Recommended.

[Brandon Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly amazing story of a man who against all odds found his way to thrive after a traumatic experience that would leave most people without hope.

Keep doing amazing things Travis. The world is a better place because of people like you.

[Billy Farrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, easy read. Travis presents the information of others and relates it to the every day person. He makes it very easy to see that everyone goes through something and gives some tools for people to recalibrate their lives.

[Tom Alfandary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book develops actional plan on how to regain your life and story after experiencing trauma and hardship. recognizing the change you want in life is in your control and how to get to the best you. An inspirational read.

[Ellie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing new in terms of « advice », but interesting mildly nonetheless

[Gracie Burgess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good motivational kick in the ass type of book!

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book provides some really good practical advice on overcoming trauma and stressful situations. Travis Mills would know as well as anyone how to overcome adversity. He is a remarkable man.

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

My husband brought this book back from his Union conference. It is and interesting and inspirational read.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this book as an audiobook while I biked. I liked how Mills referenced so many other books I've already read relating to goal setting, grit, and growth mindset.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great perspectives and mindset tools to navigate through unplanned, challenging circumstances