Embrace the Suck

Summary

The book is divided into three parts, each of which focuses on a different aspect of building resilience and mental toughness. Part one discusses the importance of embracing discomfort and accepting the challenges that come with pursuing ambitious goals. Part two delves into the practical steps that can be taken to build resilience, including developing a growth mindset, cultivating discipline, and building a support system. Part three focuses on how to apply these principles to leadership and entrepreneurship, including how to build resilient teams and create a culture of resilience.

“Resilience is not just about bouncing back from adversity, it’s about using that adversity to propel you forward.”

BIG IDEA 1: Embracing discomfort and accepting the “suck” is an essential step in building resilience and achieving success

Author Brent Gleeson argues that embracing discomfort and accepting the “suck” is a critical step in building resilience and achieving success. Gleeson, a former Navy SEAL, draws on his own experiences and those of other high-achieving individuals to illustrate the importance of this mindset. He suggests that we all face challenges and difficulties in our personal and professional lives, and that it’s our ability to embrace those challenges head-on that ultimately determines our success. Gleeson explains that “embracing the suck” means acknowledging that discomfort and adversity are inevitable parts of the journey towards achieving our goals, and that by accepting and even embracing these challenges, we can build the mental and emotional resilience necessary to overcome them.

Gleeson notes that many people are uncomfortable with discomfort and will do whatever they can to avoid it. However, he argues that this is a short-sighted approach that ultimately limits our potential for growth and success. Instead, Gleeson encourages readers to lean into discomfort and use it as a tool for growth and self-improvement. He suggests that by actively seeking out uncomfortable situations and challenges, we can build our tolerance for discomfort and develop the mental toughness needed to persevere through difficult times.

Moreover, Gleeson suggests that embracing discomfort can help us develop a growth mindset, which is the belief that we can improve our abilities and skills through hard work and dedication. This mindset allows us to view challenges and failures as opportunities for growth and learning, rather than setbacks to be avoided. By embracing discomfort and cultivating a growth mindset, we can build resilience and achieve success even in the face of adversity.

Overall, Gleeson’s first big idea emphasizes the importance of embracing discomfort and accepting the “suck” as an essential step in building resilience and achieving success. By acknowledging and even embracing discomfort and adversity, we can develop the mental and emotional resilience needed to overcome challenges and achieve our goals. Gleeson’s insights are particularly valuable for individuals who are looking to build their mental toughness, develop a growth mindset, and achieve their full potential.

BIG IDEA 2: Practical steps such as developing a growth mindset, cultivating discipline, and building a support system can help build resilience and mental toughness

The second big idea in Embrace the Suck is all about practical steps that individuals can take to develop resilience and mental toughness. According to Gleeson, resilience is a skill that can be developed and strengthened through intentional effort and practice. One of the key steps in building resilience is developing a growth mindset. This involves embracing challenges and setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning, rather than viewing them as threats or signs of failure.

Another important aspect of building resilience is cultivating discipline. This means establishing routines and habits that support your goals, even when it feels uncomfortable or difficult to do so. Gleeson emphasizes the importance of developing mental and physical discipline, such as by regularly engaging in physical exercise, meditation, or other activities that require focus and self-control.

Finally, building a support system is another key step in developing resilience. This means surrounding yourself with people who can provide encouragement, motivation, and accountability. Gleeson suggests seeking out mentors and coaches who can offer guidance and perspective, as well as building relationships with peers who share your goals and values.

Overall, Gleeson emphasizes that building resilience and mental toughness requires consistent effort and intentional action. By embracing discomfort and setbacks as opportunities for growth, developing a growth mindset, cultivating discipline, and building a support system, individuals can become more resilient and better equipped to face the challenges that come their way.

BIG IDEA 3: Resilience is a critical trait for leadership and entrepreneurship, and building a culture of resilience can lead to greater success and innovation

In “Embrace the Suck,” Gleeson argues that resilience is a critical trait for leaders and entrepreneurs to possess. Those who are resilient are better able to handle setbacks and adapt to changing circumstances, making them more likely to succeed in the long run. Gleeson also argues that building a culture of resilience within an organization can lead to greater success and innovation.

To build resilience in oneself, Gleeson suggests several strategies. One is to focus on developing a growth mindset. This means embracing challenges as opportunities for growth and learning, rather than seeing them as threats. Another key strategy is to cultivate discipline. This means setting clear goals, prioritizing tasks, and avoiding distractions. Gleeson also emphasizes the importance of building a support system. This includes seeking out mentors, forming strong relationships with colleagues, and finding ways to maintain a positive outlook.

But resilience is not just an individual trait—it is also a cultural one. To build a culture of resilience, Gleeson argues that leaders must set the tone by modeling resilient behavior themselves. This means being transparent about setbacks and failures, and showing employees that it is possible to learn and grow from these experiences. Leaders can also create a sense of purpose and meaning within the organization by emphasizing the impact that their work has on others.

Gleeson highlights several real-world examples of companies that have successfully built cultures of resilience. One is Zappos, the online shoe retailer known for its unconventional corporate culture. Zappos has a strong emphasis on employee well-being, with perks such as free snacks, nap rooms, and a dedicated wellness team. This focus on employee happiness has led to high levels of engagement and low turnover, making Zappos a model for other companies to follow.

In addition to the strategies outlined above, Gleeson also emphasizes the importance of self-care in building resilience. This includes taking care of one’s physical health through regular exercise and a healthy diet, as well as engaging in activities that promote mental and emotional well-being, such as mindfulness meditation and spending time with loved ones.

Overall, “Embrace the Suck” provides a compelling argument for the importance of resilience in leadership and entrepreneurship. By embracing discomfort and cultivating resilience, individuals and organizations can thrive in the face of adversity and achieve greater success in the long run.

“In order to become mentally tough, you have to be willing to do things that most people aren’t willing to do.”

Conclusion

“Embrace the Suck” is an inspiring and practical guide to building resilience and achieving success. Through personal stories, research, and practical advice, Brent Gleeson provides readers with the tools and mindset needed to overcome challenges and thrive in difficult situations. The book emphasizes the importance of embracing discomfort, developing discipline, and building a support system to build resilience and mental toughness. Gleeson also highlights the critical role of resilience in leadership and entrepreneurship and offers insights on building a culture of resilience in organizations. Overall, “Embrace the Suck” is a must-read for anyone looking to build resilience and achieve success in their personal or professional life.

About the Author

Brent Gleeson is a former Navy SEAL and now a leadership consultant, speaker, and entrepreneur. During his time in the military, Gleeson served in Iraq and Africa, earning numerous awards for his leadership and combat service. After leaving the military, he co-founded a leadership and management consulting firm called TakingPoint Leadership, where he advises business leaders on strategy, organizational culture, and leadership development. Gleeson is also a regular contributor to Forbes and has been featured in a variety of media outlets, including CNN, Fox News, and The Wall Street Journal. Overall, Gleeson’s work focuses on leadership, resilience, and overcoming challenges, drawing on his experiences in the military and business world.