- by Greg Everett
- Hard cover
- 250 pages
True toughness involves far more than what most of us believe and has far greater influence on our success and fulfillment than we imagine. Toughness is defined by four interdependent elements: Character-who are you and are you secure in your identity? Capability-what are you able to do? Capacity-what are you able to withstand? And Commitment-what are you willing to do?
Being truly tough is a genuine command over ourselves and an ever-increasing mastery of the mental, emotional and physical elements that define us and determine the course of our lives. It gives us the fortitude, mindset and tools to not simply survive adversity, but to thrive through it and in its wake. It gives us a broad and always expanding array of capabilities that create self-reliance and confidence, give us access to new opportunities and experiences, and allows us to contribute more than we consume. It ensures we understand who we truly are, and that we ultimately determine that identity and reinforce it daily with our choices and habits. And true toughness allows us to remain committed to our chosen path to achieve what we intend no matter what it is or how difficult the process.
This is not a chest-pounding call for "manly" activity, emotional sterility, and self-flagellation, but a guide to discover and develop our ultimate capacity to withstand adversity, to collect and build the mental and physical tools to accomplish the challenging and incredible, to find security in our identities and the confidence and resilience it engenders, and to become an active and positive contributor to the world at large.
Tough is an inspiring look deep into what makes us tough and why it matters, and provides the practical tools and steps to achieve genuine change in your life.
Praise for Tough
“Tough should be essential reading in every class, every grade and for every person that aspires to be better. As a marathoner, Ironman Triathlete, Road Runner, Swimmer and 24-year Navy SEAL, this book hits every aspect of mental toughness mindset that I used to accomplish all the hard challenges that I faced over the years. The bullseye is hit with the mental and character traits you need for success and how to navigate and use the traits to make you better, and puts you in a position to make the impossible, possible. Truly a remarkable book!”
—D. McBurnett, Navy SEAL (ret), author of Uncommon Grit
“I spent 20+ years evaluating students during some of the military’s toughest selection courses. I know what determination and toughness is. I also know failure. I wish I had this book to reference for those who lost focus and faltered. Tough is the most in-depth and comprehensive book on mental toughness I’ve seen. From the boardroom to the backcountry, Tough has something to offer everyone.”
—John Barklow, US Navy (ret)
"Powerful self-reflection with an emphasis on integrated personal development. An important read for anyone looking to sharpen their most vital tool ... the mind."
—Mark Divine, SEAL Commander (ret), founder of SEALFIT and NYT best selling author of Unbeatable Mind and The Way of the SEAL
“Greg Everett has written an inspiring and enlightening read for anyone looking to understand what being tough truly means…and why it matters. As a coach, he shares practical tools and incentives that will help to build confidence and create disciplined habits to support your goals.”
—Emily Fletcher, Founder of Ziva Meditation and best selling author of Stress Less, Accomplish More
“It's interesting timing for the release of Tough. We are in the midst of a global pandemic that has changed our lives in ways few of us could have imagined a few years ago, yet the need for physical, emotional and mental resilience (toughness) is an indispensable tool to help us move forward and not just survive, but thrive. Greg Everett's deep insights on this topic, garnered from personal athletic endeavors, coaching and entrepreneurship encompass the message we all need, now and going forward.”
—Robb Wolf, bestselling author of the Paleo Solution and Sacred Cow
“Tough sets the standard for awareness and recognition of what toughness actually is. The cerebral concepts and explanations of the human reaction to mental and physical challenges coupled with the simple essentials required to overcome those challenges will enable unbelievable success for every reader.”
—Travis Denman MSG (ret), 22 year Special Forces Veteran
"Greg has done a terrific job of taking the intangible attribute of toughness and given us a concrete, actionable, step-by-step process for understanding it and adopting it into our own lives. I am recommending this book to all of my athletes."
—Ben Bergeron, elite CrossFit coach, best selling author of Chasing Excellence
“No one is immune to difficult times, hence the importance of toughness. Fortunately, Greg has done an excellent job at detailing an actionable approach to developing this essential attribute that is largely missing in today’s world. Tough is highly recommended reading.”
—Ross Enamait, professional boxing coach
“Leave it to none other than the razor sharp Greg Everett of Catalyst Athletics to have us laughing out loud at precisely the same moment we also realized we could stand to be a little tougher. Deconstructing the stereotypical image of what we’ve come to associate with “toughness,” he shows us the true nature of toughness and perhaps more importantly how to get there. This book is likely to make you laugh and nod in unison, and most certainly will light a fire under you.”
—Jocelyn Forest Haynes, NCAA D1 National Champion & MVP and National Pro Champion & MVP Professional softball pitcher, national championship medalist weightlifter
“Toughness is something that is widely misunderstood in our modern culture. We either don’t believe we have it, or we overestimate it in ourselves. We often have misguided and negative opinions of it. In spite of all of this, it is necessary for a happy, fulfilling life and it is mandatory for surviving adversity. The question you end up asking is, “what is toughness, and how do I achieve it? In Tough, Greg Everett nails the elusive concept of being tough in a way that has not been done before. As someone who knows a thing or two about toughness, I was blown away by Greg’s ability to frame the concept of toughness and break it down for anyone to be able to digest and apply in their own lives. As Greg says, “being tough is less about what we do, than how we do it—and why.” If you wonder how you can face adversity, improve your training in sports or self-defense, or just be better equipped to withstand the trials of life, read this book. It just might change your life.”
—Varg Freeborn, author of Violence of Mind, Violence and Self-Defense Educator and Strength Coach
“Life has a way of challenging us when we are most vulnerable. Tough is a great litmus test that will help you flush out your weak points. It is a comprehensive guide for all citizens that will help build the mental, physical, and emotional intelligence necessary to thrive... or you can just hope things work out.”
—Tamara Holmes, firefighter, competitive weightlifter, Team USA Baseball player, Women’s World Cup of Baseball Offensive Player of the Tournament
“A very informative and amazing book about toughness that really resonates with me being a professional athlete. Nothing in life is easy and there will always be adversity, but how you can persevere through is really what makes you stronger.”
—Lauren Fisher, CrossFit Games competitor, junior national champion weightlifter
“This is the first time I’ve read a book that truly examines both the mental and physical aspects of toughness. It is a must read. Do not miss the opportunity to embark on this amazing journey.“
—Leo San Juan, Marine Reconnaissance combat veteran
“In our society today we have such a low tolerance for discomfort of any sort that many people complain about the most absurd “problems.” We whine about our lattes being cold, waiting at a stoplight for longer than we anticipated, or dropped calls on our cellphones. We have lost touch with what it means to be tough—Everett nails it in this thorough breakdown and masterful explanations about character, discipline, mental and physical toughness and his step-by-step approach on how to achieve toughness.”
—Tim Burke, Green Beret (ret), SFAS Cadre, Founder of The Tactical Games