Life Under Fire: How to Build Inner Strength and Thrive Under Pressure

by Jason Fox

The ground-breaking new book from former Special Boat Services Sergeant Jason Fox, star of Channel 4's SAS Who Dares Wins and number one bestselling author of Battle Scars.

‘During my military career, I dealt regularly with fear, emotional breakdown, pain in hostile environments and the horrors of war. I summoned bravery during intense gun battles and, perhaps more courageously, raised my hand for help during my darkest moment - though it took a while. The psychological techniques I developed during my time as an elite operator still serve me today, in and out of danger.’ – Jason Fox

We all face internal conflict, both at home and at work. Some pressures threaten to crush us mentally, others cause stress, anxiety and self-doubt. Whether serving in the Special Forces, rowing oceans or investigating some of the world's most notorious drug cartels, Jason Fox has overcome more than his fair share of these emotional and mental battles.

Recounting stories of the military operations and expeditions that have tested his own resolve, in Life Under Fire he shares the tools he's developed at the cutting edge of an elite military career and shows how you, too, can build the resilience and inner strength to overcome whatever challenges life puts in front of you.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Biography, Personal Development, Autobiography, Audiobook, Leadership

296 pages, Hardcover

First published October 15, 2020

About the author

Jason Fox is a television presenter, adventurer and a former UK Special Forces soldier and Royal Marine Commando.

There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Rich · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fifth or so self help book that I have read over recent years so I like to think I have a good feel for what makes a good one.
This is a solid four out of five stars.
Hard going and at times, unnecessarily grinding, but it does exactly what it should. And that, is to provide a solution to life’s serial problems.

I am impressed with how Fox opens up, and it does appear to be a follow on from Battle Scars (the first of Fox’s literary efforts), with certain elements of his mental health explored some more, but ultimately, providing the reader with his solutions to battle through the fog.

I’m not sure I’d revisit this one, but for the most part I enjoyed it and my review certainly doesn’t take away from his aim to help people.
I for one, took elements away in to my life and I am sure others will follow it as well.

Four out of five.

[Sam Dyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

There’s some great things about this book. Every time Foxy goes into details about his experiences of war, his projects since, his struggle with PTSD and how he’s helping people through similar situations today, I was gripped.
When he started to apply that to everyday life for most people, I found the writing vague, repetitive and hard to get through. If the book was half the length, I would have enjoyed it twice as much.

[Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

7.9/10 A bit of a grind at times, but mostly enjoyable. The war stories, training, and the expeditions he partook in post-army were fascinating. Interesting insight into how resilient and flexible the special forces become through training and experience. Some of the main ideas I will take from this book include the idea of the comfort-fear-learning-growth zones, and engaging in mentally and physically challenging projects to remain emotionally strong.

[Mark Andrew Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

some useful steps to keep mentally strong

Having enjoyed SAS Who Dares Wins and seen Foxy reveal his issues mentally after being discharged from special services, enjoyed this read where he pulls from his military life and relates lessons he’s learned to “normal” life.
If enjoy/Ed the series will most likely enjoy this book too

[Alex Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read. Jason opens up about real life experiences whist offering some great advice for day to day living. Definitely worth the read.

[Bear · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s hard not to admire Jason and his grit. The elements discussed in the book are insightful and I felt very convicted while reading about my own shortcomings. Here are my key takeaways:

- Your mindset is everything. If you cave in to pressure, it can lead to serious consequences.
- Positive thinking and visualization really work wonders, especially when you are in a tough situation
- Resilience is a skill that must be fostered and maintained
- Find a bigger goal and purpose in your life and do what you need to do to achieve it

So many other good nuggets I noted here as I read. Will definitely be thinking about this one for a while!

[Heath Fletcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring and a proper kick up the backside to go and achieve my purpose, whilst reading this book I have landed a new position and looking forward to my new chapter. Thanks Foxy

Inspiring and a proper kick up the backside to go and achieve my purpose, whilst reading this book I have landed a new position and looking forward to new challenges ahead. Thanks Foxy

[Lady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional book with great insight and step by step guide with examples from both his past military life and examples from who dares wins. Learning how to build yourself into a better more resilient person

[Steven Feeney · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting and plain spoken approach to mental health. Foregoes the clinical language and uses military metaphors to make it accessible to the average person.

Also, a very raw and transparent memoir of Jason's own struggles.

Useful, applicable and well written.

[Madame Histoire · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good insight into elite military life and its realities on an off the field. Didn't know the man, nor the show he referenced often. Didn't feel like much help to me personally but overall interesting.

[Keith Weller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great second book great to see how him comes to terms with everything controls his mind though bad times

[Cara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book with some great tips on how to become more resilient. I'll be reading this again for sure.

[Dave B · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing. Really like Jason Fox, respect what he has done, admire his history.. But the book taught me nothing, and enlightened me zero. . gave up on it with 80 pages to go.

[Megan Jermy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once j started i couldn’t put it down! I just kept thinking just another chapter and then there was none left! 100% recommend

[Kirsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing, a must read if u want to build ur tool kit in resilience 😁 x

[Tommy Maker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite an interesting read. I won't give any spoilers.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Went to see Jason speak in Birmingham. Loved it!

Lots of good tips on resilience in the book and enjoyed his openness about PTSD

[Mark Speed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably suited to people beginning their journey into self-development. Some solid lessons and interesting stories from special forces.

[Ellie S · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars ✨

[Milly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting but found it hard to get into so it was a slow burn

[Tom Willis · Rating 4 out of 5]

1/4 self help, 3/4 action and great stories. Very interesting and motivating read

[Tuckus Shoppus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspirational and eye opening.

[Ondra Stavěl · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can relate easily to this book. Apply his experiences to real life situation

[Will · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some cracking life lessons and leadership skills. Heavy.

[Rasik · Rating 5 out of 5]

life under fire is a brilliant a book to sort out yourself if you are stuck in lockdown. it is very true a lot of people dont know their why (purpose of life). finding that why the purpose is what we should be doing. I look forward to read similar book from jason.

[Dan Liggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very impactful, informative & captivating!
Jason Fox has a story or two to tell. He is a man who has experienced a lot in life – composing through extreme jobs in his British Army roles as well as a simple guy from England living his own life – Jason has a lot to say.
In his book Life Under Fire, Jason exhibits brilliantly how life is tough.
Life does not go as planned or is an easy ride for anybody. Whatever you do, whoever you are, whatever you are aiming to be in life, it will not be easy.

Jason Fox has lived in extreme war conditions & other life-threatening endeavours he has volunteered to embark on. For these types of living, you are going to need to be one strong character both mentally & physically.
However, Fox explains very comfortably that you are not destined to be a set way. We can all work on different aspects of out life to make sure we get the best out of us in whatever we do in life.
In this book, Fox is great at displaying how we all need to build certain grounding characteristics if we are to succeed in the ever rolling up & down of life!

Through an easy-to-follow book, in Jason’s own narrative directed at the reader as well as re-capping very touching, & at times, tense anecdotes of his own life, Jason portrays how to build inner strength & thrive under pressure!

When Fox talks about his stories about life in the warzones, you do not feel disconnected from the overall principle of this book & it’s messages of how we can all change! Instead, the addition of personal stories - that are then represented in other life situations we may be more familiar with - you are taken more deeply into this book. Jason Fox delivers expertly a contrast of his own gripping stories & making them relatable to us readers unfamiliar with the thrill-seeking & dangerous scenarios this man has been in.

If you are interested in Jason Fox himself or just want to build on your own inner strength no matter what life is throwing at you, then pick this book up!
You can flick back through it easily to find the parts that stand out a lot more to you as a reader & also consume the information to make your own resilience stronger – leading to a better, more fulfilled life.

Great book by Jason Fox.

[Charlotte Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did find this book rather intriguing it gave you a different view of life one where not everything goes alright and that's okay people are dying trying to save our country and struggling with life during and after wars. The least we can do is understand them better. This book allows you to see into the mind of a man who is full of bravery and learn from him how to build and develop yourself more under stressful situations. It is a book where now I've read it I wouldn't read it again though but was definitely worth the read.

[Katie Kaye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Resilence is key

Having come through my own mental journey this book has helped me reflect on the skill set I have gained in resilience overall in not doing to bad.
If you want an honest account on how to deal with the every day S.it life throws at you then this is brilliant.

I think everyone needs to read this right now. We all need a.mental NOT dealing with the dramatic changes 2020 has thrown at us.

Kudos Foxy

[Izzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actually really loved this book. I wasn't sure how much I'd be able to relate considering its based off military experiences. BUT the underlying messages and values can definitely be brought into everyday life and I think I have learnt some really valuable lessons here.