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The Fear Bubble: Harness Fear and Live Without Limits
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The brilliant, inspirational next book by the author of the incredible No. 1 bestseller FIRST MAN IN.
Without fear, there’s no challenge. Without challenge, there’s no growth. Without growth, there’s no life.
Ant Middleton is no stranger to fear: as a point man in the Special Forces, he confronted fear on a daily basis, never knowing what lay behind the next corner, or the next closed door. In prison, he was thrust into the unknown, cut off from friends and family, isolated with thoughts of failure and dread for his future. And at the top of Everest, in desperate, life-threatening conditions, he was forced to face up to his greatest fear, of leaving his children and wife without a father and husband.
But fear is not his enemy. It is the energy that propels him. Thanks to the revolutionary concept of the Fear Bubble, Ant has learned to harness the power of fear and understands the positive force that it can become. Fear gives Ant his edge, allowing him to seek out life’s challenges, whether that is at home, pushing himself every day to be the best father he can be, or stuck in the death zone on top of the world in a 90mph blizzard.
In his groundbreaking new book, Ant Middleton thrillingly retells the story of his death-defying climb of Everest and reveals the concept of the Fear Bubble, showing how it can be used in our lives to help us break through our limits. Powerful, unflinching and an inspirational call to action, The Fear Bubble is essential reading for anyone who wants to push themselves further, harness their fears and conquer their own personal Everests.
352 pages, Paperback
Published September 1, 2020
480 people are currently reading
2644 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 344 reviews
October 11, 2019
I am perfectly aware that as a 50-something woman I am not Ant Middleton's target audience but I picked this off the supermarket shelf to find out what all the hype was about. Briefly:
1. There are some supportive pieces of advice in this book that are helpful in managing fear.
2. Middleton is no psychologist and the advice is simplistic and, for many people, will be off target.
3. In his account of climbing Everest, he comes across as a bloody-minded egoist who is prepared to put his team mates at risk by failing to prepare properly as well as going on a 4-day bender immediately before the climb on the grounds that he has 'unusual levels of resilience'.
4. Whatever Brownie points I might give him for being honest about the above I would take away for his hypocrisy as he relentlessly sneers at 'tourist' climbers who are ill-prepared for the task.
5. His general advice seems to be based on 'do as I say, not as I do'.
6. The whole Alpha Male thing is beyond tedious.
7. I would not like to sit in the pub with Ant Middleton.
1. There are some supportive pieces of advice in this book that are helpful in managing fear.
2. Middleton is no psychologist and the advice is simplistic and, for many people, will be off target.
3. In his account of climbing Everest, he comes across as a bloody-minded egoist who is prepared to put his team mates at risk by failing to prepare properly as well as going on a 4-day bender immediately before the climb on the grounds that he has 'unusual levels of resilience'.
4. Whatever Brownie points I might give him for being honest about the above I would take away for his hypocrisy as he relentlessly sneers at 'tourist' climbers who are ill-prepared for the task.
5. His general advice seems to be based on 'do as I say, not as I do'.
6. The whole Alpha Male thing is beyond tedious.
7. I would not like to sit in the pub with Ant Middleton.
November 3, 2021
Another great book by Ant Middleton. Ant is not perfect like everyone he is a work in progress. He does not hide this fact when describing this stage of his life.
Since the last book Ant's been living the "good" life. However he is finding himself not just being drawn to danger of seeking it out anywhere he can from running through traffic, to a "camping trip" to the most dangerous place on earth.
Ant never thought the skill he learned to survive and thrive could be transferred and use by other people in different walks of life, but the proof is there.
Ant explains the mindsets needed to succeed, to grow, thrive and how to use them to not only survive in the most dangerous physical challenge, but the his most dangerous and constant enemy, himself.
Though Ant might make bad decisions he is man enough to face the consequences, as well as his war with his ego. I say war as he might lose a couple of battles but the war goes on and is ongoing till death.
A very good book on the effect a positive and brutally honest mind set can have on achieving your goals. As well as the internal struggle, there is always the case of being surrounded by the right people and removing the wrongs one. Being mindful of enemies trying to belittle, but also of the people who are trying to set you up to fail. Let's see what is next.
Since the last book Ant's been living the "good" life. However he is finding himself not just being drawn to danger of seeking it out anywhere he can from running through traffic, to a "camping trip" to the most dangerous place on earth.
Ant never thought the skill he learned to survive and thrive could be transferred and use by other people in different walks of life, but the proof is there.
Ant explains the mindsets needed to succeed, to grow, thrive and how to use them to not only survive in the most dangerous physical challenge, but the his most dangerous and constant enemy, himself.
Though Ant might make bad decisions he is man enough to face the consequences, as well as his war with his ego. I say war as he might lose a couple of battles but the war goes on and is ongoing till death.
A very good book on the effect a positive and brutally honest mind set can have on achieving your goals. As well as the internal struggle, there is always the case of being surrounded by the right people and removing the wrongs one. Being mindful of enemies trying to belittle, but also of the people who are trying to set you up to fail. Let's see what is next.
November 30, 2019
342 pages of self-aggrandising nonsense which strains the limits of credulity. From claiming the police officer he assaulted was suffering from victimhood to an ongoing war for dominance with another man that existed only in his own mind, it frankly came as no shock to discover his wife didn't bother to write to him when he was deployed. Who could begrudge her a break from her right-wing lunatic of a husband.
Still, it had some laughs. YOU ARE KAYLEIGH FROM LIVERPOOL was a particular high point alongside the many, many references to his height which is clearly, ironically, his Everest.
I would recommend this as a Secret Santa or stocking filler, purely on the fact that you can amuse yourself and your family/friends by turning to quite literally any page and reading aloud.
Still, it had some laughs. YOU ARE KAYLEIGH FROM LIVERPOOL was a particular high point alongside the many, many references to his height which is clearly, ironically, his Everest.
I would recommend this as a Secret Santa or stocking filler, purely on the fact that you can amuse yourself and your family/friends by turning to quite literally any page and reading aloud.
May 6, 2022
3.5*
Its hard not to get into any story regarding everest. The things a monster. The brave determination to attempt and conquer is something to be admired. I really like this book for ant middletons ways of getting his own personal struggles over to the reader and to help or give advice to others. His way is his own for telling or explaining and it may not be for everyone but its defiantly worth a read.I enjoyed it and would read others from him.
He is good at explaining how to keep pushing through, how the "fear bubble" should only there at that moment. He is a straight up ride or die sounding guy and some may find it a bit arrogant yeah but his idea of how to be mentally strong can be admired. Look at your fear and face it at the time. Dont worry constantly and put yourself off doing whatever it is. Doesnt need to be climbing everest lol. Its about not holding yourself back to something you have inside you to do💪
Its hard not to get into any story regarding everest. The things a monster. The brave determination to attempt and conquer is something to be admired. I really like this book for ant middletons ways of getting his own personal struggles over to the reader and to help or give advice to others. His way is his own for telling or explaining and it may not be for everyone but its defiantly worth a read.I enjoyed it and would read others from him.
He is good at explaining how to keep pushing through, how the "fear bubble" should only there at that moment. He is a straight up ride or die sounding guy and some may find it a bit arrogant yeah but his idea of how to be mentally strong can be admired. Look at your fear and face it at the time. Dont worry constantly and put yourself off doing whatever it is. Doesnt need to be climbing everest lol. Its about not holding yourself back to something you have inside you to do💪
June 6, 2020
What a strange and unhappy man. I'm not sure quite why I read this (cheap kindle deal/curiosity I expect) but I didn't expect to come away with so much dislike of Ant Middleton. I'm only aware of him from the SAS TV show where he seems like a standard soldier type, but here he comes across as arrogant and frankly, a bit unhinged. He's up Everest, making scathing disparaging remarks about all the 'Westerners' and 'tourists' - Um, HELLO? - his disdain for most of humanity is palapable, and his odd rantings about finding fear bubbles to burst is just...?? He slags off people everywhere for being bed wetting victims, not pushing themselves, without once considering happiness. Maybe people have stayed where they are because they're happy..but I don't think he is aware of the concept of joy. And all that's without his shocking behaviour on Everest istself, putting the lives of his team on the line for his own ego and going on a four day bender rather than training. There's so much inconsistency, he's very much do as I say, not as I do. Two stars though, one for the decent descriptions of the Everest ascent and one for comedy (it's not supposed to funny, I know, but the whole alpha male struggle....!!)
January 13, 2020
Key concepts could be explained in just a few pages.
January 30, 2021
Hmmm. Well. Parts of this book had some interesting, positive messages and had been well thought through. I think a lot of people will take those concepts and be able to apply them easily and successfully to their lives. Certain parts certainly gave me food for thought and I found them useful. I found it interesting to see someone else’s thought processes and to see how they view the world (although I think it must be noted that there was no research or evidence in his understanding of human psychology and certainly what works for him does not mean it would work for everyone else as we’re all different and complex in our own unique way). I didn’t always agree with what he wrote, but was interesting nevertheless.
However, I do not want to hear the bloody phrase “fear bubble” ever again as it seemed to be repeated every two pages, and I do not need the same concept explained to me over and over and over and over again. Mr Middleton, whilst engaging with his writing at times, does tend to contradict himself from one page to the next. With regards to the expedition, there’s one part (that I won’t spoil) where I could not believe what I was reading. And I was completely shocked. Especially after slagging off all the other unprepared climbers...
Unfortunately, I felt that his attitude during the climb made him come across as disrespectful to those he was with, a spoilt brat and an arrogant human who did not want to listen to others, especially when they were more experienced. The book seemed clumsily put together and could have been better edited to remove the repetition of the same concepts. I’m surprised at how popular this book has become and disappointed that it wasn’t better.
1.5 stars.
However, I do not want to hear the bloody phrase “fear bubble” ever again as it seemed to be repeated every two pages, and I do not need the same concept explained to me over and over and over and over again. Mr Middleton, whilst engaging with his writing at times, does tend to contradict himself from one page to the next. With regards to the expedition, there’s one part (that I won’t spoil) where I could not believe what I was reading. And I was completely shocked. Especially after slagging off all the other unprepared climbers...
Unfortunately, I felt that his attitude during the climb made him come across as disrespectful to those he was with, a spoilt brat and an arrogant human who did not want to listen to others, especially when they were more experienced. The book seemed clumsily put together and could have been better edited to remove the repetition of the same concepts. I’m surprised at how popular this book has become and disappointed that it wasn’t better.
1.5 stars.
October 5, 2021
Dvejopi jausmai. Knyga tarsi specialiųjų pajėgų kario prisiminimai, tarsi alpinisto dienoraštis apie kopimą į Everestą, tarsi gyvenimo būdo vadybininko pamokymai kaip dera, verta, naudinga elgtis, net mąstyti. Vietomis net savotiškai įdomi. Bet visuma - arogantiško, savimi patenkinto ir pasipūtėliško veikėjo (aš-aš-aš!) paistalai apie tai, kaip reikia jo klausyti, bet nereikia daryti, kaip jis daro.
Kalnų istorija - pasibaisėtina dėl nesiskaitymo su kitais ir vėl to paties aš-man-mano.
Tiesa, yra kelios vertesnės vietos apie pozityvius/negatyvius žmones, bet, įtariu, tas dalis rašė kažkas kitas dėl akivaizdaus rašymo stiliaus ir vartojamos kalbos beigi žodyno skirtumų.
Įdomi teorija apie baimės burbulus. Mes dažniau įpratę tai vadinti mažais tikslais - įveikei vieną, imkis kito. Čia - per kovą su baimėmis. Gal dėl pavadinimo?
Resiume: 3/5
Kalnų istorija - pasibaisėtina dėl nesiskaitymo su kitais ir vėl to paties aš-man-mano.
Tiesa, yra kelios vertesnės vietos apie pozityvius/negatyvius žmones, bet, įtariu, tas dalis rašė kažkas kitas dėl akivaizdaus rašymo stiliaus ir vartojamos kalbos beigi žodyno skirtumų.
Įdomi teorija apie baimės burbulus. Mes dažniau įpratę tai vadinti mažais tikslais - įveikei vieną, imkis kito. Čia - per kovą su baimėmis. Gal dėl pavadinimo?
Resiume: 3/5
September 8, 2019
Just finished!
So glad I heard the review on Virgin Radio, possibly the most balanced book between adventure, integrity and life strategy ever.
Education committee's should make this book part of compulsory reading for school leavers.
Well done Ant Middleton.
So glad I heard the review on Virgin Radio, possibly the most balanced book between adventure, integrity and life strategy ever.
Education committee's should make this book part of compulsory reading for school leavers.
Well done Ant Middleton.
December 26, 2019
An OK read. Xmas gift and was more interested in the Everest climb which was crowded out by self-help spiel. Comes across as clearly very driven, but wreckless and self-centred.
January 26, 2021
Not to take away from his first book, but for me, this was so much more than I expected and really resonated with me.
This is told as two parts overlapping each other, his climb up Everest after feeling the need inside himself for a challenge and coping techniques of how to harness fear in various forms and use it to your advantage.
This is told as two parts overlapping each other, his climb up Everest after feeling the need inside himself for a challenge and coping techniques of how to harness fear in various forms and use it to your advantage.
September 20, 2020
I'm in two minds about this book... Ant Middleton is making many valid points. There are times when i can't fault his way of thinking. And i realise that this could be a life changing book for some people. But at the same time it has made me like its author less than before. He thinks of himself as alpha male, he talks about himself as alpha male, he acts like alpha male, but he's also an alpha jerk. I've been asked to read this book, and part of me wishes i haven't, because i will never be able to see its author in the same light i used to... (3.5*)
February 25, 2023
This book made me think a lot, even though I didn't connect or agree with absolutely everything. It was fascinating to read about his Everest climb too.
It's not even that all of the ideas in the book were brand new, but it's interesting to read Ant Middleton's take on fear as someone who has been in a lot of high risk situations.
"I didn't become fearless. I don't believe that's even possible. I feel fear all the time. Not only do I feel it all the time, I hate it. It's not that I've learned to conquer fear or enjoy it. It's that I've learned how to use it."
"It utterly surrounds us, literally from the moment we're born. Be careful!
But it's incredibly damaging. It helps us form our underlying perspective of the world. Our default mindset becomes one of deep fear, and that fear stops us living the lives we're truly capable of."
He explains you can avoid the situations that make you feel fearful, but by doing so you're limiting yourself, it will shrink you, you'll get "sticky boots" and get stuck exactly where you are. You might not be able to guarantee what lies on the other side of what you fear, but harnessing your fear and working through it leads to growth, new adventures and opportunities.
He reframes the panicky feelings you have before you face a fear. They're the body's normal response, telling you to "get ready".
He shares a technique that's worked for him, which is to pinpoint the exact moment he's afraid of. Allowing fear and dread to build before that moment drains him long before he reaches it. When he reaches the exact moment he's fearful of, he visualises his fear within a bubble, the "fear bubble" which he steps in to and bursts. He might not burst it first time every time, having to step back outside it for a moment to gather himself and re-enter.
There are interesting thoughts on ego vs pride:
"[Ego] makes you delusional and overconfident. It makes you cut corners. Every decision you make ends up being based not on reading the situation and following correct procedure but on how good you're going to look.
... Whereas ego takes the easy route, pride makes you do things properly even when nobody is watching. Pride means you're constantly looking for ways to test yourself, improve yourself and learn to do it better."
"Pride, meanwhile, requires no external praise, and that's why it doesn't hold you back. Once you stop trying to please everyone else all the time, you become free."
He talks about the different types of fear he has identified: the fear of suffering, failure and conflict. But concludes that at the route of every fear is "I'm not good enough". I like how simple he makes the steps towards changing this, showing as he does throughout the book the benefit of a positive mindset.
"If the default mindset is 'You're not good enough,' the positive mindset is 'I'm better than I was yesterday.' This is the attitude you should be cultivating. From the moment you wake up, set yourself a challenge, even if it's a small one, like making sure your bed is made before you leave the house. Put yourself in the correct frame of mind and challenge yourself constantly - you can prove to yourself that you're 'good enough' one hundred times a day."
"As long as you're stepping into those fear bubbles and opening those doors, you're succeeding. Every experience you have fine tunes you a little bit more. It grows you. It's inevitable that such growth sometimes feels like failure. When things don't go as you'd planned, that negative chatter will kick in, telling you, 'I told you so. Don't ever do that again.' You might feel humiliated. You might feel bitterly disappointed. You're in the fire. It hurts. But that fire is forging a new you. No matter how it feels, it's not a moment of failure. It's a moment of change."
It's not even that all of the ideas in the book were brand new, but it's interesting to read Ant Middleton's take on fear as someone who has been in a lot of high risk situations.
"I didn't become fearless. I don't believe that's even possible. I feel fear all the time. Not only do I feel it all the time, I hate it. It's not that I've learned to conquer fear or enjoy it. It's that I've learned how to use it."
"It utterly surrounds us, literally from the moment we're born. Be careful!
But it's incredibly damaging. It helps us form our underlying perspective of the world. Our default mindset becomes one of deep fear, and that fear stops us living the lives we're truly capable of."
He explains you can avoid the situations that make you feel fearful, but by doing so you're limiting yourself, it will shrink you, you'll get "sticky boots" and get stuck exactly where you are. You might not be able to guarantee what lies on the other side of what you fear, but harnessing your fear and working through it leads to growth, new adventures and opportunities.
He reframes the panicky feelings you have before you face a fear. They're the body's normal response, telling you to "get ready".
He shares a technique that's worked for him, which is to pinpoint the exact moment he's afraid of. Allowing fear and dread to build before that moment drains him long before he reaches it. When he reaches the exact moment he's fearful of, he visualises his fear within a bubble, the "fear bubble" which he steps in to and bursts. He might not burst it first time every time, having to step back outside it for a moment to gather himself and re-enter.
There are interesting thoughts on ego vs pride:
"[Ego] makes you delusional and overconfident. It makes you cut corners. Every decision you make ends up being based not on reading the situation and following correct procedure but on how good you're going to look.
... Whereas ego takes the easy route, pride makes you do things properly even when nobody is watching. Pride means you're constantly looking for ways to test yourself, improve yourself and learn to do it better."
"Pride, meanwhile, requires no external praise, and that's why it doesn't hold you back. Once you stop trying to please everyone else all the time, you become free."
He talks about the different types of fear he has identified: the fear of suffering, failure and conflict. But concludes that at the route of every fear is "I'm not good enough". I like how simple he makes the steps towards changing this, showing as he does throughout the book the benefit of a positive mindset.
"If the default mindset is 'You're not good enough,' the positive mindset is 'I'm better than I was yesterday.' This is the attitude you should be cultivating. From the moment you wake up, set yourself a challenge, even if it's a small one, like making sure your bed is made before you leave the house. Put yourself in the correct frame of mind and challenge yourself constantly - you can prove to yourself that you're 'good enough' one hundred times a day."
"As long as you're stepping into those fear bubbles and opening those doors, you're succeeding. Every experience you have fine tunes you a little bit more. It grows you. It's inevitable that such growth sometimes feels like failure. When things don't go as you'd planned, that negative chatter will kick in, telling you, 'I told you so. Don't ever do that again.' You might feel humiliated. You might feel bitterly disappointed. You're in the fire. It hurts. But that fire is forging a new you. No matter how it feels, it's not a moment of failure. It's a moment of change."
January 25, 2020
I read this after my husband said he'd been talking on the radio about fear and controlling emotions. I have a 9yr old with a very good imagination which I feel is feeding into fears (he's a very happy child though) and wanted to see if I could adapt my behaviour to set him an example. There was a strong CBT basis and it's an interesting example of it put in action. Even though I've studied CBT as part of my counselling training, the book was a good refresher and reminded me to check my mind set again. And as a mother to be aware that I'm not constantly telling my son to be careful (that's easier than it sounds! I'm sure my tongue was bleeding). As a rugby mum (he's just healed from a broken collar bone) it was also helpful to learn techniques for helping him turn nerves into action. The Everest part was interesting for me personally as my dad went to Base Camp for his 65th birthday, I always knew he was fit, but I hadn't realised how hard it was mentally. Whether you like Ant or not he's very genuine
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 22, 2020
The author is a proper fucking legend, now I just have to find a way to have a long discussion with him in person.
February 2, 2021
Pretty toxic book, to be honest.
March 17, 2021
Former SBS Royal Marine Ant Middleton narrates us through a trip to climb Everest using the challenge to demonstrate his concepts on how to manage fear and maintaining a positive attitude while under duress.
His fear bubble technique got him through active service whilst facing enemy fire in hostile territory. If you have any knowledge of CBT or indeed some elements of Stoicism as a philosophy you will already recognize the focus of living in the moment and containing and controlling the emotion and maintaining a positive attitude. I think overall his advice is very good and it does work it we practice. He also had a lot to say about the 'victim mindset' and how prevalent this is in modern popular culture. I really couldn't agree more.
I also learned alot about climbing Everest and how the modern climber faces a big challenge from overcrowding and under qualified climbers clogging the route, increasing the natural dangers many-fold. Although he talks about constantly getting rid of ego he contradicts himself ad nauseam by playing the macho-role, refusing to take advice from the experts in his team qualified to lead him, and generally putting everyones life in danger purely because he is seeking out the most extreme adrenaline rush.
His fear bubble technique got him through active service whilst facing enemy fire in hostile territory. If you have any knowledge of CBT or indeed some elements of Stoicism as a philosophy you will already recognize the focus of living in the moment and containing and controlling the emotion and maintaining a positive attitude. I think overall his advice is very good and it does work it we practice. He also had a lot to say about the 'victim mindset' and how prevalent this is in modern popular culture. I really couldn't agree more.
I also learned alot about climbing Everest and how the modern climber faces a big challenge from overcrowding and under qualified climbers clogging the route, increasing the natural dangers many-fold. Although he talks about constantly getting rid of ego he contradicts himself ad nauseam by playing the macho-role, refusing to take advice from the experts in his team qualified to lead him, and generally putting everyones life in danger purely because he is seeking out the most extreme adrenaline rush.
July 8, 2023
At its best, this told a compelling account of Ant’s journey up Everest which was tense and at times emotional. I like the idea of the fear bubble technique too. Those were the parts I enjoyed.
But at its worst, it was a frustrating bordering on cringey read in which Ant was either recounting pathetic interactions he had with people inferior to him. For someone who is supposedly so mentally resilient and has an elite level of emotional intelligence, some of the things he did were stupid. The lack of preparation for Everest and some of his decision making was flabbergasting.
Overall, there were too many contradictions from “you can do this if you put your mind to it” to “I’m better at everything than everyone so just fuck off out of my way and leave me be”. I was very torn. I really like Ant, but at times while reading this I kind of wanted to tell him to stfu. But definitely some positives to take out of this and had we been a few odd stories less, might’ve gotten a higher score
But at its worst, it was a frustrating bordering on cringey read in which Ant was either recounting pathetic interactions he had with people inferior to him. For someone who is supposedly so mentally resilient and has an elite level of emotional intelligence, some of the things he did were stupid. The lack of preparation for Everest and some of his decision making was flabbergasting.
Overall, there were too many contradictions from “you can do this if you put your mind to it” to “I’m better at everything than everyone so just fuck off out of my way and leave me be”. I was very torn. I really like Ant, but at times while reading this I kind of wanted to tell him to stfu. But definitely some positives to take out of this and had we been a few odd stories less, might’ve gotten a higher score
April 10, 2022
I couldn't put this down and read it in one sitting. Over the past couple of years I've listened to a number of people and read a number of books that emphasise the importance of a positive mindset and techniques for turning a negative mindset around. The techniques in this book do work though I can say that in hindsight. Stepping "from the corridor through the door" for the 1st time is difficult but cathartic. It's important to step through the 2nd door soon after.
The story of his assent of Everest had me in two minds. There was a scene where his attitude to an ice fall that would have killed them, if they had paused 10 minutes before, was well it didn't, move on! I can see that as a necessary attitude. There were other scenes where I thought he was putting others at risk because he wanted to be the alpha male in the group.
I do agree with his views on victim hood. Learned helplessness is a thing
The story of his assent of Everest had me in two minds. There was a scene where his attitude to an ice fall that would have killed them, if they had paused 10 minutes before, was well it didn't, move on! I can see that as a necessary attitude. There were other scenes where I thought he was putting others at risk because he wanted to be the alpha male in the group.
I do agree with his views on victim hood. Learned helplessness is a thing
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2020
Love him or hate him Ant Middleton has come up with a different way to look at combating fear and anxiety.
This is not just a self help book on overcoming fear, but also part memoir using examples from Ant's life both in and outside the military with the main thread being him attempt to climb Everest.
There are many quotable paragraphs in this book that will stick with the reader. My personal favourite being "You might have failed in your past. You might be failing now. But don't let anyone try to convince you that you're a failure until you're actually lying on that deathbed'.
In my opinion it's worth giving this book a read. You never know it might just help you change your life.
This is not just a self help book on overcoming fear, but also part memoir using examples from Ant's life both in and outside the military with the main thread being him attempt to climb Everest.
There are many quotable paragraphs in this book that will stick with the reader. My personal favourite being "You might have failed in your past. You might be failing now. But don't let anyone try to convince you that you're a failure until you're actually lying on that deathbed'.
In my opinion it's worth giving this book a read. You never know it might just help you change your life.
September 15, 2020
Ant Middleton uses his ascent of Everest to explain his strategy for overcoming fear. The journey up the mountain was always going to be dangerous, but was even more so given Middleton’s determination to feel true fear.
His methods for not being overwhelmed by fear definitely has some practical use for everyday life. It also is a reminder that you should always want to test your limits.
Ant Middleton’s ego receives a lot of attention from his critics, and he admits that this is something with which he continually struggles. This honesty made the rest of the narrative feel more authentic. Highly recommend.
His methods for not being overwhelmed by fear definitely has some practical use for everyday life. It also is a reminder that you should always want to test your limits.
Ant Middleton’s ego receives a lot of attention from his critics, and he admits that this is something with which he continually struggles. This honesty made the rest of the narrative feel more authentic. Highly recommend.
February 13, 2020
After watching Ant climb Everest in his program and going to see him live talking about it I was unsure whether this book would bring anything extra to the table.
It absolutely does.
Anyone struggling with their mental health should be prescribed this book.
Ants mindset is truly inspiring and even if you only take one strategy from him in this book it's going to help you.
Reading the story of the climb again really brings home how dangerous and bonkers an exercise this is, but shows exactly what the right mindset can actually achieve.
It absolutely does.
Anyone struggling with their mental health should be prescribed this book.
Ants mindset is truly inspiring and even if you only take one strategy from him in this book it's going to help you.
Reading the story of the climb again really brings home how dangerous and bonkers an exercise this is, but shows exactly what the right mindset can actually achieve.
June 2, 2020
Very interesting book. Got me pretty mad and attached to it as I was constantly searching for the lesson learnt. Arriving the middle of the book, I started doubting the potential of this book, Middelton tells me stories and I wasn't there for that, I wanted outlooks, lessons. I waited, and I am glad I did. Everything makes sense now. Yes, he could have shortened his piece cutting the details. He got me mad, interested, curious, understood and mainly confused with the set of emotions emerging from me- but trust me, it is worth a read.
June 7, 2022
Enjoyed it - not as good as the first one and probably the weakest of all the SAS:WDW books.
Good to read if only to learn about how Everest operates and the Nepalese culture surrounding it.
Ant’s weak point is his writing. It’s fine - nothing more, nothing less.
Best SAS:WDW books for me are Foxy’s two (second one was the best and probably my favourite overall), and Ollie Ollerton’s ‘Break Point’.
But enjoyable nonetheless - it’s an easy read.
Good to read if only to learn about how Everest operates and the Nepalese culture surrounding it.
Ant’s weak point is his writing. It’s fine - nothing more, nothing less.
Best SAS:WDW books for me are Foxy’s two (second one was the best and probably my favourite overall), and Ollie Ollerton’s ‘Break Point’.
But enjoyable nonetheless - it’s an easy read.
January 17, 2020
Everyone will naturally have their own opinion on the star rating of this book, as it’s going to relate to people in different ways.
For me personally it was thoroughly enjoyable, I actually haven’t read his first book, or know much about him until I read this, which 3/4 in, led me to binge on some of his ‘SASwhodareswins’ tv series.
When it comes to reading a book from an author that is telling an autobiographical account of their life, with some shared methods and tools of self improvement, this book really shines with very good balance.
Ant has a way of being brutally honest, and compelling, about his experiences his strengths and weaknesses, and shares with readers a real gem of a powerful strategy, that’s worked for him. He explores the Power of a Positive Mindset, to countermand the fear bubble, and demonstrates if harnessed correctly how it can bring a life without limits.
For me personally it was thoroughly enjoyable, I actually haven’t read his first book, or know much about him until I read this, which 3/4 in, led me to binge on some of his ‘SASwhodareswins’ tv series.
When it comes to reading a book from an author that is telling an autobiographical account of their life, with some shared methods and tools of self improvement, this book really shines with very good balance.
Ant has a way of being brutally honest, and compelling, about his experiences his strengths and weaknesses, and shares with readers a real gem of a powerful strategy, that’s worked for him. He explores the Power of a Positive Mindset, to countermand the fear bubble, and demonstrates if harnessed correctly how it can bring a life without limits.
February 6, 2020
The change your mind feet needs
I read Ant's first book and that was a breath of fresh air. But this... I consider myself to have a positive outlook as much as possible, and for parts of the book I felt like I understood what Ant was explaining as I do exactly the same. But the techniques covered are life changing. Not only does he mention the techniques but he also explains , breaks them down, makes them relatable to day to day life and shows how it's further changed his perspective.
Absolutely brilliant! HIGHLY recommend
I read Ant's first book and that was a breath of fresh air. But this... I consider myself to have a positive outlook as much as possible, and for parts of the book I felt like I understood what Ant was explaining as I do exactly the same. But the techniques covered are life changing. Not only does he mention the techniques but he also explains , breaks them down, makes them relatable to day to day life and shows how it's further changed his perspective.
Absolutely brilliant! HIGHLY recommend
May 31, 2020
Ant is a knob. But then I agreed with most of the things he said which would make me a knob too.
I liked the way he interweaves his experience on Mt. Everest with explaining the three different kinds of fear. Also how he gives us normal life examples, as probably most of us won’t climb Everest any time soon.
I also liked how he gave real life examples of people he meets and when he gives them advise he doesn’t claim that those people are now the happiest people in the world.
Maybe I will go back and count how many times he said „when I was in the special forces...“, just for fun.
I liked the way he interweaves his experience on Mt. Everest with explaining the three different kinds of fear. Also how he gives us normal life examples, as probably most of us won’t climb Everest any time soon.
I also liked how he gave real life examples of people he meets and when he gives them advise he doesn’t claim that those people are now the happiest people in the world.
Maybe I will go back and count how many times he said „when I was in the special forces...“, just for fun.
October 19, 2020
Enjoyed this more than I expected to. Found it super inspiring and interesting to read different approaches to mindset that I haven’t come across before. Especially the ideas of victim mindset and positive mentality. Loved the stories of Everest- super inspiring and motivating. learning the history of it is really cool too.
January 8, 2021
4.5 Stars. Ant breaks down the fear bubble with ease, by overcoming the different types of fears and default/victim mentalities to open more doors in life. Also the battles of ego vs pride. Will read again. "Without fear, there's no challenge. Without challenge, there's no growth. Without growth there's no life."
October 1, 2021
Very much enjoyed reading this book. This book is based around Ant’s trek up Mount Everest. The snippets we, as the reader, see into his life pre, during, and post military service are very insightful. You can see the amount of growth that Ant has undergone. Just shows that we can always keep bettering ourselves, rather than staying stagnant.
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