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Overcome: Crush Adversity with the Leadership Techniques of America's Toughest Warriors
Triumph over adversity using proven Special Operations habits and mindsets with this inspiring guide from retired Navy SEAL and New York Times bestselling author Jason Redman.
Adversity can often catch you by surprise and leave you struggling with what to do next. What if you could confront any adversity, from the biggest challenges -- the loss of your job, divorce, health issues, bankruptcy -- to normal daily challenges -- a late flight, a disappointing phone call, a missed promotion, a bad day -- and not just survive it, but thrive afterwards?
Redman was horrifically wounded in Iraq in 2007 when he was shot at close range through the face and arm. After 40 surgeries, including extensive facial reconstruction and skin grafts, he came back from this experience stronger than ever -- despite carrying scars and injuries he will have for the rest of his life. Redman went on to launch two successful companies and speaks all over the country on how to build better leaders through his Overcome mindset.
Overcome is based on extensive research and interviews with America's toughest warriors, including retired 4-star Admiral William McRaven, retired Navy SEAL Jocko Willink, retired 4-star General Stanley McChrystal, and others. In this book, Redman
Some people move through adversity and others fall underneath it. Learn how you can be counted among those who will Overcome .
Adversity can often catch you by surprise and leave you struggling with what to do next. What if you could confront any adversity, from the biggest challenges -- the loss of your job, divorce, health issues, bankruptcy -- to normal daily challenges -- a late flight, a disappointing phone call, a missed promotion, a bad day -- and not just survive it, but thrive afterwards?
Redman was horrifically wounded in Iraq in 2007 when he was shot at close range through the face and arm. After 40 surgeries, including extensive facial reconstruction and skin grafts, he came back from this experience stronger than ever -- despite carrying scars and injuries he will have for the rest of his life. Redman went on to launch two successful companies and speaks all over the country on how to build better leaders through his Overcome mindset.
Overcome is based on extensive research and interviews with America's toughest warriors, including retired 4-star Admiral William McRaven, retired Navy SEAL Jocko Willink, retired 4-star General Stanley McChrystal, and others. In this book, Redman
Some people move through adversity and others fall underneath it. Learn how you can be counted among those who will Overcome .
272 pages, Hardcover
Published December 10, 2019
132 people are currently reading
1435 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
January 13, 2020
I've read a lot of books by Navy SEALs; from Brandon Webb's The Red Circle, to Jocko Willinks' Extreme Ownership and The Dichotomy of Leadership. And everything in between. Jason's first book, The Trident was the first one to resonate with me on a personal level. Sure, I understood the lessons taught in all the others, but Jason's leadership struggles were painfully familiar to my own. I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy of Overcome, and like The Trident, it hits home. HARD. But this time, Jason is moving from merely teaching lessons of leadership and personal responsibility onto providing clear, concise, and actionable steps to help you Get off the X! To move from where you're currently stuck into the next phase of life. If you're stuck in life, this book has the tools you need to move forward!
December 10, 2019
Let me just start by saying this book is AMAZING. I am not the one who has leadership as a huge part of my life but this book was perfect for the season I am walking through right now. I am a single mother going through a divorce and Overcome couldn’t have come at a better time for me. Life is filled with adversity and thanks to Jason, I can take a step back and respond to what is happening instead of reacting to all that is going on around me. Yes, this is a military based book, but every technique that Jason talks about when it comes to dealing with and overcoming adversity can be applied to civilian life. I was blown away by this book and plan to reread it multiple times since there is so much that can be applied to everyday life, much less when you are struggling.
If you don’t know who Jason Redman is, which I was unfamiliar with his story before reading this book, he is definitely one who know about how to overcome and move past major setbacks and disappointments, even life threatening ones. He talks about his background at the beginning of the book and trust me, it’s unbelievable and lends major weight to the rest of the book. He is not just writing from a hypothetical viewpoint, he has actually lived and overcame!
I highly recommend this book to ANYONE and EVERYONE! It is a book that I will suggest to everyone I come across who is walking through a hard season in their life. If you are thinking about purchasing this book, stop thinking and just get it. It’s value is so much beyond the small price tag.
{Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.}
If you don’t know who Jason Redman is, which I was unfamiliar with his story before reading this book, he is definitely one who know about how to overcome and move past major setbacks and disappointments, even life threatening ones. He talks about his background at the beginning of the book and trust me, it’s unbelievable and lends major weight to the rest of the book. He is not just writing from a hypothetical viewpoint, he has actually lived and overcame!
I highly recommend this book to ANYONE and EVERYONE! It is a book that I will suggest to everyone I come across who is walking through a hard season in their life. If you are thinking about purchasing this book, stop thinking and just get it. It’s value is so much beyond the small price tag.
{Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.}
December 7, 2019
Jason Redman NAILS IT again--first in "The Trident: The Forging and Reforging of a Navy SEAL Leader" and now with "Overcome"! I've had the privilege to meet, chat, and spend some time with Jason. He has taught me more than I can put into words in this forum. Even if you think you're life has never been better, READ OVERCOME! Those storms of life, or Life Ambushes, as Jason calls them are coming. Overcome lays out easy to follow principles to help you prepare for the next Life Ambush. Additionally, Overcome provides so many genuine, sincere, and REAL examples of heroes who overcame tremendous adversity and are thriving. If you really want to THRIVE in life, read OVERCOME! Anyone who reads this book and truly and introspectively digests it becomes so much better prepared to thrive after a life ambush--even if they're "stuck on the X" from previous life ambushes. I can't recommend Overcome enough!
December 16, 2019
Motivational and inspiring book! LT Redman has an incredible story of overcoming adversity. He couples his story with others who have weathered life's storms and provides a roadmap for navigating these storms. Great read for anyone struggling or anyone who wants to be prepared for the unexpected!
November 24, 2020
I hesitate to deem Jason Redman’s Overcome: Crush Adversity with the Leadership Techniques of America’s Toughest Warriors as another entry in the self-help genre. It goes further. Redman’s past brings a degree of credibility to the work lacking in the vast majority of such works. Redman retired as a Navy Lieutenant and SEAL veteran of almost ten years in 2013 with a bevy of awards. Decorated with the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star Medal with Valor, five Navy Achievement Medals, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, two Combat Action Ribbons, the Navy Commendation Medal, and the Joint Service Achievement Medal, Redman was shot at close range through his face and arm. He underwent forty surgeries before his life returned to some sort of normalcy and proceeded to launch two successful companies following his retirement. Redman knows what he’s talking about and it shows.
The book consists of an introduction and four parts. Redman, in the introduction, lays out for readers what constitutes a “life ambush”, arguably the cornerstone idea for everything contained within the text. Overcome aims to provide readers with a blueprint for meeting life’s assorted challenges head-on, with equal parts fortitude and cunning, and the analogy Redman draws between field combat and life’s battles might seem a little obvious after some consideration but is unquestionably effective. Despite this being only his second book, Redman demonstrates a sure authorial hand from the outset reminiscent of a public speaker in its tone, but nonetheless piercing and believable. He is convincing from page one and draws you into the book with superb skill.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: www.jasonredman.com
The concepts he lays out for readers are engaging and easy to follow. The contributions to the text he solicits from respected military figures add much to the book, naturally, but the guiding force behind the book’s power is Redman’s voice. The personal touch present in each page is key; Redman holds nothing back. He is sympathetic, yet uncompromising. His life lessons have shaped him in ways few can possibly understand and he conveys that with physical and often touching intimacy. The book’s structure makes the book’s concepts clearer for readers, Redman’s military discipline translates well into the writing world, and Overcome carries readers along at a quick pace.
AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/Overcome-Adver...
His succinctness, likewise, is a hallmark of his military background. Redman leaves nothing uncovered in his examination of the personality traits he believes necessary to survive and move on from life’s assorted ambushes. He never belabors his points, avoids needless sideshows, and never “talks down” to the reader. Redman is blunt, without question, but never comes from a place of arrogance. Instead, he communicates a sincere desire to aid readers from the outset while underlining the fact he will never coddle you. This balanced approach to the book helps strengthen its durability; there’s nothing fashionable about Overcome: Crush Adversity with the Leadership Techniques of America’s Toughest Warriors. The overall tone of the book reminds me of what former President and Union general Ulysses Grant wrote in his memoirs about drafting the terms and instrument of surrender for Confederate general Robert E. Lee and his Army of Northern Virginia. “When I put my pen to the paper I did not know the first word that I should make use of in writing the terms. I only knew what was in my mind, and I wished to express it clearly, so that there could be no mistaking it.”
The book consists of an introduction and four parts. Redman, in the introduction, lays out for readers what constitutes a “life ambush”, arguably the cornerstone idea for everything contained within the text. Overcome aims to provide readers with a blueprint for meeting life’s assorted challenges head-on, with equal parts fortitude and cunning, and the analogy Redman draws between field combat and life’s battles might seem a little obvious after some consideration but is unquestionably effective. Despite this being only his second book, Redman demonstrates a sure authorial hand from the outset reminiscent of a public speaker in its tone, but nonetheless piercing and believable. He is convincing from page one and draws you into the book with superb skill.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: www.jasonredman.com
The concepts he lays out for readers are engaging and easy to follow. The contributions to the text he solicits from respected military figures add much to the book, naturally, but the guiding force behind the book’s power is Redman’s voice. The personal touch present in each page is key; Redman holds nothing back. He is sympathetic, yet uncompromising. His life lessons have shaped him in ways few can possibly understand and he conveys that with physical and often touching intimacy. The book’s structure makes the book’s concepts clearer for readers, Redman’s military discipline translates well into the writing world, and Overcome carries readers along at a quick pace.
AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/Overcome-Adver...
His succinctness, likewise, is a hallmark of his military background. Redman leaves nothing uncovered in his examination of the personality traits he believes necessary to survive and move on from life’s assorted ambushes. He never belabors his points, avoids needless sideshows, and never “talks down” to the reader. Redman is blunt, without question, but never comes from a place of arrogance. Instead, he communicates a sincere desire to aid readers from the outset while underlining the fact he will never coddle you. This balanced approach to the book helps strengthen its durability; there’s nothing fashionable about Overcome: Crush Adversity with the Leadership Techniques of America’s Toughest Warriors. The overall tone of the book reminds me of what former President and Union general Ulysses Grant wrote in his memoirs about drafting the terms and instrument of surrender for Confederate general Robert E. Lee and his Army of Northern Virginia. “When I put my pen to the paper I did not know the first word that I should make use of in writing the terms. I only knew what was in my mind, and I wished to express it clearly, so that there could be no mistaking it.”
December 31, 2021
"If you are pained by any external thing, it is not this thing that disturbs you, but your own judgment about it. And it is in your power to wipe out this judgment now."
—Marcus Aurelius
Overcome was a decent read. I am a fan of pretty much any book written about, or by members of elite military units, as well as books on the performance mindset. This one ticked both of those boxes, so I put it on my list.
Author Lieutenant Jason C. Redman, USN is a retired naval officer and U.S. Navy SEAL. He is the founder and spokesperson of the nonprofit organization Wounded Wear.
Jason Redman:
Redman opens the book with a good intro. He talks about the catastrophic injuries he suffered while serving in the Iraq War. He also lays out the scope of the book.
Describing the ambush that would disfigure him, he says:
In a theme that keeps emerging in the books I've read about mindset, Redman mentions that mindset is everything. Despite suffering horrific injuries, he says that he managed to pull himself together, and move forward, despite the obstacles in his path.
Redman in the hospital:
Fear, PTSD, and trauma are mind-killers. Redman says that many combat vets become stuck at the moment of their traumatic experiences, and are never able to move forward after that. Using military jargon, he calls the trauma "the X" and notes that many people "stay stuck on the X."
Despite his greivous injuries, Redman was determined to recover, and not let negativity ruin his life. He was not going to let fate keep him "stuck on the X."
In what ended up going viral on social media, he wrote a note and taped it to his hospital room door as he was recovering:
Wow! Amazing!
Redman also briefly describes the BUD/S training that he had to go through to become a SEAL. He talks about his temptation to ring the famous bell, and return to comfort.
He lays out some leadership premises, and mentions that a leader will have 5 focal points to their identity, calling them a "Pentagon of Performance"
Former SEAL, Echelon Front CEO and all-around badass Jocko Willink is also mentioned numerous times here; as Redman relates examples from Jocko's life, and quotes from Jocko's book Extreme Ownership to the reader.
************************
As mentioned at the start of this review, Overcome was a decent book.
While there was nothing wrong with it per se, there was something about the writing here that just did not resonate as well with me like other books about mindset that I've read.
Likely a subjective thing; there is still much of great value here.
4 stars.
—Marcus Aurelius
Overcome was a decent read. I am a fan of pretty much any book written about, or by members of elite military units, as well as books on the performance mindset. This one ticked both of those boxes, so I put it on my list.
Author Lieutenant Jason C. Redman, USN is a retired naval officer and U.S. Navy SEAL. He is the founder and spokesperson of the nonprofit organization Wounded Wear.
Jason Redman:
Redman opens the book with a good intro. He talks about the catastrophic injuries he suffered while serving in the Iraq War. He also lays out the scope of the book.
Describing the ambush that would disfigure him, he says:
"...I rose to run to the only cover available, but as I leapt forward, a bullet struck in front of my right ear and traveled through my face, blasting off my nose, blowing out my cheekbone, vaporizing my right orbital floor, and shattering all the bones above my eye. The guys at the tire saw my head whipsaw forward and watched me collapse and crash into the ground ten yards in front of them. I blacked out as my blood soaked into the foreign soil.
When I came to, I was caught in the open, on the X, the kill zone, the point of attack, while the firefight continued to rage over me. I was bleeding out, caught between my team and two machine guns that had nearly killed me.
Anger that I had allowed us to get into this situation slowly gave way to the realization that I was going to die..."
In a theme that keeps emerging in the books I've read about mindset, Redman mentions that mindset is everything. Despite suffering horrific injuries, he says that he managed to pull himself together, and move forward, despite the obstacles in his path.
Redman in the hospital:
Fear, PTSD, and trauma are mind-killers. Redman says that many combat vets become stuck at the moment of their traumatic experiences, and are never able to move forward after that. Using military jargon, he calls the trauma "the X" and notes that many people "stay stuck on the X."
Despite his greivous injuries, Redman was determined to recover, and not let negativity ruin his life. He was not going to let fate keep him "stuck on the X."
In what ended up going viral on social media, he wrote a note and taped it to his hospital room door as he was recovering:
Wow! Amazing!
Redman also briefly describes the BUD/S training that he had to go through to become a SEAL. He talks about his temptation to ring the famous bell, and return to comfort.
He lays out some leadership premises, and mentions that a leader will have 5 focal points to their identity, calling them a "Pentagon of Performance"
Former SEAL, Echelon Front CEO and all-around badass Jocko Willink is also mentioned numerous times here; as Redman relates examples from Jocko's life, and quotes from Jocko's book Extreme Ownership to the reader.
************************
As mentioned at the start of this review, Overcome was a decent book.
While there was nothing wrong with it per se, there was something about the writing here that just did not resonate as well with me like other books about mindset that I've read.
Likely a subjective thing; there is still much of great value here.
4 stars.
December 7, 2019
MUST READ! This book is inspiring, challenging, and powerful. Required reading for anyone who feels stuck in life. Life can be hard. In Overcome, Jay inspires and challenges the reader to Get Off the X! Then equips and trains the reader to get moving, take ownership, and move forward. Overcome is full of military leadership examples, humility, lessons learned, and inspiration to get you moving forward. Jay's first book The Trident is excellent but he somehow managed to make Overcome even better.
December 11, 2019
Leadership development is a subject I’ve been interested in for many years. In the past I’ve been able to help people learn how to be better leaders, so I’m always ready to hear what others have to say about leadership. Overcome is a powerful book. It made me uncomfortable in a good way because it made me look at myself. And the conclusion I came to is I am stuck on the “X,” but I don’t have to stay there. I think there’s a lot of practical information in the book, but it does require you to examine yourself and accept responsibility for making the changes you need to make to get unstuck. The stories are interesting and inspiring. I received an ARC e-copy of the book, but I’ve ordered the hardback. I’m looking forward to taking the time to work through the exercises, and believe I will be better for it.
December 17, 2019
A rewarding read on how to live a more meaningful and fulfilling life. Author Jason Redman not only shares his experiences on overcoming life ambushes but he is able to attract and interview so many others to tell their stories as well. The trust these individuals have for Jason is well deserved as he handles their very personal stories with respect and true admiration. As a frustrated fisherman, the story which inspired me the most, was on WetVets. Greatly looking to meeting it’s Founder someday.
December 10, 2019
A fantastic must read. A very motivational book to help get you off the X and move forward. Love the real world examples that Jason tells. Hit home to me in regards to my business and personal life. I ordered the book for my son for a Christmas gift. I can’t wait till he reads it and we can discuss it together. Thank you Jason!!!
December 10, 2019
Must read! I enjoyed this book so much i read it in one evening. Jason is captivating, motivating and has a rhythm throughout the entire book that just captivates the reader. I am excited to share this book with the management team i work with as well as a few people in my life.
It's time we all get off the X!
It's time we all get off the X!
December 17, 2019
The must-read book of the year. Jason Redman holds nothing back about where he's been, the mistakes he's made, and how he overcame the life ambushes that he's faced. Whether you are in the military, you run your own business, or work with young athletes, the concepts from this entire book can be applied no matter what your background is or what walk of life you come from.
December 6, 2019
Such a great book. When we feel liike we're stuck and there's no where to go we need to find a new direction, a new path, we need to get off the X. Reading Overcome inspired me to do just this. Now I'm watching what I do the roads I take. I'm becoming a better me.
December 6, 2019
Amazing book.I will read multiple times . Book will give you real life experiences. Get on track and help you get off the X. Better your self .this book is what I need and everyone needs to read. Life changer , #OVERCOMEBOOK
December 6, 2019
This book is an awesome addition to any Leadership collection. Full of realtime encouragement lessons learned and transparency that inspires you to keep moving forward besides Life Ambushes we may face. I highly recommended it. Its a must read.
December 7, 2019
LT Jason Redman takes his skills as a Retired Navy SEAL and the head of a non-profit organization to help others to overcome normal everyday obstacles and life ambushes as he refers to them. This book will help you to not only recover from life ambushes, but to look for warning signs to avoid future ambushes. He has taken his own experiences as well as other prominent people and has analyzed their ambushes and how to not only avoid them, but to grow from them. I highly recommend this book to use in your everyday life and to help you not only get of the X, but to avoid the X.
December 9, 2019
A practical guide on leading yourself, leading others, and thriving after adversity. A perfect follow up which builds upon Jason Redmans incredible story and life lessons told in The Trident. This is a must read for anyone struggling to reach peak performance or overcome obstacles in life.
December 10, 2019
A necessary read! Jason gives real life experience to overcoming more than many will ever face. He gives insightful, honest and inspirational information on how to push through and fight through the toughest of obstacles that life may throw at you. Get off your X.
December 6, 2019
Outstanding pont of view and mind set filled with winning strategies to work past the storms that come through our life .
December 7, 2019
Fair warning: be prepared to let the housework sit; the kids may just have to eat take-out, do you have an extra day of from work available? Once you start to read this book, there may be no stopping...yes, it's that good-for everyone. Full of great stories and practical applications, Jay draws you in during the Introduction-and never lets you go. A recommendation for anyone who wants to improve their situation-yes, that could be anyone! A must read!
December 10, 2019
Such an important book. We all need to learn how to triumph when adversity hits us. The information in this book provides skills that everyone can use while walking life
December 6, 2019
Lt Redman addresses a life saving skill that we all need - overcoming and being resilient to tough challenges. He shares in detail his military and personal challenges, how he overcame them, and how we can follow his practical guidelines to experience in the successes he's had. In his own words, when you have a "life ambush," he shows you step by step how to acknowledge, adapt, and escape from the deadly situation called the "X." A must read for anyone who comes across tough life situations.
December 7, 2019
I truly believe we all need counseling whether it be from a friend, a pastor, a professional, or just a good book by a trusted, authentic writer that reignites that discipline in you to react to life’s ambushes. Overcome by Jason Redman is a good book for that.
January 26, 2022
Excellent book. Practical. Very easy to read. There are great reminders, motivators, and drills (challenges) for you to use as calls to action. Highly recommend this book.
December 3, 2019
A true story, a phenomenal book, a must-read! The author talks about being hit with adversity, and moving on with life, using what you have with where you're meant to be.
December 17, 2019
Good read, easy to get lost reading. It is highly enjoyable. Highly recommend it to people.
January 15, 2025
I first heard of Jason Redman earlier this year and read his book, "The Trident." It soon became one of my favorite books on leadership and self-improvement. I started following Jason on social media and eventually joined his Overcome Army group coaching. When I had an opportunity to read his new book, "Overcome" I knew it would be good. But after reading it, I have to say that it is more than good - it is life changing. Jason does a tremendous job of teaching a principle and then providing real life examples of those principles in action. He offers practical steps that you can take in your every day life to overcome the obstacles and adversities you face. Jason doesn't just spout theory and catch-phrases, he shares real-life insight and wisdom. In the past year I've experienced the death of my father and two bouts of surgery for skin cancer. I found myself really struggling and just plodding through life. Overcome helped me to see where I was really at and what I needed to do to get through these painful experiences and get back to living my life. I am so thankful for having read this book.
December 7, 2019
"Overcome" the latest book by Jason Redman is a wonderful blueprint on how to get through the storms of life, something he calls “Life Ambushes”. This book resonates with me because so many of the feeling and mechanics Jason writes about I have personally experienced. While talking about “life ambushes” he wrote “…make no mistake: it feels like you have been caught in a nightmare. No relief, no escape and no hope.” As I continued to read through the chapters I learned valuable lessons that I am using to help me “Get off the X”. I have read quite a few self-help and motivational books in the last year since my ambush, but none of them come close to truly helping me like Overcome has. Thank you Jason.
November 28, 2020
A must read for anyone looking to reach for a higher level of life. From a fascinating look into the world of the US Navy SEALs to wise and sage advice for optimum performance in all areas of your life, this book has it all. It belongs on the desk and in the hands of anyone who strives to be an exceptional leader.
December 6, 2019
From the moment I started reading the first words, I did not want to put it down. Jason takes you on a journey of adversity and how small steps can change how you can overcome trials in life. Highly recommend.... #Overcome #GetOffTheX #kaizen
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews