How do you build a seven-figure business while serving as an active-duty Army infantry officer? What separates those who turn ambitious dreams into reality from those who remain perpetually stuck in the planning phase? In “25 Hours a Day: Going One More to Get What You Want,” Nick Bare tackles these questions through the lens of his own remarkable journey from college student to successful entrepreneur and Army Ranger. Bare shares lessons he learned while building his business past seven figures in revenue as a US Army Infantry Officer, growing that business to seven figures by flipping the switch and going all in—then breaking that switch so he could never go back. Rather than offering another collection of motivational platitudes, Bare delivers a practical blueprint for maximizing every available hour to pursue meaningful goals, even when circumstances seem impossible.
The book’s central philosophy revolves around the concept of “going one more” – pushing beyond perceived limits when others would quit. For Bare, this meant “building his brand after working a full day for the army, often while others were asleep. It meant delaying vacations, putting aside luxuries, and focusing on winning back each and every day.” What makes this approach compelling is Bare’s refusal to romanticize the process or present himself as naturally gifted. He makes the point that he’s “an average person with no real superpowers,” positioning his success as the result of systematic effort rather than innate talent. This authenticity permeates the book, making his strategies feel accessible to readers who might otherwise dismiss entrepreneurial advice as applicable only to the exceptionally gifted.
Bare’s military background infuses the book with a disciplined, no-nonsense approach that distinguishes it from typical business memoirs. His experience completing Army Ranger School and serving as an infantry officer provides credibility to his discussions of mental toughness and systematic goal achievement. The book addresses the “massive gap between what you think you can do and what you’re actually capable of doing,” using concrete examples from both his military service and business development to illustrate how ordinary people can accomplish extraordinary things through consistent effort and strategic thinking. The military framework helps readers understand that success requires treating goals like missions – with clear objectives, detailed planning, and unwavering execution regardless of obstacles.
The book’s core message resonates powerfully: “to get anywhere in life, you have to be prepared to pay the price, and do whatever it takes.” However, Bare avoids the trap of glorifying unsustainable hustle culture by emphasizing intelligent effort over mere busyness. His concept of living “25 hours a day” isn’t about working longer hours but about maximizing the impact of available time through better decisions, clearer priorities, and relentless focus on high-value activities. The book succeeds because it transforms abstract concepts like “dedication” and “persistence” into actionable strategies that readers can implement immediately, regardless of their current circumstances or professional obligations.
“25 Hours a Day” stands out in the crowded entrepreneurship genre by combining practical business advice with genuine inspirational content that doesn’t feel manufactured. Bare has created a roadmap for anyone feeling trapped between big dreams and limiting circumstances, proving that extraordinary results come from ordinary people who refuse to accept ordinary effort. As one reader noted, it’s “a realistic book by a real entrepreneur” that gets “wheels turning on how to chase some dreams and goals.” For readers seeking concrete strategies for maximizing their potential while managing existing responsibilities, this book offers both the motivation and the methodology to bridge the gap between aspiration and achievement. Most importantly, it demonstrates that the difference between dreamers and achievers often comes down to one simple choice: the willingness to go one more when everyone else stops.