In his book Can’t Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds, David Goggins details his life from childhood till the time he is done writing the book in 2018.
In the first line of the introduction, Goggins asks the reader “DO YOU KNOW WHO YOU REALLY ARE AND WHAT YOU’RE CAPABLE OF? And yes, he asks this in all upper-case type.
Goggins takes you on a journey from growing up in government subsidized housing. Living with a physically and emotionally abusive father. Goggins does not claim this as any type of excuse but states his reality so that the reader knows that although the odds were stacked against him, he found success and drive from within. That no matter what your background or abilities you still have so much more to give than what you think your reality is right now. Goggins is known for running 100+ mile races and most of all for holding until recently the record for most chin-ups in 24 hours at 4030. And yes, for those who have asked, he would come all the way down with his arms fully extended.
When the Turning Point Came
David Goggins is a retired Navy SEAL and is the only member of the U.S. Armed Forces to complete SEAL training (including two Hell Weeks), the U.S. Army Ranger School (where he graduated as Enlisted Honor Man) and Air Force Tactical Air Controller training.[1]
He tells about when his turning point came. While working for an exterminating company, killing roaches for a living. He finally had enough when a ceiling tile came down on him and 100’s of roaches with it. He goes home. Looks in the mirror and decides that enough is enough and sets the bar high. Goggins enlists in the military and from there inquires about becoming a SEAL. At almost 300 pounds he is told that he is too heavy. Three months later he returns weighing 190 pounds.
Two Hell Weeks and Three Graduation Attempts
Goggins goes into detail how he went through two Hell Weeks and after 3 attempts graduates from BUD/S training. (Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) Training (24 weeks). This guy is determined! And he tells the reader that he believes that everyone can do the same. That we all still have 40% more than what we believe we have to give.
This book is filled with many examples of times in Goggins life when he was close to failing but finds the will within to push through his self-imposed boundaries.
I first ran into David Goggins story when listening to him being interviewed on Joe Rogan’s podcast.
The Joe Rogan Experience Podcast #1080
The Joe Rogan Experience Episode #1212
I Dare You Not To Be Motivated To Work Out Every Day
The day I finished listening to this interview I bought the book. After completing the book, I can tell you that it is a rare day that I don’t get a workout in. I DARE you to not be motivated after hearing this man’s story.
If you are looking for motivation. Don’t hesitate to purchase this book. And yes, listen to the interview that Rogan does with him.