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Battle Ready
How do you make a commitment and achieve your goals?How do you end procrastination and hesitation that feeds self-doubt?How do you learn to be courageous in all aspects of your life?Ex-Special Forces soldier Ollie Ollerton knows more than his fair share about keeping going. As a recruit he survived the infamously tough SAS selection process on a busted ankle with the Directing Staff pleading with him to give up. But it's in Ollie's personal life that he really had to dig deep. At his lowest he was battling a failed relationship, substance abuse, depression and a reckless disregard for his own life. In his new book Ollie tells the story of how he turned his life around and passes on the lessons he has learned.In Battle Ready Ollie shares the step-by-step plan that changed his life. From finding purpose and visualising an outcome, to breaking bad habits and establishing positive new routines, his advice will help readers to overcome their own obstacles; to become ready for any battle.
320 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 2020
71 people are currently reading
408 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
June 24, 2020
Honestly I've read a lot of self improvement books over the years and this book is great. Ollie tells his story well and uses lots of psychological theory behind ego, the root of trauma(s) and addiction as well as a few anecdotes of his own experiences throughout his life. It also includes lots of practical tasks to 'self-audit' yourself into getting where you want to go in life and embracing the challenges along the way. His tone is encouraging and informative and not at all patronising as some self improvement books are. Fully recommended especially if you're feeling a bit 'stuck' in life and unsure where you want to go.
July 9, 2020
Brought this initially as I believed it was a continuation of his outstanding autobiography ‘Break Point’.
This, however, is more of a positive thinking book, which carries a lot of sound advice for those seeking self help.
Ollie has done a terrific job in packing this book with tonnes of information and I certainly don’t think you are left wanting.
My only criticism is I was left confused, at times, with the change of methods that Ollie employs. However, I stress that this is likely to be an issue on my behalf rather than Mr Ollerton, who, let’s face it, has written a book which hammers home the importance of good mental health and stresses that anything we want is possible, if we just put our mind to it.
This, however, is more of a positive thinking book, which carries a lot of sound advice for those seeking self help.
Ollie has done a terrific job in packing this book with tonnes of information and I certainly don’t think you are left wanting.
My only criticism is I was left confused, at times, with the change of methods that Ollie employs. However, I stress that this is likely to be an issue on my behalf rather than Mr Ollerton, who, let’s face it, has written a book which hammers home the importance of good mental health and stresses that anything we want is possible, if we just put our mind to it.
April 27, 2020
Read ‘Battle Ready’ in preparation for interviewing Ollie. This was an absolutely phenomenal and rewarding read. It is one of the most practical self development books I have read. The ‘exercises’ in the book are worth it alone!
August 14, 2022
4.5 stars - really enjoyed this, Ollie shows a level of depth and awareness unmatched by his co-presenters on SAS:WDW (expect maybe Foxy).
Possibly the best book from all the SAS:WDW members - few grammatical errors and missing punctuation but that’s me being really anal about it.
A really great read - deffo one I will be coming back to.
Possibly the best book from all the SAS:WDW members - few grammatical errors and missing punctuation but that’s me being really anal about it.
A really great read - deffo one I will be coming back to.
March 14, 2021
Another Kindle read to soften the books piling up and squeezing me tighter in my tiny unit..
I’m 54, divorced father of two. Was in the army and had a very short tour of duty in Iraq as a medic. Grew up in a fatherless home. My dad took his own life when I was ten. Mother married a bully and an intimidating man who from age 11-18 bashed the shit out of me both physically and more often mentally. So I’ve been trying to get my shit together ever since. Booze, pills, psychologists, psychiatrists, poor choices, poor decisions and failure to complete or utilise the knowledge of a multitude of self help books. I’ve failed at every attempt to maintain long term significant self improvement. Booze being the winner multiple times and an ever deeper longing to keep drinking. You though should read this book, I must admit I didn’t find Ollie a very likeable person (not that it matters), still his story of his wins, losses and failures and then finally upon finding a meaning and substantial insight by the program where he took Ayahuasca hammered home truth in experience. So will I use this book to try once more to get off my fat lazy arse and improve my outlook? Probably not. I want to. I would like to give it a go. I’m very tired of myself and the disappointment, pain and hurt I have caused others. I am actually sick of the dread, anxiety, uselessness and meaninglessness that I alone have accepted as my lot and importantly what I alone created. Battle Ready is well written, it’s an enjoyable experience and the ideas and prompts to live a good life are worthy. I can see the logic as well as the design behind the madness. So I’m not entirely sold on my readiness to climb out of my self made hole (the book itself is a great read, interesting and I do think the prompts will work if the individual’s mindset is ready to change). How to get ready? That I don’t know. Good book though. I recommend you read it. I guess adapting the philosophy successfully depends on how far down and deep you are in your own self made misery and futility. I want to but unsure...
I’m 54, divorced father of two. Was in the army and had a very short tour of duty in Iraq as a medic. Grew up in a fatherless home. My dad took his own life when I was ten. Mother married a bully and an intimidating man who from age 11-18 bashed the shit out of me both physically and more often mentally. So I’ve been trying to get my shit together ever since. Booze, pills, psychologists, psychiatrists, poor choices, poor decisions and failure to complete or utilise the knowledge of a multitude of self help books. I’ve failed at every attempt to maintain long term significant self improvement. Booze being the winner multiple times and an ever deeper longing to keep drinking. You though should read this book, I must admit I didn’t find Ollie a very likeable person (not that it matters), still his story of his wins, losses and failures and then finally upon finding a meaning and substantial insight by the program where he took Ayahuasca hammered home truth in experience. So will I use this book to try once more to get off my fat lazy arse and improve my outlook? Probably not. I want to. I would like to give it a go. I’m very tired of myself and the disappointment, pain and hurt I have caused others. I am actually sick of the dread, anxiety, uselessness and meaninglessness that I alone have accepted as my lot and importantly what I alone created. Battle Ready is well written, it’s an enjoyable experience and the ideas and prompts to live a good life are worthy. I can see the logic as well as the design behind the madness. So I’m not entirely sold on my readiness to climb out of my self made hole (the book itself is a great read, interesting and I do think the prompts will work if the individual’s mindset is ready to change). How to get ready? That I don’t know. Good book though. I recommend you read it. I guess adapting the philosophy successfully depends on how far down and deep you are in your own self made misery and futility. I want to but unsure...
November 30, 2020
Honest, authentic and raw!
The biggest breakthrough from this book for me, was when Ollie took a trip to Peru with the Heroic Heroes project to embark on a journey to help overcome PTSD in soldiers through the use of the truth plant ayahuasca.
Ollie at 10 years old was attacked by a chimp, this overshadowed a lot of his life and he fell into a victim mentality. This event amongst many others caused a knock on effect throughout his life leading to alcoholism, depression and suicidal thoughts.
Through his ayahuasaca journey one of his visions included seeing himself through the eyes of the chimp before the attack. What he saw and felt was a mother trying to protect her child and not a savage wild animal. The empathy embraced here really resonated and highlighted the importance of empathy and putting ourselves in the other persons shoes. This changes so much!
Other people on the retreat had a similar experience, seeing visions from the perspective of the people they have hurt/people who have hurt them. This is such a healing experience.
Other takeaways include:
You and only you are responsible for your life.
If you want to make a change you have to decide, plan and take action.
Healthy body leads to a healthy mind.
Vizualization is key.
Failure and mistakes are part of the growing process.
Inner progress outweighs material, status and external success.
Great book! 👏🏾
The biggest breakthrough from this book for me, was when Ollie took a trip to Peru with the Heroic Heroes project to embark on a journey to help overcome PTSD in soldiers through the use of the truth plant ayahuasca.
Ollie at 10 years old was attacked by a chimp, this overshadowed a lot of his life and he fell into a victim mentality. This event amongst many others caused a knock on effect throughout his life leading to alcoholism, depression and suicidal thoughts.
Through his ayahuasaca journey one of his visions included seeing himself through the eyes of the chimp before the attack. What he saw and felt was a mother trying to protect her child and not a savage wild animal. The empathy embraced here really resonated and highlighted the importance of empathy and putting ourselves in the other persons shoes. This changes so much!
Other people on the retreat had a similar experience, seeing visions from the perspective of the people they have hurt/people who have hurt them. This is such a healing experience.
Other takeaways include:
You and only you are responsible for your life.
If you want to make a change you have to decide, plan and take action.
Healthy body leads to a healthy mind.
Vizualization is key.
Failure and mistakes are part of the growing process.
Inner progress outweighs material, status and external success.
Great book! 👏🏾
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 2, 2020
This book will change your outlook on life. To quote, this book is for all who come unstuck from time to time. It's a war cry against procrastination. It is about creating positive habits, building resilience, and changing life for the better.
I severed six years in the regular army (TA), Staffordshire Regiment, so was looking for stories of serving in the SBS. I had read, and really enjoyed his first book, break point, and loved the mixture of stories of serving in the special forces and his battle with personal demons.
This book is more a self help book then an account of being a special forces soldier, and to be honest a book I won't normally read. However, saying that this is a must read book, it will generally change your outlook on life.
I will wake up tomorrow on the count of five and draw up a contract with myself to be a better person.
I severed six years in the regular army (TA), Staffordshire Regiment, so was looking for stories of serving in the SBS. I had read, and really enjoyed his first book, break point, and loved the mixture of stories of serving in the special forces and his battle with personal demons.
This book is more a self help book then an account of being a special forces soldier, and to be honest a book I won't normally read. However, saying that this is a must read book, it will generally change your outlook on life.
I will wake up tomorrow on the count of five and draw up a contract with myself to be a better person.
January 2, 2021
3.5 stars. An ok book, but not great. It felt heavily weighted on the author's crappy life before he got his crap together - moving through multiple women, bad relationships, bad decisions, alcohol issues - but light on the more prescriptive "here's how you get your life together" part.
He suggests a number of ways to pull your life together, including daily affirmations, of which I'm no fan. He says, "Your brain doesn't know the difference between reality and what you tell it." Hmm.
The book plays in the low-level space, in the weeds, rather than high level. It's more motivational than actionable. Think Goggins-Lite or Jocko-Extra Lite.
This book would be good for someone who may be trying to pull themselves out of a crisis or an addiction.
He suggests a number of ways to pull your life together, including daily affirmations, of which I'm no fan. He says, "Your brain doesn't know the difference between reality and what you tell it." Hmm.
The book plays in the low-level space, in the weeds, rather than high level. It's more motivational than actionable. Think Goggins-Lite or Jocko-Extra Lite.
This book would be good for someone who may be trying to pull themselves out of a crisis or an addiction.
May 12, 2020
TRULY OUTSTANDING BOOK
I’ve read a lot of books about being a better person/how to get the most out of life etc, and although a lot raise interesting and very valid points I’ve never felt like they’d work in the long term.
However in Battle Ready Ollie breaks things down to their simplest form. He discusses the things he changed in his life, how he did these, the difficulties he had whilst changing them and how the eventual positive changes helped him in his life. He doesn’t claim reading the book will change your life, but simply that it’ll give you the tools to make a change for yourself. Whether you execute this is up to yourself.
Could not recommend any stronger
I’ve read a lot of books about being a better person/how to get the most out of life etc, and although a lot raise interesting and very valid points I’ve never felt like they’d work in the long term.
However in Battle Ready Ollie breaks things down to their simplest form. He discusses the things he changed in his life, how he did these, the difficulties he had whilst changing them and how the eventual positive changes helped him in his life. He doesn’t claim reading the book will change your life, but simply that it’ll give you the tools to make a change for yourself. Whether you execute this is up to yourself.
Could not recommend any stronger
October 18, 2020
Starts well but soon gets repetitive, uses a lot of woo, warmed-over ted-talk/self-help waffle and fake quotes from the internet.
I know a ghost-writer was involved, but he seems not to know the meaning of some of the words he uses, and seems unusually fond of mixed metaphors.
I dunno, maybe some people would like this. Big hairy blokes with tattoos need self-help books from time to time and it's more likely they'll read this than "Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway" so it's probably good that it exists. Not my cup of tea though.
Tea, ayahuasca, whatever.
I know a ghost-writer was involved, but he seems not to know the meaning of some of the words he uses, and seems unusually fond of mixed metaphors.
I dunno, maybe some people would like this. Big hairy blokes with tattoos need self-help books from time to time and it's more likely they'll read this than "Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway" so it's probably good that it exists. Not my cup of tea though.
Tea, ayahuasca, whatever.
May 8, 2020
I enjoyed this. Some of it wasn't relevant to me personally but there were parts I could relate to. I'm sure there's something in here for everyone. Loved the last chapter. Worth it for that part alone. Love all the SAS WDW lads. All inspirational.
October 27, 2020
The guidance in this book is invaluable and extremely helpful!! I’ve suffered with anxiety and depression for the majority of my adult life and this advice made more of a difference to my life than many different therapies!
Ollie you’re incredible, thank you for writing this book!
Ollie you’re incredible, thank you for writing this book!
December 25, 2020
Brilliant book. Well written & really enjoyed the exercises set throughout the book. A lot of things to think about after reading this book, makes you question a lot about life and where you are going
February 18, 2021
A fantastic book and well worth a read for anyone doubting themselves or what’s to others in their lives. I took a lot from this book and now making myself battle ready for my next challenge and life itself.
August 18, 2021
Ollie gives the reader tools to live a positive life with a positive mindset. Very good especially after reading Break Point
July 1, 2020
Loved it
Could not out this book down , I can relate to some of not most of the issues in this book.Great read..
Could not out this book down , I can relate to some of not most of the issues in this book.Great read..
July 23, 2020
A brilliant read and great activities and advice throughout
September 5, 2020
Alot of things were covered in his first book!
December 29, 2020
Yet again this man delivers a sterling read
March 15, 2023
I enjoyed the book and took some useful concepts to use in my life.
April 18, 2025
Bought as a new paperback and then on kindle (as is my want to highlight sections of the book), which allowed me to donate my paper copy to a young friend.
I don't wish to boast (there is a good section on quieting the ego) but as I was reading this book I consciously ticked off routines I already follow and I'm pleased to say I do most of what Oli recommends already!
For that reason and owing to the efficacy of those routines in generally making me feel (both mentally and physically) oh so much better I strongly recommend this book to anyone trying to take on themselves and become, well, just 'better'. I've now bought another hardcopy for a relative, who could (if he so chooses) benefit from judicious application of said routines.
I don't wish to boast (there is a good section on quieting the ego) but as I was reading this book I consciously ticked off routines I already follow and I'm pleased to say I do most of what Oli recommends already!
For that reason and owing to the efficacy of those routines in generally making me feel (both mentally and physically) oh so much better I strongly recommend this book to anyone trying to take on themselves and become, well, just 'better'. I've now bought another hardcopy for a relative, who could (if he so chooses) benefit from judicious application of said routines.
June 22, 2020
It was OK. Lot's of sound advice but often mixed with pseudoscience. Ollie says that the advice he offers has worked for him and that's good enough for most people. I would caution that readers should research things for themselves and not assume automatically that everything in this book is grounded in science.
Perhaps it is not important to be grounded in science for everyone but for me it is hence my review.
His first book, in my opinion, was better. But they are two different types of book.
Have a read, you decide!
Perhaps it is not important to be grounded in science for everyone but for me it is hence my review.
His first book, in my opinion, was better. But they are two different types of book.
Have a read, you decide!
March 10, 2023
A great coaching mentoring advice book
I loved this coaching mentoring guidance book on becoming a better version of yourself. The book is packed full with some great guidance and advice to help you find ways to make a decision to becoming more productive and achieving personal goals.
Each chapters has a homework tasks where you can dig out your journal and write in your ambition objectives for your future.
It's a great read and highly recommend to reread time and time again, especially when writing in your personal journal.
Best wishes, Sean ex RE Sapper
I loved this coaching mentoring guidance book on becoming a better version of yourself. The book is packed full with some great guidance and advice to help you find ways to make a decision to becoming more productive and achieving personal goals.
Each chapters has a homework tasks where you can dig out your journal and write in your ambition objectives for your future.
It's a great read and highly recommend to reread time and time again, especially when writing in your personal journal.
Best wishes, Sean ex RE Sapper
July 31, 2020
Presents a very simple and comprehensive approach to making changes in your life. Lot's of references to other authors and well trodden theories but backed up with some special forces anecdotes and life stories (some repeat here from his first book but doesn't detract). Includes morning routines, goal setting, habit analysis. Easy to read and useful!
March 27, 2021
Although I'm big into self help books, I often find that the advice is very much dependant on the writer's own set of circumstances. This isn't the case with Battle Ready, which besides including thoroughly enjoyable snippets of the author's life, has very well thought out and practical guides to various areas of self improvement, including goal setting, fitness and positive behaviour change.
September 7, 2021
Battle Ready is Ollie Ollerton's life journey so far and superb tips for moving you in the direction to where you want to be. I love the SAS point of view anyway.
The author is genuine and he points out a few of the SAS strategies to help you, the reader. I've used a couple of things to motivate me and they work!
The author is genuine and he points out a few of the SAS strategies to help you, the reader. I've used a couple of things to motivate me and they work!
November 23, 2025
I read this after reading the authors first book and I enjoyed this one just as much.
I found this book to be more self help based and the exercises felt practical but also very universal. The book comes across as being written by someone who has been through struggles and is trying to impart some of their experience in how to turn your life around and get the best out of yourself.
I found this book to be more self help based and the exercises felt practical but also very universal. The book comes across as being written by someone who has been through struggles and is trying to impart some of their experience in how to turn your life around and get the best out of yourself.
October 24, 2020
Really enjoyed this book and it does change your perspective on life. I do feel like some of the use of swearing is inappropriate and the promotion of ayuascha is wrong due to the negative side effects. Overall, this book is a good read but sometimes there are some bits that aren't needed.
6/10
6/10
March 6, 2021
I really enjoyed it, even though I didn't buy it to help me solve any problems its inspiring to live healthy.
Really well written with good exercises to help you be pro active about changing your life.
I am all about the positive books.
Really well written with good exercises to help you be pro active about changing your life.
I am all about the positive books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews