Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Objective Secure: The Battle-Tested Guide to Goal Achievement

Rate this book
Nick Lavery is an active-duty Green Beret within the United States Army Special Forces. Although injuries sustained in combat resulted in the above-the-knee amputation of his leg- Nick not only remained in the Army, he returned to his Special Forces Detachment and continues conducting combat operations to this day.
Objective Secure is the methodology Nick employed to return to operational status. It is also the methodology he uses today as he continues this unprecedented journey in service to his country. It is a battle tested guide forged by fire-literally.



Authors Intent
Mission: Reader will absorb the principles and vignettes of Objective Secure at times and locations suitable for maximum focus in order to enhance perspective and facilitate achievement.
Expanded Purpose: Objective Secure was developed to enable those striving toward a goal, those who perceive a goal unobtainable, and those struggling to determine a goal.
Key Tasks:
Read
Ruminate
Implement
End state: Reader has unlocked pre-existing potential. Reader is equipped with a newly acquired series of tools and methodology. Reader recognizes anything is possible with an effective mindset and strategy. Reader employs the Objective Secure system and philosophy, resulting in sustained determination, progress, and inspiration to others.

Strap in for an impactful ride as Nick methodically explains the Objective Secure philosophy and system while also providing a glimpse into the events surrounding its necessary creation and implementation.
The intent is simple-provide readers the tools necessary to achieve any goal no matter how farfetched, unlikely, or impractical it may seem. Period.

260 pages, Paperback

Published January 19, 2022

436 people are currently reading
1242 people want to read

About the author

Nick Lavery

1 book14 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
566 (62%)
4 stars
244 (27%)
3 stars
76 (8%)
2 stars
13 (1%)
1 star
4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
Profile Image for Owen Neumayer.
56 reviews
June 18, 2023
Nick Lavery has one of the most inspiring and badass stories i’ve ever heard. He is the definition of the indomitable American spirit and I couldn’t respect his accomplishments more. This book was very inspiring and had some great quotes and advice to live by. He summarizes goal achievement into one tactical definition, that is ‘Objective Secure,’ the art of getting shit done. I urge any and everyone trying to better themselves to pick up Objective Secure.
Profile Image for Dave.
259 reviews20 followers
April 17, 2024
I enjoyed this one, not a long or difficult read per se but full of good info. Some quick takeaways (read this sporadically over the last week or so of travel). Nick Lavery is an inspiring dude for sure and the book vascillates between personal anecdotes of his journey BACK to Special Forces after an above-the-knee amputation due to battle injuries and practical knowledge on how to set and achieve goals. BTW, at the time of the book's publication, he's the ONLY above-the-knee amputee still on active duty.

- "Average gradually becomes easier to accept."

- "Parkinsons Law" is the concept that work expands to fill the space/time available for its completion (i.e. if you have 60min to finish a task but you COULD be done in 30min, you'll take it slow and easy enough to fill the entire 60min). This was discussed in the context of planning out your taskings a bit better to get maximum return on your time/energy investment.

- Talent is what we're born with but skill is earned through hours and hours of dedication to the task

- Always opportunities in setbacks; example provided of "if you break your arm, look at it as an opportunity to train your legs"

- To program the most effective workout program (just one example of a tasking that his methodology can be applied), ensure the highest Central Nervous System taxing takes place toward the front end of the work out when you're "fresh". (If you're not a meathead, certain compound exercises are incredibly taxing on your CNS like heavy deadlifts and squats; the focus on good form and moving the weight requires your WHOLE FOCUS while dumbbell curls and other "accessory" lifts don't really require quite so much attention

- A "community" is important; example provided of running a 100m sprint with people slower than you means you're always the winner but running that same 100m sprint with people FASTER than you means 1) you have to work harder 2) you'll end up running faster just to attempt to keep up

One last takeaway (related to fitness again, ha!);

"When we push hard in these moments of solitude, we turn ourselves into our greatest adversary. We create a world in which nobody can push us as hard as we push ourselves. When we reach this point and get into this stride, we become invincible. From that point on, no instructor or boss or adversary can compete. They cannot induce the same degree of stress upon us as they can on others. We become bulletproof."
4 reviews
July 13, 2024
good book for inspiration as well as providing general structure for goal setting, prioritizing, planning & implementing.
6 reviews
October 31, 2024
Very helpful book. Concise and well written to provide great tools to achieve goals.
93 reviews1 follower
February 15, 2023
Wow, talk about motivation!

This book is the kick-in-the-ass I didn’t know I needed! Nick’s story is amazing and inspiring, but his ability to distill his “objective secure” system into something easy to understand & follow is phenomenal. After reading this book, Nick’s example will move you to want to work harder to be the best possible version of yourself, and his teachings will give you the tools you need to succeed in that mission.
Profile Image for Katie.
120 reviews2 followers
Read
March 12, 2025
This book describes the day and incident in which my cousin died. It was the day the author lived. Same attack. The author does a wonderful job of describing how to overcome adversity. Hard things happen, success comes from learning from our mistakes and never giving up on the things that matter most.
Profile Image for Matthew McMillion.
5 reviews1 follower
December 27, 2023
Picture this: a battlefield in Afghanistan, smoke billowing, the metallic tang of blood in the air. Amidst this mayhem, a Green Beret warrior falls, his right leg shattered by a hail of bullets, but his spirit is unscathed. That warrior? Nick Lavery.

From the crucible of combat, amidst fire and shrapnel, he emerged not as a casualty, but more determined than ever.

After finishing Lavery's book Objective Secure, I was speechless, in awe of this force of nature and the wisdom he's shared with us.

Life throws grenades, both real and metaphorical. And while most authors pen their books from safe, cozy rooms and coffee shops, Lavery inked his from the trenches.

This is much more than just a book. It's a mosaic of pain, triumph, and raw humanity. A compass for life that's been hand-forged in adversity, showing us all the path towards resilience.

"Embrace this philosophy, and you're not just living... you're roaring, resonating, and rebelling against the ordinary."

This book is for everyone, from students to CEOs, to police officers and professors, florists and pharmacists, and all in between. Drink deep from this well. It was written by a soul who's danced with death and come out waltzing.

In Lavery's journey, we find a testament to the human spirit. Not just in surviving, but in emerging from the ruins smarter, wiser, and more resolute than before.
Profile Image for Michael Gagliardi.
48 reviews
June 14, 2025
This is a book I’ve been meaning to read for a while and I’m very glad I did. I discovered Nick on social media about a year ago and quickly looked into his story. Nick is the first and only (if I’m not mistaken) person to return to active duty in a SOF unit as an above the knee amputee. I appreciated that his book not only shared his story and covered things like fitness, mental toughness, and his injury, but it ALSO explained real experiences and game plans that anybody in the world could use to apply to their life to see results. Nick gives a gameplan where it does not matter your goal, so long as you have something you’d like to achieve, and you can tailor the plan to achieving that goal.This is a book that I think would be valuable to everyone.

Also, Nick is an absolute beast. The man is 6 foot 5 and ≈230 lbs WITH ONE LEG. Look up a picture of him. It’s extremely motivating to see his indomitable spirit and work ethic that he displays not only in the book, but on his social media. Nick understands that inputs = outputs. You get out what you put in. And he is going to put in everything he can and that is why he will continue to succeed.
37 reviews21 followers
January 8, 2024
The author should serve as an inspiration for those struggling with life’s greatest challenges. I was first turned on to Nick’s story while listening to one of Jocko Willink’s podcasts. Eventually adding it my reading list I set out to learn more about this very interesting modern day gladiator I had listened to while I traveled.

The book was a relatively easy read with a good mixture of Nick’s real life experience and his take on tackling the most challenging tasks one will encounter. The story of Nick’s life is a five star rating for me and hope there’s enough content for a future story telling on the big screen. As for the remaining content, I found it easy to follow and practical in many respects. Overall though, I feel the principles discussed were not profound or groundbreaking for my leadership experience. This is a highly recommended read for others inspired by human triumph over adversity and setbacks. The author is a highly motivated individual that accepts nothing but success in his life.
Profile Image for Patrick O'Hannigan.
680 reviews
December 2, 2024
As a methodology for identifying and achieving your goals, Objective Secure is first-rate, and active-duty Green Beret Nick Lavery has done the rest of us a service by explaining his own toolkit.

But as a book, Objective Secure reads like a pastiche of training log, motivational speech, and biography. The whole thing would have been a smoother read had Lavery not interrupted his own flow as often as he does so that he can define even seemingly elementary terms in common usage outside the U.S. military. I didn't need a primer on the meanings of words like "focus," "patience," and "procrastination," and still less on "organize" and "prioritize."

That's not to say that Lavery condescends to his readers -- I suspect he knows better than that. One of his salient points is that all of us can tap into a warrior mindset, whether we're in the military or not. But his field guide to goal achievement seems written so that it appeals most to men who don't actually read for pleasure.
191 reviews1 follower
January 17, 2024
Awesome! From start to finish Nick shares his story and his highly successful journey following the greatest adveersity one might experience. In his case the loss of leg as a result of live fire while stationed in Afganistan. This book is a combination of management, leadership, self discipline and drive to a mission and goals and how to attack them for success. In Nick's case to return to active duty as a US Army Green Beret. The constant barrage by medical personnel who originally did not buy into his desire to adapt and overcome the adversity place on him. He talks about his first days at Walter Reed and asking the question how and what did he have to do to return to active duty. NO ONE has ever returned to active duty following an above the knee amputation. He retrained himself to walk, run, swim and all other physical challenges and task placed in front of him for his return. This book is somewhat like a synopsis of that journey. He talks about strength training, nutrition and the varies test that needed to passed inorder to continue and return to active duty statis. He talks about issue in the adaptation to his new leg. He also addresses some of the mental aspect of the struggles within and fight through them. I think everyone could benefit by reading this text. He provides many useful tools for the student, athlete, coach, mentor, manager, sale rep and any other profession or task one work towards.
Profile Image for Kelly Zed.
23 reviews1 follower
March 24, 2023
Nick’s story is fantastical and inspiring from his “odds stacked against him near death experience” to how he not only survived, but thrived. And while the odds any of us endure what Nick did are slim, what is likely is that we all have some 💩 obstacle to overcome. Nick’s book lays a blueprint of how to tackle said 💩 effectively. It won’t happen easily, but he motivates you to keep going. Objective Secure to me is one of those rare books that’ll keep paying dividends if you apply it and keep coming back to it. This book won’t be going on my shelf. It will stay out as a reference guide. There’s talk of a workbook coming out for this and am looking forward to that.
Profile Image for Stacey Kelly.
9 reviews
September 15, 2022
Making your path Objective Secure

Hearing the authors story told adds a few worthy breaks between the intent of the book - sharing a strategy and model to drive improvements and take action for one’s self!

The author has laid bear a blue print model and done an excellent job in sharing how to execute it with ACTION this is where so many fail and yet this writer reminds you how it can be done!
Profile Image for Justinas Rastenis.
194 reviews5 followers
December 16, 2023
Don’t get me wrong the story is five stars. However, I had different expectatios before reading this book as I anticipated this to be more of an autobiography while it is actual a working manual on goal achievement. The book itself provides overall attitude of Nick Lavery to life and achievement and it is useful in understanding the person. Listening it on Audible also unlocks additional commentary and information on the content provided in the book.
Profile Image for Austin.
4 reviews
September 21, 2022
Motivating. Must read!

Nick lays it out real well throughout the book about being the best you. You are the commander, so get out there and make the moves to get where you want to be. Love how he incorporates other guests into his book to talk and how he relates his experiences and how he got through them. Very motivating.
9 reviews
February 10, 2023
Very motivational

Good, easy read. The author uses his own life and experiences to support his "suggestions" on how the reader can appreciate what they have in the present and through work (often hard work) improve their "experience" of life, present and future. Motivating and inspirational.
Profile Image for Tanner Hahn.
16 reviews1 follower
February 12, 2023
Nick came to speak at an event put on by my firm. He is truly the definition of a warrior. His book not only illustrates concepts but guides you on application, from his viewpoint as well as others. At times, it can feel elementary, but that is subjective.

This is a great book to pick up to ensure you allow yourself the tools needed to reach the next level.
Profile Image for carl.
2 reviews
March 27, 2023
Great American

I will never forget you telling me that you wanted to be a Combative instructor after your long battle with recovery! You told me you could do it, but man did you go way beyond that goal! Proud of you brother! You really are the epitome of what it means to be an American Hero! Love the book and tell Toni I said hello. Respectfully, Carl Haskins
Profile Image for Isaac Gross.
40 reviews
April 6, 2023
I didn’t enjoy it. I had to push through it. Not sure if maybe I was just a bit burnt out when I started reading this book or what but it was a struggle to get through.

3 stars. Probably could be higher or lower if you enjoy these type of books. The author has an incredible story and I’d still recommend checking it out.
Profile Image for Chris Neumayer.
8 reviews1 follower
August 7, 2023
Tremendous respect for Nick Avery. This was an intense,and direct book. I enjoyed that very much. The way he looks at life and working out is very relatable for me. Some of his quotes sound just like what I say and or think. Highly recommend this book whether you are already motivated or need some extra drive.
1 review
January 4, 2024
This book was one of the best autobiography’s I have ever read. Nick’s story is amazing and he is a badass. His military achievements are amazing and the way he tackles every goal in his life is inspiring. On top of his story the book also gives you ways to tackle struggles or goals in your life. A must read!
2 reviews
May 6, 2024
Cody Halvorson (Caitlin is my wife)

Absolutely loved this book. An easy read. This book is informative. Inspiring. It has made me realize what I want and where I want to go as an individual, as a father, and as a husband. I didn’t want to put it down. Can’t wait to get started in The Forge.
1 review
September 20, 2022
Captivating, Motivating and Humbling

As a young 2LT aspiring to be a great leader and one day lead the best and become a green beret. Your book has made me re strategize my entire life for the positive. Easy to digest and easy to apply.
Profile Image for Brett Hotchkiss.
18 reviews1 follower
October 1, 2022
Highly recommend!

Get this book, read it, and apply it to your life. You will not regret it. Great read! Inspiring story. Nick is full of grit and tenacity. I plan on reading it again to gain more insight and perspective.
7 reviews
December 18, 2022
Jocko podcast with Nick

Found this gem when listening to Jocko Podcast. If you're unsure whether or not to buy this book, check out that podcast on YouTube or Spotify, then decide. His story has me dizzy with the intensity of his effort. Solid read, no fluff, very useful.
Profile Image for Matthew Brown.
13 reviews
December 28, 2022
Solid, straight forward, tactical outline on how to approach, plan for, and achieve your most ambitious goals. The best part is that it’s backed up by the author’s incredible first hand account from his experience in the military and in active duty combat situations.
Profile Image for Christopher Piehota.
Author 1 book7 followers
March 7, 2023
Great story about a great American

This was a great story of a warrior who overcame devastating injuries to come back and rejoin elite U.S. military Special Forces operation anther most people could not muster for on their best day. Good to read.
3 reviews
March 14, 2023
SUPERB . I’m not a reader but couldn’t put this book down.

A true warrior indeed. I really like how Nick transfers his military challenges and experiences to personal life goals .
Profile Image for Luke Queen.
7 reviews
September 18, 2023
Objective Secure is a must read for anyone who wants to be better than average. Nick Lavery is a American Hero. My favorite quote from this book was “Hard work does not guarantee success, but without there is a guarantee: the guarantee of defeat”
3 reviews
October 8, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. I had the pleasure of actually hearing Nick speak in person. This book has great stories and even more great ways to improve your life and understanding on how to achieve your goals. Would recommend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.