Joe De Sena, the founder of Spartan Race, is no stranger to grit, obstacles, and pushing past perceived limits. In 10 Rules for Resilience, he lays out a straightforward framework for living with more toughness, less clutter, and greater purpose.

The format is familiar to anyone who has read self-development books: a list of rules that are universally “good things,” illustrated with examples from the author’s own life. De Sena threads in his background as an entrepreneur and endurance athlete, highlighting the mental and physical trials that shaped his outlook.

A few ideas stuck with me:

• “You can’t until you can. Try the difficult.” A reminder that growth only comes from leaning into what feels out of reach.
• “Your own fears are an obstacle.” Fear, more than external conditions, is what keeps us stuck.
• “Don’t be defined by the times you failed. Be defined by the time you got back up and finished.” Classic but evergreen advice.
• “Less stuff, more commitment to tasks.” Simplify possessions and distractions to increase follow-through.

The opening chapter even includes the obligatory Man in the Arena reference—a passage that seems contractually required in modern motivational writing. It sets the tone: expect some familiar beats, but also practical reframing of resilience.

Overall, the book doesn’t break new ground, but it reinforces valuable lessons in an accessible way. It’s worth a single read if you need a push, but it doesn’t quite land on the “re-read stack.”

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars.