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Get Off the X: CIA Secrets for Conquering Obstacles and Achieving Your Life’s Mission
Former CIA intelligence officer and popular author Michele Rigby Assad knows better than anyone what it means to venture into uncharted territory. Now, in her second book, she’s using her experience to help you embrace the often uncomfortable path to success. Get Off the X emboldens you to escape your comfort zone and realize your full potential!
In her first book, Breaking Cover, Michele introduced the concept “get off the x.” In CIA terms, this is how officers are trained to survive deadly get out of the kill zone as fast as possible. While working in counterterrorism in the Middle East, every day brought a life-or-death situation for Michele. She faced countless obstacles and dangers and had to forge ahead despite fear and uncertainty—or risk death, literally.
After learning to “get off the x” and use determination and discomfort to fuel a thriving life, Michele calls upon you to do the same. With stories of her time in the CIA and the lives of those whom she encountered, as well as everyday people who found ways to get unstuck in their own lives, she encourages you to stop feeling stuck and take charge of your situation, much like an agent in the field would.
Get Off the X guides you
Diagnose what’s holding you hostage in your ‘X’Learn from real-world examples how to escape your ‘X’Nurture a new mindset that thrives in the unknownDiscover methods to help you overcome barriersAnd help others scared to leave their comfort zoneWhile it's hard to leave the comfort zone, it's even more dangerous to stay there. Every day we make the Will we embrace challenge and hardship for a chance at something greater, or will we stay on the X and face the certain death of our dreams? With Get Off the X, Michele Rigby Assad equips you to make your escape.
In her first book, Breaking Cover, Michele introduced the concept “get off the x.” In CIA terms, this is how officers are trained to survive deadly get out of the kill zone as fast as possible. While working in counterterrorism in the Middle East, every day brought a life-or-death situation for Michele. She faced countless obstacles and dangers and had to forge ahead despite fear and uncertainty—or risk death, literally.
After learning to “get off the x” and use determination and discomfort to fuel a thriving life, Michele calls upon you to do the same. With stories of her time in the CIA and the lives of those whom she encountered, as well as everyday people who found ways to get unstuck in their own lives, she encourages you to stop feeling stuck and take charge of your situation, much like an agent in the field would.
Get Off the X guides you
Diagnose what’s holding you hostage in your ‘X’Learn from real-world examples how to escape your ‘X’Nurture a new mindset that thrives in the unknownDiscover methods to help you overcome barriersAnd help others scared to leave their comfort zoneWhile it's hard to leave the comfort zone, it's even more dangerous to stay there. Every day we make the Will we embrace challenge and hardship for a chance at something greater, or will we stay on the X and face the certain death of our dreams? With Get Off the X, Michele Rigby Assad equips you to make your escape.
241 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 14, 2025
About the author
Michele Rigby Assad
3 books29 followersMichele Rigby Assad spent a decade working as an undercover intelligence officer in the CIA’s Directorate of Operations. While serving as a counterterrorism and counterintelligence specialist, Michele realized the value of being different in an industry that was largely lacking in diversity. Several years into her CIA career, she discovered that what made her different was what enabled her to excel as an intelligence officer. Now Michele seeks to demonstrate how ordinary people can do extraordinary things when their faith and passions are greater than their fears.
Michele is an international security consultant, public speaker, and trainer focused on counterterrorism, personal security, and refugees with her work being featured by ABC’s 20/20. She loves using her story to inspire others which includes mentoring students, young adults, and women who want to use their skills in the service of a greater cause. In her off-time, Michele relishes spending time with family and enjoying the great outdoors in her home state of Florida.
Website: www.michelerigbyassad.com
Facebook Page: Michele Rigby Assad
LinkedIn: Michele Rigby Assad
Michele is an international security consultant, public speaker, and trainer focused on counterterrorism, personal security, and refugees with her work being featured by ABC’s 20/20. She loves using her story to inspire others which includes mentoring students, young adults, and women who want to use their skills in the service of a greater cause. In her off-time, Michele relishes spending time with family and enjoying the great outdoors in her home state of Florida.
Website: www.michelerigbyassad.com
Facebook Page: Michele Rigby Assad
LinkedIn: Michele Rigby Assad
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
February 25, 2025
Don't ever let someone tell you that you can't do something. When people can't do something themselves, they're going to tell you that you can't do it. You want something, go get it. Period. - Chris Gardner, The Pursuit of Happyness
I never did anything worth doing by accident. No, when I have fully decided that a result is worth getting, I go about it, and make trial after trial, until it comes. - Thomas Edison
Enthusiasm is common. Endurance is rare. -Angela Duckworth
So I decided to lean into a greater force. If God created me, then he had a speical path in mind for me (and everyone else). - Michele Rigby-Assad
Can we give space to a God who knows our capabilities, purposes and potential better than we do? Can we consider that we might to learn or grow to prepare us for the next thing? When it seems like you have done all you can and nothing is happening, you've got to stubbornly hang in there If you can entertain the possibility that something amazing is waiting on the other side of your pain, you can survive the in-betweens. You don't know what what is around the corner. - Michele Rigby-Assad
If we stay where we are, where we’re stuck, where we’re comfortable and safe, we die there. . . . When nothing new can get in, that’s death. —Anne Lamott
If he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat. —Theodore Roosevelt, “Citizenship in a Republic”
--
I first encountered Michele Rigby-Assad on the I Spy podcast by Foreign Policy, and I was instantly captivated by her incredible journey as a woman in the CIA. Her story of balancing her faith as a Christian with the high-stakes nature of her work was both inspiring and fascinating. In her latest book, Get Off the X, Michele applies CIA principles to help people in everyday life overcome obstacles and push forward despite setbacks, drawing on her unique experiences in intelligence and personal growth.
What I found most compelling about her story was her resilience in the face of challenges. The "X" represents a vulnerable position where we are most susceptible to setbacks, and her insights on how to move away from that point are practical and powerful. Unlike many inspirational books, which can feel cliché or unhelpful, Michele’s approach resonated deeply with me. She explains how the real barriers in our lives are often not external, but internal — the false stories we tell ourselves that limit our potential. Michele writes, "The biggest giants we face are the glass ceilings we erect and the false narratives we construct about what we can and cannot do." She continues, "When we allow the forces of fear, uncertainty, or intimidation to get the best of us, we end up stuck in the status quo."
Michele's personal journey is a testament to overcoming these false narratives. A small-town girl from Florida, she never imagined she would have the skills to work for the CIA. Yet she went on to become a top case officer, working with double agents and interrogating high-level terrorists. Her growth is a powerful example of how we can break through intimidation and self-doubt. She writes, “I’ve become proficient at getting off the X. I don’t permit negative feelings to persist and hold me hostage; I’ve learned not to bend to their will.”
One of the most striking points in the book is her explanation of how intimidation can keep us from moving forward. "Intimidation is an insidious mental obstacle that shifts your focus onto your alleged insufficiency," she explains. This voice of doubt feeds our fears, telling us we’re not good enough, not smart enough, or not capable. It's an ambition killer, pushing us into mediocrity. She urges readers to reject the lies of intimidation and trust their abilities.
Michele also delves into the impact of imposter syndrome, especially during her early days at the CIA. She describes the isolation she felt in an environment dominated by older white men who seemed too busy or too important to connect with her. Yet, instead of succumbing to this sense of not fitting in, she focused on what mattered: the quality of the work and her ability to make an impact, not the superficial aspects of office politics or the preferences of others.
Throughout the book, Michele shares personal anecdotes and lessons that demonstrate how perseverance and resilience can help us overcome even the toughest challenges. For example, she reflects on being told by CIA physicians that her autoimmune disease would prevent her from serving in the field, yet she went on to serve in that very capacity for ten years. Her message is clear: Just because you’re told you can’t do something, don’t accept that as the final word. Circumstances can change, and there may be options you don’t yet see.
Michele also tells the inspiring story of Nerina, a woman who went back to school in her 40s to become a nurse, achieving her goal one step at a time. She highlights the courage of her in-laws, who defied cultural norms to start an orphanage. These stories, combined with Michele’s personal experiences, underscore the idea that no matter where you are in life, it is never too late to keep moving forward.
To get off the X in life, Michele urges us to keep pushing, even when we face rejection or failure. She reminds us that rejection isn’t a reflection of our worth, but rather a tool that helps us avoid going down the wrong path. "There isn’t any secret,” she says. “I just stayed. I did not quit.” Her words are a reminder that persistence, faith, and grit can turn setbacks into opportunities.
The book also warns about distractions and decoys — those bright, shiny opportunities that may look appealing but ultimately aren’t the right fit for us. By staying focused on what truly matters, we can avoid being sidetracked and keep our eyes on the right goals.
In the end, Michele emphasizes the importance of faith and determination. "Faith is fire," she writes, "And grit and determination are worth more than gold. Personal glory is fleeting. Investing in others launches a legacy." This book is a powerful reminder that no matter where we are, no matter what obstacles we face, we have the ability to get off the X and keep moving forward.
I never did anything worth doing by accident. No, when I have fully decided that a result is worth getting, I go about it, and make trial after trial, until it comes. - Thomas Edison
Enthusiasm is common. Endurance is rare. -Angela Duckworth
So I decided to lean into a greater force. If God created me, then he had a speical path in mind for me (and everyone else). - Michele Rigby-Assad
Can we give space to a God who knows our capabilities, purposes and potential better than we do? Can we consider that we might to learn or grow to prepare us for the next thing? When it seems like you have done all you can and nothing is happening, you've got to stubbornly hang in there If you can entertain the possibility that something amazing is waiting on the other side of your pain, you can survive the in-betweens. You don't know what what is around the corner. - Michele Rigby-Assad
If we stay where we are, where we’re stuck, where we’re comfortable and safe, we die there. . . . When nothing new can get in, that’s death. —Anne Lamott
If he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat. —Theodore Roosevelt, “Citizenship in a Republic”
--
I first encountered Michele Rigby-Assad on the I Spy podcast by Foreign Policy, and I was instantly captivated by her incredible journey as a woman in the CIA. Her story of balancing her faith as a Christian with the high-stakes nature of her work was both inspiring and fascinating. In her latest book, Get Off the X, Michele applies CIA principles to help people in everyday life overcome obstacles and push forward despite setbacks, drawing on her unique experiences in intelligence and personal growth.
What I found most compelling about her story was her resilience in the face of challenges. The "X" represents a vulnerable position where we are most susceptible to setbacks, and her insights on how to move away from that point are practical and powerful. Unlike many inspirational books, which can feel cliché or unhelpful, Michele’s approach resonated deeply with me. She explains how the real barriers in our lives are often not external, but internal — the false stories we tell ourselves that limit our potential. Michele writes, "The biggest giants we face are the glass ceilings we erect and the false narratives we construct about what we can and cannot do." She continues, "When we allow the forces of fear, uncertainty, or intimidation to get the best of us, we end up stuck in the status quo."
Michele's personal journey is a testament to overcoming these false narratives. A small-town girl from Florida, she never imagined she would have the skills to work for the CIA. Yet she went on to become a top case officer, working with double agents and interrogating high-level terrorists. Her growth is a powerful example of how we can break through intimidation and self-doubt. She writes, “I’ve become proficient at getting off the X. I don’t permit negative feelings to persist and hold me hostage; I’ve learned not to bend to their will.”
One of the most striking points in the book is her explanation of how intimidation can keep us from moving forward. "Intimidation is an insidious mental obstacle that shifts your focus onto your alleged insufficiency," she explains. This voice of doubt feeds our fears, telling us we’re not good enough, not smart enough, or not capable. It's an ambition killer, pushing us into mediocrity. She urges readers to reject the lies of intimidation and trust their abilities.
Michele also delves into the impact of imposter syndrome, especially during her early days at the CIA. She describes the isolation she felt in an environment dominated by older white men who seemed too busy or too important to connect with her. Yet, instead of succumbing to this sense of not fitting in, she focused on what mattered: the quality of the work and her ability to make an impact, not the superficial aspects of office politics or the preferences of others.
Throughout the book, Michele shares personal anecdotes and lessons that demonstrate how perseverance and resilience can help us overcome even the toughest challenges. For example, she reflects on being told by CIA physicians that her autoimmune disease would prevent her from serving in the field, yet she went on to serve in that very capacity for ten years. Her message is clear: Just because you’re told you can’t do something, don’t accept that as the final word. Circumstances can change, and there may be options you don’t yet see.
Michele also tells the inspiring story of Nerina, a woman who went back to school in her 40s to become a nurse, achieving her goal one step at a time. She highlights the courage of her in-laws, who defied cultural norms to start an orphanage. These stories, combined with Michele’s personal experiences, underscore the idea that no matter where you are in life, it is never too late to keep moving forward.
To get off the X in life, Michele urges us to keep pushing, even when we face rejection or failure. She reminds us that rejection isn’t a reflection of our worth, but rather a tool that helps us avoid going down the wrong path. "There isn’t any secret,” she says. “I just stayed. I did not quit.” Her words are a reminder that persistence, faith, and grit can turn setbacks into opportunities.
The book also warns about distractions and decoys — those bright, shiny opportunities that may look appealing but ultimately aren’t the right fit for us. By staying focused on what truly matters, we can avoid being sidetracked and keep our eyes on the right goals.
In the end, Michele emphasizes the importance of faith and determination. "Faith is fire," she writes, "And grit and determination are worth more than gold. Personal glory is fleeting. Investing in others launches a legacy." This book is a powerful reminder that no matter where we are, no matter what obstacles we face, we have the ability to get off the X and keep moving forward.
February 8, 2025
In Get Off the X, Michele Rigby revealed some of the stories she experienced when she worked in the CIA. She changed some of the information to protect certain details. She shared how since September 11 things have changed and the way we operate. She was trained to survive a criminal ambush, kidnapping, or terror attack. She explained what x means and how this is in reference to the location of the enemy attacking us and how we could also be the most vulnerability. The training she has had helped her to get through some tricky challenges. There is countless stories and adventure through the book. She revealed ways in dealing with feeling stuck in your own life and how to handle when you’re unsure of your purpose. She used stories in the book as tools on how to apply the lesson to your own life. This book is excellent in sharing real life stories and readers will be in awe and shocked by some of them. It was interesting in how she related them back to lessons we can use in our own lives.
January 15, 2025
Michele writes from her real-life experience as an undercover officer with the CIA. She does a masterful job at weaving various stories of real people from different walks off life. Ultimately, she presents an incredibly useful set of tools that the rest of us can use in navigating life's most challenging situations. I could related to many of the stories. The Lillian Trasher story had me at the edge of my seat. And, Glen, oh my goodness about what he went through being used by Saddam Hussein as a human shield. Michele uses her own stories to demonstrate that at the core, we are all humans who make mistakes and sometimes fear taking the steps that are necessary to propel us forward. As if Michele is standing on the other side of struggle telling her readers "it's ok, you will make it....just take that first step." Absolutely and highly recommend this book to readers of all ages and different stages in life. Whether you are a student or a retiree, you will find this book inspiring.
August 16, 2025
Inspiring and Practical
As a Christian, I found “Getting off the X” a new tool to use in spiritual warfare. The encouragement to reframe bad circumstances into positive thoughts, confront difficulties and probe to see the right path ahead are really life changing to someone who is overly analytical. It is perhaps a rephrasing of the Apostle Paul’s advice, only in spy context. The examples of people in the book put skin on the concepts. I especially love the last story about the Assads and the orphanage- the fact that they were both Joseph’s parents came as a complete surprise and created a beautiful ending. This is the second of Michele’s books that I have read and she has become someone I really respect and as admire.
As a Christian, I found “Getting off the X” a new tool to use in spiritual warfare. The encouragement to reframe bad circumstances into positive thoughts, confront difficulties and probe to see the right path ahead are really life changing to someone who is overly analytical. It is perhaps a rephrasing of the Apostle Paul’s advice, only in spy context. The examples of people in the book put skin on the concepts. I especially love the last story about the Assads and the orphanage- the fact that they were both Joseph’s parents came as a complete surprise and created a beautiful ending. This is the second of Michele’s books that I have read and she has become someone I really respect and as admire.
February 26, 2025
Michele has provided another gem! I was affirmed in the way I navigated some challenges, reminded how to proceed with future challenges and pushed a little to overcome current challenges.
I highly recommend this inspirational book. I will be sharing it with my daughter who seems to bear her self-doubt just as I exemplified it for her…unfortunately. But thankfully, she’s more driven than either me or my wife, her mother.
Don’t stay on the X. You never know what may be waiting just beyond!
I highly recommend this inspirational book. I will be sharing it with my daughter who seems to bear her self-doubt just as I exemplified it for her…unfortunately. But thankfully, she’s more driven than either me or my wife, her mother.
Don’t stay on the X. You never know what may be waiting just beyond!
June 26, 2025
Got me motivated...
This book got me motivated to do more daily. Not necessarily one particular thing to get off the 'X' but my daily routines had become 'flat' and were getting stagnate.
This book was a reminder to get up and get out. Has helped me do more of 'life' and refuse to be complacent or accept mediocrity.
Thankful also for the spiritual push I needed.
This book got me motivated to do more daily. Not necessarily one particular thing to get off the 'X' but my daily routines had become 'flat' and were getting stagnate.
This book was a reminder to get up and get out. Has helped me do more of 'life' and refuse to be complacent or accept mediocrity.
Thankful also for the spiritual push I needed.
January 17, 2025
I am enjoying this book! I love the adventures that kept me excited to read more. It is an enjoyable and intriguing read. Just when you think you’ve figured it out….. you learn something new. I'd recommend this book to anyone looking for a thought-provoking read.
June 26, 2025
Such a great read! So much insightful information and techniques while keeping an interest with the stories throughout
December 23, 2025
Interesting, invigorating and full of great wisdom.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews