david goggins can't hurt me book review

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New York Times Bestseller

CAN'T HURT ME

Master your mind and defy the odds.

by David Goggins ‧ RELEASE DATE: Dec. 4, 2018

Guaranteed to galvanize more than a few couch potatoes into action.

A former Navy SEAL explains his take-no-prisoners approach to life in this candid memoir/self-help book. 

“I should have been a statistic,” admits debut author Goggins. A childhood marked by abuse and racial prejudice seemed to leave him destined for a life of struggle and failure. But after nearly flunking out of high school, Goggins got tough on himself, realizing that he’d never fulfill his dream of joining the military if he didn’t shape up fast. And shape up he did, eventually becoming a Navy SEAL, celebrated endurance athlete, and one-time Guinness World Record holder for the most pull-ups performed in a 24-hour period. Yet as a teen, Goggins barely made it into the Air Force after failing the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test twice. Later, he had to drop 100 pounds in three months in order to join the SEALs. His laundry list of accomplishments is impressive, and he tells his remarkable story in a direct, conversational way, though his language is often raw. Much of the book recounts the author’s experiences in military training and competing in ultramarathons and endurance sports, offering a fascinating peek into those subcultures (expect a few graphic photos of what toes look like after running a 100-plus-mile race). He also speaks frankly about his moments of doubt and failure. Each chapter ends with challenges to complete. The goal is to bring readers “nose-to-concrete with your own bullshit limits you didn’t even know were there.” According to Goggins, most people are operating at about 40 percent of their true capability, and he makes a convincing case that tapping into that unused 60 percent is largely a matter of mental discipline. Doing so requires fortitude and sacrifice—Goggins admits he “lived like a monk” to achieve his level of success—but will eventually lead to “self-mastery.” And through all the tough talk, he also offers words of encouragement: “Your small victories are your cookies to savor.” Some might find Goggins’ intensity a bit intimidating, but there’s no doubt his story is inspiring.

Pub Date: Dec. 4, 2018

ISBN: 978-1-5445-1228-0

Page Count: 364

Publisher: Lioncrest Publishing

Review Posted Online: Dec. 18, 2018

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2019

Review Program: Kirkus Indie

GENERAL NONFICTION

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THE ELEMENTS OF STYLE

50th anniversary edition.

by William Strunk & E.B. White ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 15, 1972

Stricter than, say, Bergen Evans or W3 ("disinterested" means impartial — period), Strunk is in the last analysis...

Privately published by Strunk of Cornell in 1918 and revised by his student E. B. White in 1959, that "little book" is back again with more White updatings.

Pub Date: May 15, 1972

ISBN: 0205632645

Page Count: 105

Publisher: Macmillan

Review Posted Online: Oct. 28, 2011

Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 1972

by E.T.A. Hoffmann ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 28, 1996

This is not the Nutcracker sweet, as passed on by Tchaikovsky and Marius Petipa. No, this is the original Hoffmann tale of 1816, in which the froth of Christmas revelry occasionally parts to let the dark underside of childhood fantasies and fears peek through. The boundaries between dream and reality fade, just as Godfather Drosselmeier, the Nutcracker's creator, is seen as alternately sinister and jolly. And Italian artist Roberto Innocenti gives an errily realistic air to Marie's dreams, in richly detailed illustrations touched by a mysterious light. A beautiful version of this classic tale, which will captivate adults and children alike. (Nutcracker; $35.00; Oct. 28, 1996; 136 pp.; 0-15-100227-4)

Pub Date: Oct. 28, 1996

ISBN: 0-15-100227-4

Page Count: 136

Publisher: Harcourt

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1996

More by E.T.A. Hoffmann

BOOK REVIEW

by E.T.A. Hoffmann ; adapted by Natalie Andrewson ; illustrated by Natalie Andrewson

by E.T.A. Hoffmann & illustrated by Julie Paschkis

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10 Lessons in Grit and Achievement From Former Navy SEAL David Goggins

As he details in his new book Can't Hurt Me , grit is earned—and you're probably much stronger than you ever imagined.

Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Why Trust Us?

“Motivation is crap.”

That’s how David Goggins introduces his new book, Can’t Hurt Me . It’s an early glimpse into the type of raw, unflinching language the former Navy SEAL uses in his combination autobiography/self-help book, as he relates the tale of how he transformed from an abused child on welfare to a guy stuck in a dead-end job as a 300-pound exterminator to the U.S.’ thirty-sixth African-American SEAL. In what Goggins says is “no pep talk,” he describes his training, diet and mindset in excruciating and colorful detail as he becomes a two-time finisher of Navy SEAL “Hell Week” training—running through most of the third round on broken shins—and as he develops into an elite ultra-marathoner and, eventually, a wildland firefighter in Montana.

Can't Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds

But Goggins can’t help being motivating. He peppers his 11 chapters with lines straight out a rousing halftime speech, encouraging you to “smile at pain” and insisting that “victory often comes down to bringing your very best when you feel your worst.” His main message, though, is about cultivating mental discipline—what the author calls a “calloused mind”—so that you can push through your perceived limits.

Whether you’re just starting out in life or are a seasoned professional, and whether your dream is to be a Navy SEAL, to reach the top of your profession, or just to live a healthier life, Goggins’ story has powerful lessons for setting and reaching goals. Here are 10 lessons on achieving from the world’s toughest man.

1. Get real with yourself: Name the enemy.

Many stories of redemption and drastic change start with a feeling of “hitting rock bottom.” For Goggins, that bottom happened in front of the bathroom mirror, facing himself down as a barely literate, overweight high schooler. It was there, Goggins writes, that he spoke to himself and laid out all his weaknesses and fears.

“I didn’t dance around and say, ‘Geez, David, you are not taking your education very seriously.’ No, I had to own it in the raw,” he writes. “If you don’t know shit and have never taken school seriously, then say, ‘I’m dumb!’ Tell yourself that you need to get your ass to work because you’re falling behind in life.”

You don’t need to hit rock bottom to do this. Stand in front of the mirror and be honest with yourself about your weaknesses, whether they’re physical, in your career, or part of your relationships. Be truly honest and name the enemy. Then you’ll know what you need to improve and have a great basis for setting your goals.

2. Check in with the mirror daily.

Goggins has a hack called the “Accountability Mirror.” He pasted sticky notes around the outside outlining not only his goals, but small steps he’d need to take to accomplish those goals. Each day, he would review those notes to keep himself accountable.

Often we make a goal—even writing it down—and put it in a drawer, forgetting it. Keeping your goals in plain sight can keep replenishing your motivation to reach them. No less a goal-setter than Arnold Schwarzenegger has suggested posting imagery of how you want to look in a place where you’ll see it each day—like your bathroom mirror, bedroom, or as your phone’s lock screen.

Breaking goals down as Goggins suggests sounds like basic stuff, but it really does help with long-term achievement: Scientists from the University of Chicago found that when people who were chasing long-term goals had immediate, small successes, they were more successful overall than those who focused on the long-term benefits. Using sticky notes with really small tasks that push you towards your goal can help: You can check them off, put a win on the board, and feel the gratification of immediate success as you push towards the long-term want.

3. Visualize success.

Before he ever became a SEAL, Goggins says, he visualized it. Not dreamed it, but really experienced succeeding in his mind: “I’d imagine myself going through BUD/S [training], diving into cold water, and crushing Hell Week.”

This isn’t a groundbreaking strategy. But he didn’t stop there: When he became an ultra runner, Goggins would drive his course, not only creating a race plan, but visualizing what he would feel like at each point in the race, “visualizing success but also potential challenges,” he says. “You can’t prepare for everything, but if you engage in strategic visualization ahead of time, you’ll be as prepared as you can possibly be.”

Olympic luge athletes do this, too. Before a race, you can see them performing closed-eyes, mental run-throughs of the entire course, anticipating how they will feel both physically and mentally. Visualization can also have non-mental results In one study , weight lifters who visualized sets of exercises in their minds in addition to their actual workouts gained more strength than those who did just the real-world workout.

Take your own plan and list of tasks on the road to your goal, and visualize each: What challenges will you face? How will you face them? And how will you feel when you’ve succeeded?

4. Don’t skip out on the last rep when you’re training!

To qualify for Navy SEAL training, Goggins had to lose more than 100 pounds in 3 months, and put himself through marathon daily workouts to accomplish his goal. One day, when he’d done more than 100 pull-ups, he did just 11 in his last set when he’d planned on 12 reps.

The lost rep haunted him: Goggins knew that if he cut corners, he wouldn’t achieve his dream. So he went back and re-did the entire pull-up workout later that night, finishing them all after doubling up for the day.

You probably aren’t as intense as Goggins in the gym, but cutting out with one rep to go is no good for regular guys, either: You’ve probably seen studies that indicate that lifting light weights can give the same strength and size gains as heavier weights. But in each of those studies, those gaining with light weights were training to failure, meaning they couldn’t eke out even one more rep. If you’re leaving one in the tank at the end of your workout, you’re not training to failure—and not getting those gains.

5. Apply progressive overload not just in your workouts, but in your life.

Progressive overload is one of the most basic strength training principles . It’s the idea that in each workout or phase of your plan, you should be doing more work (in load or volume) than you did the last time around. That way, you keep progressing.

Goggins suggests applying this principle not just in the gym, but in the rest of your life: If your focus is to read more, measure your past performance and use it as a new bench mark. “Read a record number of books in a given month,” he says. “If you’re focused on intellectual growth, train yourself to study harder and longer than ever before.”

It may not always be easy to measure, but finding a way to show you’re improving may help you progress outside the gym as well as within the iron temple.

6. Celebrate your success with work.

Wait, what? When you’re successful, you probably feel like you’ve earned a pizza, a party, or a pizza party. Goggins is no stranger to celebrating with a pie—he fondly remembers eating a whole one after finishing SEAL “Hell Week.”

But he also values keeping the momentum of achievement going. After passing his aptitude test to gain admittance to the Navy on his third try, Goggins says he celebrated with an epic session of training: “The following morning and for the next three weeks, I spent time in the pool, strapped with a 16-pound weight belt,” he writes. “I swam underwater for 50 meters at a time and walked the length of the pool underwater, with a brick in each hand, all on a single breath.”

When you’ve achieved a goal, celebrate, but also stack: Let the momentum and attitude it took to achieve that milestone carry you into starting on your next victory.

7. Know why you’re in the fight to stay in the fight.

Due to medical complications and injury, Goggins had to endure Navy SEAL training’s “Hell Week” three times. It’s multiple days of sleepless physical tests and mental pounding meant to whittle down the ranks to the world’s toughest. And the only thing that kept Goggins going was knowing the answer to a simple question: Why am I here?

When you’re faced with a bit of discomfort or a tough situation that could derail you on track to your goals, Goggins says, “If you … have the answer ready, you will be equipped to make the split-second decision to ignore your weakened mind and keep moving. Know why you’re in the fight to stay in the fight!”

8. Use your past successes to create your own second winds.

Goggins didn’t train properly for his first ultramarathon, and as you might expect, found himself in agony. Determined to finish, he dipped into what he calls his mental “cookie jar,” a repository of remembrances of things he’d overcome in the past.

“Remembering what you’ve been through and how that has strengthened your mindset can lift you out of a negative brain loop and help you bypass those weak, one-second impulses to give in,” he says. “Even if you’re feeling low and beat down by life right now, I guarantee you can think of a time or two when you overcame odds and tasted success.”

When you’re feeling yourself lagging or falling behind, load up your own “cookie jar” list: Use the memory of how you overcame those obstacles, and how it felt, to get to your next win.

Goggins also went on to set the World Record for most pullups in 24 hours, 4030 in 2013; and he climbed Mt. Everest on a VersaClimber, 29,029 feet in three hours and 33 minutes in 2017.

9. “You will feel alone. You will feel insecure. Get over it!”

Goggins calls these his “laws of nature.” When you’re striving to achieve, you’re going to feel lonely, doubted, insecure, and ridiculed.

Just as with the “Accountability Mirror,” Goggins suggests being honest with yourself: “You have to be willing to go to war with yourself and create a whole new identity.”

Easier said than done: But like with the modeling suggested for the mirror above, it works here, too. Look up the people who inspire you with their success, and read about how they struggled (or continue to struggle): Whether it was overcoming financial troubles, like Dwayne Johnson, overcoming a physical impediment like a young Theodore Roosevelt, or being told “no” by nearly every publisher like Tim Ferriss, there’s someone you can model—so you can get over it.

10. The harder you try, the harder your life becomes.

Goggins actually said this at a time of despair: When he was nursing an injury that had knocked him out of SEAL training for a second time, he logged this complaint to his mother.

But it’s not just a complaint: It’s a reality for anyone who strives to achieve big things, and it’s the crux of this inspiring book. Coasting through life doing the bare minimum is relatively easy. Achieving is hard. The harder you try, the harder life becomes—to your benefit.

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Can't Hurt Me by David Goggins: Book Summary, Review & Notes

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This is the most inspiring book I've ever read. I think I can say it ignited a fire in me. The fire is about perseverance, about never giving up, about never-ending, about moving forward forever.

But this book is more than inspiring. It is also about tactics. It is about specific tactics that can be applied in specific and variable situations. The tactics are Goggins' weapon. He built different weapons during different hard tasks and then he used these weapons to conquer more harder tasks. 

Every task he finished, every hell train he went through, every test he passed, every ultrarun he finished, every impossible he made possible, became his cookies in his cookie jar.

This book is the autobiography of David Goggins , a former US Navy SEAL. It tells how he fought back from a miserable childhood to become an outstanding US military member, and constantly challenged the limits of his physical fitness to become the world's top ultramarathon runner, even breaking A Guinness World Record for pull-ups. 

David Goggins lived under the influence of domestic violence and exploitation by his father as a child, and later his mother ran away from home to live in rural Indiana. In this predominantly white community, he suffered discrimination and had no intention of learning to overeat and become obese. 

The turning point came when he made up his mind to join the U.S. Air Force to change his destiny. He began to study and exercise hard, lost 100 pounds in just three months, passed the exam, and finally successfully joined the Air Force School. 

Later, he passed a series of tests and became the only person in history to complete the hellish training of the U.S. Marine Corps (Navy Seal), Army Ranger (Army Ranger), and Air Force Air Tactical Air Control (Air Force Air Tactical Air Control). 

He later became interested in extreme sports such as ultra-marathons and triathlons and ranked first in the Badwater-135, the toughest sport in the world. But in fact, he was full of injuries. He discovered that he had congenital heart disease and various sports injuries, but he did not give up. 

After three attempts, he broke the Guinness world record for the most pull-ups completed in 24 hours. After retiring from the U.S. Army, he became a wildland fire rescue firefighter and continued to challenge his physical potential.

Book Summary

Can't Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds is the autobiography of former Navy SEAL David Goggins . This book was very popular after it was published last year. 

It has appeared on major book lists in Europe and the United States and has a score of 4.55 (out of 5) on Goodreads, a well-known book community.

Buy from Amazon

Can't Hurt Me tells the story of how an ordinary black teenager grew up to become a Navy SEAL and the world's top athlete. The life experience of the author David Goggins is very inspiring. 

Although he grew up in a middle-class neighborhood in Buffalo, his childhood was full of shadows - his father had serious violent tendencies and often beat and exploited family members. 

Later, his mother found an opportunity and took him away from home, getting rid of his father's control. But the situation has not improved. 

Because of his black identity and having fallen behind in too much homework, he was discriminated against by his classmates and teachers at school and lived in great anxiety and pain every day.

The turning point came when he was about to sign up to join the Air Force. David Goggins has always had a dream to join the Air Force, but joining the Air Force also requires taking an exam. 

Because he had neglected his studies and had a poor foundation, he failed the exam. Even his mother expressed her disappointment to him. David Goggins came home and saw himself in the mirror, fat and accomplishing nothing, and determined to change everything. He began working out and studying hard, eventually joining the Air Force. 

After leaving the Air Force, he worked hard to join the Marine Corps, which may be one of the most demanding branches in the world, and graduated with excellent grades. But he did not stop challenging himself. 

He then challenged the Badwater-135, the world's most difficult ultra-long marathon, and achieved a high ranking. At present, he is still constantly breaking through and challenging himself, pushing the potential of his body and mind to the limit.

The book Can't Hurt Me is very passionate to read. In the eyes of some people, David Goggins even looks like a madman, because the things he does are almost self-abuse and beyond the scope of normal people's understanding. 

But in his view, if we want to succeed, we need to avoid living like a frog in warm water and constantly challenge our own limits (this belief may be related to his turbulent childhood experience, and he needs to find new opportunities by constantly challenging himself). sense of security). Regarding challenging yourself, there are several principles in the book worth learning from:

(1) Check your goals every day

To achieve goals, David Goggins adopted a strategy called "Accountability Mirror": He posted the goals to be accomplished every day and the preparations needed to accomplish them next to the mirror so that he could remind himself every day what tasks needed to be accomplished. 

Many times we forget about our goals after setting them. In this case, we might as well try the author's method to help us take action through some simple tips. At the same time, the author also breaks down long-term tasks into simple small tasks, so that they are easier to execute.

(2) Be prepared in advance

Before David Goggins ran an ultra-marathon, he imagined in his mind what challenges he would encounter during the marathon and how to overcome them. 

He even imagined the joy and achievement he would feel at the moment of completing the marathon. feel. He had run the race in his mind countless times before starting it. 

This strategy is also widely used by other professional athletes. For example, skiers will go through the entire track in their minds before competing, imagining how their bodies will feel at each turn and the difficulties they may encounter. 

This can help them plan accordingly. Make preparations before the game. We can also adopt this method when completing tasks and prepare in advance for problems that may be encountered during the task, which can increase the success rate.

(3) Motivate yourself through past successful experiences

The process of achieving your goals can never be smooth sailing, and even the most positive and optimistic people will have moments when they feel discouraged. 

Regarding this situation, the author's approach is to imagine past successful experiences to give himself positive hints and overcome psychological barriers:

Remembering what you've been through and how that has strengthened your mindset can lift you out of a negative brain loop and help you bypass those weak, one-second impulses to give in…Even if you're feeling low and beaten down by life right now, I guarantee you can think of a time or two when you overcame the odds and tasted success.

(4) Get out of your comfort zone

The author believes that most of us only give up at most 40% of our efforts and give up halfway. We still have a lot of potential that has not been tapped. To truly realize our potential, we need to jump out of our comfort zone and increase our limits:

Most of us give up when we've only given around 40 percent of our maximum effort. Even when we feel like we've reached our absolute limit, we still have 60 percent more to give! [...] 

Once you know that to be true, it's simply a matter of stretching your pain tolerance, letting go of your identity and all your self-limiting stories, so you can get to 60 percent, then 80 percent, and beyond without giving up. 

I call this The 40% Rule, and the reason it's so powerful is that if you follow it, you will unlock your mind to new levels of performance and excellence in sports and in life, and your rewards will run far deeper than mere material success.

The principles used by the author in his own growth experience are very simple, but they can really help us make progress. This book is perfect for keeping at your bedside as an inspirational read. 

Reading it when you feel confused can definitely cheer you up. At the same time, the vocabulary of this book is not very difficult, and the language used by the author is very simple and straightforward.

Book Review

Deep reading | Lose 100 pounds in 100 days, a bastard turned into an American military idol, he said that only by stepping out of the comfort zone can you have a strong life

Why, after hearing so many truths, can I still not live a good life?

This is what we often joke about ourselves.

Perhaps, most of us just live in our comfort zone, but have never tried to step out, or push ourselves, and we will never know how much potential we have.

Today I’m going to talk about a man who transformed himself from a depressed, obese, 300-pound loser with no future into an idol in the U.S. Army and one of the world’s top endurance athletes.

How did this American grassroots tough guy counterattack, take his destiny into his own hands, and exert 100% of his energy?

Below, we would like to use the first person to tell this "inspirational life".

If life were compared to a deck of cards, there would probably be few people with worse cards than me.

My name is David Goggins . I was born in 1975. I grew up in a middle-class area called "Paradise Street", where my family of four lived in a bungalow.

My father is a typical successful businessman. We also have a Rolls-Royce and a Mercedes-Benz 450 SLC parked in our back garden. To others, our family looks like a typical middle-class person realizing the "American Dream".

But there are always hidden secrets beneath the surface.

Living in Paradise Street, I have been with the "devil" since I was a child. This demon is none other than my biological father.

He would always greet his neighbors with a smile, but after the neighbors left, he would turn around and look angry at us.

My brother, my mother, and I had to work all night for him every night so that we were drowsy when we went to school the next day.

I was afraid of going to gym class because short-sleeved shorts would expose my scarred body. If anyone found out, my father would definitely not be able to spare me.

At that time, my father opened a roller skating rink, and the three of us, mother and son, worked as cows and horses for him, but if we made the slightest mistake, he would beat us severely.

Every penny of such hard work belongs to him, and we get nothing in return for our sweat.

No one knows this. He always looks hypocritical to the outside world, and he even has a high prestige in everyone's hearts.

Even now when I think back on it, many things still make me feel extremely hurt.

He treats prostitutes better than he treats us, mother and son.

One day his mother saw him having sex with a prostitute. She was angry, but he didn't care.

Because he knew that she was unable to leave us alone, and Mother could not leave us to this devil. They were not married, and she had no right to property division.

Once he beat my mother until her face was covered with blood. As a young child, I rushed over to beat him and shouted at him: Don't hit my mother.

He sneered and said to his mother: Look at the little rascal you gave birth to.

In my heart, the hatred for this demon is growing all the time. Sometimes I will resist, but I will only be beaten crazily.

For us at that time, life had no hope.

My mother seemed to have lost her soul. She worked every day just to please the devil, just so that we would no longer be beaten by him.

One time, this devil put a gun to my forehead. I really hoped he would shoot me.

At 8 years old, I am already tired of such a hopeless life. I no longer care whether I live or die.

Later, a kind neighbor gave us an idea. My mother tricked him into applying for a credit card, and then she took us out of this hell.

Many years later, I learned that at that time, my mother had thought of committing suicide.

In this way, we ushered in a new life. Although it was still difficult, we were full of hope.

I didn't know at that time that the devil never left my side, and when it appeared in another form, it would only hurt me deeper.

Because I worked for my demon biological father every day, I couldn't keep up with my homework. When I arrived at the new school, I was the only black child and the most "stupid" one.

I was labeled a "special child" and discriminated against by my classmates.

Not only that, I also encountered a bad teacher. She had no patience to give me extra lessons. Instead, she gave me an ultimatum: either keep up or get out.

I naively thought that school was my safe haven, but I never imagined that this would be another hell.

My anxiety got worse, I started losing my hair, I started getting spots on my body, and I was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

I was treated by a demon when my brain was developing at its fastest, and it invaded me like cancer. "Toxic stress" has always been with me, causing me learning disabilities and dyslexia.

Later, when I grew up and read books, I learned that children who had experienced the same thing as me when they were young were more likely to suffer from psychological depression, heart disease, cancer, etc. when they grew up. They were also more likely to be drunk, smoked, violent, and drug addicts.

Because of this ADHD, I simply couldn't keep up with my studies, so I started cheating. After that, the teacher saw that my grades had improved and he no longer caused trouble for me.

Life, could it be worse?

For me, the answer is yes.

When she was in the fourth grade, her mother fell in love. The person she fell in love with was Wilmoth Owen, a well-known carpenter and contractor. There was no violence in him, and his peaceful smile attracted her mother.

When we spent time with him, we felt a rare sense of relaxation.

When he is around, we seem to have someone to rely on, and our lives seem to become better.

To me, Wilmoth is a positive father figure. He doesn't dote on me or say sweet words. He always plays basketball and games with me, just like my friend.

My mother and I plan to move in with him. Although he is not as wealthy as the devil's biological father, the life he creates is what we yearn for.

However, all the good things were shattered on Christmas Eve 1989.

Wilmoth was shot and killed in his garage that night. He was only 43 years old and I was 14 years old.

The world is full of tragedies, and they slowly pile up until they swallow me up.

My high school has a total of 1,200 students and only 5 black students.

I experienced all kinds of discrimination both on and off campus. I adopted an attitude of avoidance, thinking that as long as I stayed away from their eyes, there would be less of this strange discrimination.

In one Spanish class, in addition to my name, there was also a line written in my homework book:

"Niger we're gonna kill you!"

I was furious and told myself that I didn't belong in this damn place.

I don't know who hates me so much that they want to kill me just because of the color of my skin.

When I rushed into the principal's office with tears in my eyes, the principal was also helpless. He said: They are all ignorant people, and they don't even know how to spell "nigger".

This is my life of bottomless darkness, with no glimmer of hope in sight.

After that, I started to dress up in a "social" way, maybe so that no one would dare to mess with me. In fact, this was just to cover up my fragile heart.

In the eyes of others, I must be a self-defeating bastard with no hope for the future.

However, I still have a dream in my heart. I want to join the Air Force.

My grandpa was a cook in the Air Force for 37 years and he was very proud of it.

After retiring, he would wear that uniform every time he went to church. He deeply influenced me.

I also wanted to join the Civil Air Patrol like him.

I listened to a man's story and began to admire paratroopers. They jumped from a height of 10,000 meters to help pilots in need of rescue escape from dangerous areas.

I thought I wouldn’t have to study anymore after joining the army, but I was wrong. Two things hit me hard in the face.

I took the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) organized by the military, which is the military version of the SAT, and I failed.

Because I couldn't cheat, I only scored 20 points out of a 99-point exam, and the passing mark was 36 points.

After Wilmoth's death, my mother numbed herself with busyness. She no longer cared about my grades. We were like two strangers living under the same roof.

Until she received my transcript, the school said that I had missed 1/4 of all semester hours for no reason, and my average grade was D.

Unless I drastically improve my test scores and attendance during my senior year, I won't graduate.

My mother told me exhaustedly on the phone: It’s time for you to drop out of school.

When I got home and looked at the posters of star Michael Jordan and the U.S. Special Forces on the walls of my room, I felt like a certain "fire" in my heart was extinguished.

That night, I looked at my fat self in the mirror: a ruffian with no money, no pursuit, and no future.

I felt sick and wanted to beat him up, but I didn't. Instead, I started talking to myself calmly:

Look at you, why do you think the Air Force would want a bastard like you?

you are nothing! It will only embarrass people!

You are just an idiot. You are not as good at studying as a third-grade child. You are a joke!...

No one can come to save you except yourself.

I began to realize that it was time to change and become a new me.

Tell yourself it's time to wake up.

I started running every day.

One day I ran 21 kilometers in one breath. This was the most I had ever run in my life.

Another time, two mad dogs chased me. I could only run faster and faster until I was out of breath and finally got rid of them.

From that point on, I started “craving discomfort.”

Regardless of rain or snow, I always tell myself: put on your shoes and go for a run!

Gradually I became stronger and more adaptable.

I studied day and night at my dining room table, hoping to pass the ASVAB exam.

I crammed crazily, memorizing word by word, and finally passed the exam on the third try. I joined the Civil Air Patrol.

However, you may not guess that this is the beginning of a dream. In fact, it has been an embarrassing four years for me.

My weight soared from 158 pounds to 272 pounds, and it was difficult to even bend down.

I was diagnosed with sickle cell trait, which increases my risk of sudden death from exercise, and I chickened out.

I quit the Civil Air Patrol program permanently because I wasn't strong enough.

I am so ashamed that I am a deserter.

Since then, I overheated every day and became more obese.

One day, while I was taking a shower, I vaguely heard a voice coming from the TV: Navy SEALs...toughest...the world.

My fat body was wrapped in a towel and I sat on the sofa and watched for 30 minutes without moving at all.

I watched the devilish training of those tough guys, running on the muddy obstacle course, shivering in the icy waves, sweating and in agony.

But I started to be jealous of them.

SEALs, the pride, dignity, perfection, and willpower they have are everything I don’t have.

They are the sharpest swords in the world.

(They were the human equivalent of the hardest, sharpest sword you could imagine.)

"In a society where mediocrity is recognized and rewarded, transcending mediocrity has a strong temptation for some people: they refuse to follow the crowd, and they desire to go beyond the limit - this is the kind of people we want."

The commander said loudly to the proud men.

I also want to be such an elite.

After that, I kept calling active-duty recruiters in the Navy across the country, but I was turned down every time.

Once I finally got through and went to the site, but was rejected because I was too fat.

But somehow, fate seems to have arranged for me to meet Steven Salchow, who is my "Bo Le".

The first time he saw me, he knew that the stubborn me was serious.

Because I was overweight, I had to lose nearly 100 pounds in 3 months.

I also have to retake the entire ASVAB within 5 weeks, which is a nightmare exam for me.

I started waking up at 4:30 every morning, eating a banana and started reading review materials.

At 5 o'clock in the morning, I took the exam materials and went riding a spinning bike, sweating and studying for two hours.

Then jump into the swimming pool and swim for two hours,

Then go to the gym, bench press, incline press, 5-6 sets of 100 to 200 reps, plus lots of leg exercises.

Then, get back on the spinning bike and sweat it out for two hours.

Just eat a little dinner, ride a bike for two hours, then go to bed, wake up, and repeat yesterday's schedule.

There is no retreat, we must do our best.

I had almost no time to rest every night, and I became increasingly anxious and even had thoughts of giving up on myself.

Whenever this happened, I would call Steve and tell him I had lost a few pounds to motivate myself.

There are no shortcuts to success, only persistence.

Among 190 people, only 40 people can pass. I want to be the best one.

I'm not smart, but hard work can make up for my weakness. After reviewing day and night, the test result I was most worried about came out. I got 65 points, a very good score. I couldn't help but scream.

"Here's Hell Week," said instructor Seth Peet. "I'm so happy to see you tortured."

Yes, I joined the SEALs and began 11 months of enlistment training, which is so extraordinary that you can't even imagine it.

Physical training, diving training, ground combat training, every one of them is torture.

But we all came here voluntarily to be tortured, and no one wanted to give up.

Once, I vomited blood while running, and the coach almost thought I was dying.

I contracted pneumonia, but I tried to persevere against the doctor's orders but was forced to return to the military camp and participate in all training again.

After repeating it three times, I understood that this was actually a psychological battle, and only those with a strong heart could pass it.

Of the 156 people who participated in the training, only 25 successfully passed, and the elimination rate was 84%.

And I was one of the 16%, and I graduated with honors, becoming the 36th black graduate in SEAL history.

But this is not the end, but a new chapter in life.

After graduation, I continued to challenge my limits.

I started participating in various long-distance runs.

The Badwater 135 is the world's toughest running race.

Yes, I will conquer it.

160 kilometers, even a SEAL team would have a hard time completing it.

The more I ran, the more I collapsed, and I kept saying to myself: Why the hell are you doing this to yourself?!

But reason tells me that this is actually a duel between myself. How much pain am I willing to endure? How much can I take? How much do I have to pay?

As I ran, I remembered the pain of my childhood.

I also think of the "highlight moment" of my life: I am the only person in human history who has completed the three elite training subjects of Navy SEALs, Army Rangers, and Air Force Tactical Air Traffic Control.

Finally, I finished the race.

After that, I gradually overcame more challenges and accomplished more impossible things.

I will not be defeated by my miserable childhood, I will become a powerful being.

Before the final whistle blows, my mind, my body, and my soul will only squeeze out the last bit of strength from it, without reservation.

I am the sum of the obstacles I have overcome.

This is the story of David Goggins.

His book, from the end of last year to the beginning of this year, even rivaled the autobiography of former US President Michelle Obama as a critically acclaimed book.

On Goodreads, it received 4.5 stars out of 5, with 68% of people giving it full marks.

Some people also gave it a low score of two stars because there are a lot of swear words in the book, which makes it a bit uncomfortable to read.

Some people say that he shouldn't go crazy and self-inflict pain.

However, what more people see is his courage and perseverance in deciding to transform when he was at the lowest point in his life.

This is his story, his life.

In life, if you can find your own direction and do your best for it, then you will have no regrets.

Most of us only use 40% of our capabilities. Goggins calls it the "40% rule."

What we have to do is overcome pain, eliminate fear, and give full play to the remaining 60% of our potential.

To defeat our biggest enemy---our own comfort zone.

After Reading Notes

A book that makes people rethink what is "difficult" and "impossible"

This book review may reveal key plot points

The ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus once said: For every 100 people on the battlefield, 10 should not be there at all, 80 are living targets, only 9 are useful soldiers, and only 1 out of 100 is a soldier. That's the real warrior. David Goggins, the author of this book, is that warrior.

This is an exciting book. After reading this, readers are likely to rethink what "difficulty" and "impossibility" mean. 

This book records in detail some of the turning events in the author's life, including successes and failures. But the author said that he is not a hero, and this book is not about himself, but about how everyone can spend their life.

The author poses a challenge to the reader at the end of each chapter. In the book, he shares some of the tools that various life experiences have taught him. Today I’m sharing three of those tools with you: a mirror, a callus, and a cookie jar.

1. Accountability MirrorAccountability Mirror

There is a mirror in the fairy tale "Snow White" that only lets the bad queen hear the lies she wants to hear, such as "You are the most beautiful woman in the world." The author's mirror only tells the truth.

The author was almost expelled from school because he couldn't keep up with the progress in high school. At the same time, he fell into the abyss of life because of racial discrimination. 

Fortunately, he started a ritual during his senior year of high school. After shaving his head every day, he would speak out loud to his bathroom mirror about his goals. Write your goals on a sticky note and stick it on the mirror.

When looking in the mirror every day, the author has to answer whether he has achieved the goals he set. If it wasn't done, he would point it out without embellishment. 

In front of this mirror, he must face all injustices, stop blaming others, and take full responsibility for himself. He calls this mirror the Accountability Mirror.

The author believes that most people are too weak to themselves and are unwilling to face the facts and find reasons for themselves. He believes that if we want to improve, sometimes we have to be a little harder on ourselves. 

The author shows no mercy to himself in front of the accountability mirror. He faced his own problems, did not blame others, and chose to work harder to catch up. This mirror allows the author to control his own destiny through action.

The author joined the Air Force after graduating from high school and was trained in the paratrooper rescue team, with excellent training results. 

However, he was found to have a rare gene that may cause sudden death during exercise, so he chose to be transferred to the Air Force Tactical Air Controller training, and 4 years later retired from the Air Force.

However, his years in the Air Force did not save him. He developed a habit of crazy fitness and overeating in the military, and his weight increased from 175 pounds to 255 pounds. 

After he was discharged from the army, he stopped exercising like crazy, but still overeated and became a fat man weighing 300 pounds (270 pounds). His job at that time was to go to various restaurants every night to kill rats and cockroaches.

Although he looks strong on the outside, he is weak on the inside. His life has once again fallen into a trough and he cannot see the future. Until he happened to see an advertisement, which was a recruitment advertisement for the U.S. Navy's special forces - Navy SEAL. 

He believed that joining the SEALs was what he really wanted to do and the only chance to change his life. However, he was immediately thrown cold water: There were strict weight restrictions to join the Navy, and he had to lose weight from 300 pounds to 190 pounds in less than three months. That means losing more than a pound a day. It sounded impossible, but he was at the end of his rope.

So his daily exercise schedule became like this:

Starting from 5:00 in the morning, first, ride an exercise bike for 2 hours, then swim for 2 hours, and then go to the gym to do bench press, incline press, and leg strength training, 5-6 groups of each, 100-200 times each. 

Then ride the exercise bike for 2 hours. After dinner, he would ride the exercise bike for another 2 hours before going to bed, and then start all over again the next day.

It took him 20 days to get down to 250 pounds, light enough to do push-ups, pull-ups, and long runs. If he can lose weight at this rate, he can reduce it to the specified weight within the specified time. But the bigger test has just begun.

Anyone who has tried to lose weight knows that it is easier to lose weight at first because it mainly depends on water loss. Later you have to work harder to lose the same amount of fat. 

One day the author ran 6 miles, swam 2 miles, trained in the gym for 3 hours, and finally decided to end the workout with a set of 12 pull-ups. But after he finished 11 pull-ups, the pain in his arms became unbearable, so he gave up on the last one.

After returning home, the author could not forget the unfinished pull-up. He knew he would not be able to face the accountability mirror. He was lazy and didn't accomplish his goal. Just like that, he was back in the gym. 

Not only did he do that one pull-up, but he also did the entire pull-up training again, a total of 250 pull-ups. For him, there are no shortcuts to reach his goals.

The Accountability Mirror helps writers gain control of their own minds. The choice becomes easy when he must choose between temporary physical pain and lasting inner pain. Because he knew that to join the SEALs, he had to take complete control of himself.

In this way, under the gaze of the accountability mirror, the author achieved his weight loss goal and entered the Navy SEAL training.

2. Calloused Mind

In the greater test he is about to face, the author uses the second tool - the inner calloused mind.

The half-year training for SEALs is so brutal that it’s terrifying. There is a saying in the team: The only easy thing was yesterday. Because every day is more difficult than the one before. 

Of the nearly 200 recruits selected in each batch, generally, only 20 to 30 can ultimately complete the training. 

Enlistment training also includes the shocking " Hell Week ". It can be understood as being without sleep for 130 consecutive hours, alternately enduring high-intensity physical torture in the cold water and on the beach. 

Because every recruit will be pushed far beyond their physical limits during Hell Week. Hell Week not only tests people's physical abilities but also their hearts.

During the first Hell Week, the author developed pneumonia in both lungs and coughed up bloody mucus with every step he took. Military doctors asked him to stop training three times in a row, but he still insisted. 

In the end, the commando instructor ordered him to withdraw from the training for fear of losing his life. He will join the next batch of newcomers after a slight shake-up and start training from scratch.

In this way, before the pneumonia was cured, the author ushered in his second hell week.

One of the instructors in charge of the training was called Psycho Pete by the students. He took pleasure in appreciating the pain of the students. 

The author still maintained a high morale after participating in Hell Week for the second time, which made the pervert Pete very unhappy, so the author has been receiving special "care". The author's weapon against abuse is his inner calluses.

The author recalled that when he first went to the gym to train, the unexercised tender skin on his palms was quickly worn out by the equipment. But over time, after thousands of times of friction, thick calluses formed on his palms, which would never be worn out again.

The same thing applies to the heart. The author believes that before we experience abuse, humiliation, or failure, our hearts are weak and unable to withstand blows. Life experiences, especially negative experiences, can cause calluses to form in our souls.

More importantly, we need to choose how we allow calluses to grow. If we see ourselves as victims, our inner calluses will crystallize from hatred. This can make it difficult for us to be close to and trust others. 

We may close ourselves off because of dissatisfaction with the world so that our hearts cannot become stronger. The author admits that he was in that state in his youth.

In the end, the author no longer sees himself as a victim but sees his life as the ultimate training ground. It makes him a different person. 

The painful experiences from childhood to adulthood made new calluses grow in his heart, which became his advantage, helping him cope with the harsh environment and resist pain and psychological torture. He ultimately survived his second Hell Week in the first place.

But fate was not ready to let him take a breath yet. During the following training, the author suffered stress fractures in both legs due to enduring high pressure for a long time. The inner calluses could not cope with the physical disability, and the author had to stop training again.

When his fracture was almost healed, the author started all over again for his third enlistment training and faced his third Hell Week. This time the test was even more cruel, and some recruits even died during the training process. 

But after the first two experiences, the author's heart grew thicker, and he finally passed all enlistment training and officially joined the SEALs.

Ordinary people do not have the same miserable childhood as the author, nor do they need to endure the training of the special forces. So how can we let calluses grow in our hearts? The author believes that we should start small and often do things outside our comfort zone. 

The less you want to do something, the more you have to do your best and gradually turn your weaknesses into strengths. If we often challenge ourselves, we will naturally become stronger, and our mentality when facing difficulties will also change.

3. Cookie Jar

While serving in the army, to raise money for the families of his comrades who died in combat, the author participated in ultra-marathons of more than 100 miles many times and challenged the Guinness World Record for pull-ups three times. Whenever taking on these new challenges, the author will use a third tool - the Cookie Jar.

In the author's childhood, no matter how hard life was, his mother would always fill a cookie jar with all kinds of cookies he liked. With his mother's permission, he would take out a biscuit, look at it for a while, and then eat it gratefully.

Now, the author has another cookie jar sitting in his heart. The biscuits there are no longer snacks, but his victory against fate every time.

• He spent three times as much time studying as others, and the experience of graduating from high school was just a cookie
• He finished Navy SEAL training at the top of his class, another cookie
• He received the Army Ranger Enlisted Honor Man, the highest honor in Army Ranger training, and was also a cookie

When he was running for more than ten hours continuously, his toenails were almost broken, his feet suffered stress fractures, and every step he took was painful, he would take a bite of the cookie in his heart.

When he has done thousands of pull-ups, his palms are completely worn out, and his arms are so stiff that he cannot raise them above his head, he will take another bite of the cookie in his heart.

The biscuits made of these memories carry the various victories he has endured without giving up and help him adjust his emotions, regain his strength, and remember who he is again. 

This is the secret to his ability to persist in challenges and ultimately accomplish many feats that are unimaginable to ordinary people.

The author believes that each of us should have such a cookie jar in our hearts. Even if we haven’t achieved any huge successes yet, we can still fill it with cookies earned through small victories. When life takes its toll on us, these cookies can ignite the fire within us and remind us of who we are.

If the accountability mirror forces us to be ruthless with ourselves, the cookie jar reminds us to value ourselves.

Since the author was born, God has dealt him a bad set of cards. He didn't have good genes, and he wasn't raised well. His large frame is not suitable for long-distance running and pull-ups. 

But he continues to achieve the impossible with the help of a mirror of accountability that forces him to face the truth, a calloused heart that resists blows, and a cookie jar in his heart that allows him to draw strength. He introduced his life to make people give up all kinds of reasons and regain control of their lives.

This may be why this tough guy's growth experience does not overlap with that of most people, but it can resonate with so many readers.

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David Goggins Can’t Hurt Me Review

Book Review, Summary, Highlights, and Quotes from  Can’t Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy The Odds by David Goggins

David Goggins will blow your mind.

He is a retired Navy Seal and the only member of the U.S. Armed Forces to complete SEAL training, Army Ranger School, AND Air Force Tactical Air Controller training.

David is a former Guinness World Record holder for completing 4,030 pull-ups in 17 hours and has completed over 70 endurance races, regularly placing in the top five.

The dude is basically superhuman, and the further you read into this book, the more you begin to realize how weak, pathetic, and puny you really are.

But that’s ok because Goggins’ story is inspirational, and by the end of it, you will realize just how much more you (or anyone) can accomplish.

The first chapter of the book clearly articulates just how dark David’s early life was. That guy was f*cking lucky to be alive.

Yes, I said f*cking .

Get used to it too, because Goggins drops a ton of F-bombs in this book.

But like any hard motherf*cker, Goggins knows that it’s not what you say, but what you do .

Life is one long motherf*cking imaginary game that has no scoreboard, no referee, and isn’t over until we’re dead and burried. –  David Goggins,  Can’t Hurt Me

His life story is captivating and reads like a fictional novel at times.

There are many times I questioned a) if Goggins is human and b) why the hell anyone would do the things he does.

There is a ton of good in this book. It’s motivational. It’ll make you want to run through a damn wall by the time you’re done reading it.

But it’s not perfect. The end of the book is a bit of a letdown, because Goggins glosses over his failed relationships.

He glosses over the fact that if you hustle day and night for years and years, how much damage that WILL do to your personal life.

And while he is the first to admit just how badly he f*cked up his personal life, I wish that he included more of that in the book. Perhaps that comes in his second book, Never Finished , but it isn’t in this one.

Even so, this is a great book that everyone should read – it just falls a bit short in helping to show people how to find balance .

But it succeeds in everything else it set out to accomplish. I highly recommend!

AR’s Book Score: 9 out of 10

Key book highlights from can’t hurt me by david goggins.

David starts off the book by going through his early childhood in the first chapter with brutal honesty.

It wasn’t good, and David is really lucky that his mother took the action that she took to get the hell away from his father.

But that sets up the fact that even those born in the worst of the worst circumstances, can overcome a hell of a lot.

David’s mental health was so bad as a teenager, that he couldn’t focus, didn’t know how, and could barely read.

And yet, Goggins overcame everything. And his life story is a true inspiration for others.

At the end of each chapter, David lays out a challenge each of us can take from his life.

Each of us can face our demons. Each of us can work our asses off to be better. And David shows us how with concrete examples.

Here are the challenges each of us can take on, whether or not you read this book:

• Challenge #1 (Limiting Factors): What are the current factors limiting your growth and success? Write them all down in minute detail and don’t be bland.
• Challenge #2 (Accountability Mirror): Write all your insecurities, dreams, and goals on Post-Its and tag it all up on your Accountability Mirror.
• Challenge #3 (Get Uncomfortable): Write down all the things that you don’t like to do or that make you uncomfortable. Now go out and do one of them, and then do it again.
• Challenge #4 (Taking Souls): Choose any competitive situation you’re in right now. Boss, teacher, coach, client, etc. Now earn their respect with excellence.
• Challenge #5 (Armored Mind): Choose any obstacle in your way, or set a new goal, and visualize overcoming or achieving i t.
• Challenge #6 (Cookie Jar): Write down every achievement and life obstacle you’ve ever overcome, even things like quitting smoking or overcoming depression or a stutter. Then use this list as your cookie jar, when you need a pick-me-up and reminder that you are a badass.
• Challenge #7 (Remove the Governor): Push past your stopping point. Whether you are running on a treadmill or doing a set of push-ups, get to the point where you are so tired and in pain that your mind is begging you to stop. Push just 5 to 10 percent further.
• Challenge #8 (Log Your Time): This is a three-week challenge. During week one, simply track your time . Then analyze your week, and trim the fat. Week two, build the optimal schedule. Week three, optimize it some more.
• Challenge #9 (Uncommon Amongst Uncommon): Torch the complacency you feel gathering around you. Continue to put obstacles in front of yourself, because that is where you will find the friction to grow stronger.
• Challenge #10 (Face Your Failures): Start by writing out all of the good things, that came from your failures . Be detailed and generous with yourself. Did it affect your life and your relationships? How so? Now go back through and make a list of things you can fix, but don’t be soft or generous. Be brutally honest, write them all out. Lastly, study them, and schedule re-dos on anything that makes sense.

Best Quotes from  Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins

The truth is we all make habitual, self-limiting choices. It’s as natural as the sunset and as fundamental as gravity. It’s how our brains are wired, which is why motivation is crap” –  David Goggins,  Can’t Hurt Me

There is no more time to waste. Hours and days evaporate like creeks in the desert. –  David Goggins,  Can’t Hurt Me

If you have worked for thirty years doing the same shit you’ve hated day in and day out because you were afraid to quit and take a risk, you’ve been living like a p*ssy. Period, point blank. Tell yourself the truth! That you’ve wasted enough time, and that you have other dreams that will take courage to realize, so you don’t die a f*cking p*ssy.” –  David Goggins,  Can’t Hurt Me

If you look in the mirror and you see a fat person, don’t tell yourself that you need to lose a couple of pounds. Tell the truth. You’re f*cking fat! it’s okay. Just say you’re fat if you’re fat. –  David Goggins,  Can’t Hurt Me

Everything in life is a mind game! Whenever we get swept under by life’s dramas, large and small, we are forgetting that no matter how bad the pain gets, no matter how harrowing the torture, all bad things end. –  David Goggins,  Can’t Hurt Me

Whoever you’re dealing with, your goal is to make them watch you achieve what they could never have done themselves. You want them thinking how amazing you are. Take their negatvity and use it to dominate their task with everything you’ve got. –  David Goggins,  Can’t Hurt Me

Until you experience hardships like abuse and bullying, failures and dissapointments, your mind will remain soft and exposed. Life experience, especially negative experiences, help callous the mind. –  David Goggins,  Can’t Hurt Me

The reason it’s important to push hardest when you want to quit the most is because it helps you callous your mind. It’s the same reason why you have to do your best work when you are the least motivated. –  David Goggins,  Can’t Hurt Me

Remembering what you;ve been through and how that has strengthened your mindset can lift you out of a negative brain loop and help you bypass those weak, one-second impulses to give in. –  David Goggins,  Can’t Hurt Me

Even if you’re feeling low and beat down by life right now, I guarantee you can think of a time or two when you overcame odds and tasted success. –  David Goggins,  Can’t Hurt Me

The engine in a rocket ship does not fire without a small spark first. –  David Goggins,  Can’t Hurt Me

We are all leaving a lot of money on the table without realizing it. We habitually settle for less than our best; at work, in school, in our relationships, and on the playing field or race course. –  David Goggins,  Can’t Hurt Me

I’ve learned that it’s only when I push beyond pain and suffering, past my perceived limitations, that I’m capable of accomplishing more, physically and mentally. –  David Goggins,  Can’t Hurt Me

Don’t focus on what you think you deserve. Take aim on what you are willing to earn! –  David Goggins,  Can’t Hurt Me

Sadly, most of us give up when we’ve only give around 40 percent of our maximum effort. Even when we feel like we’ve reached our absolute limit, we still have 60 percent more to give! –  David Goggins,  Can’t Hurt Me

The most important conversations you’ll ever have are the ones you’ll have with yourself. –  David Goggins,  Can’t Hurt Me

Because we will feel empty, like we have no more to give, we haven’t tapped even half of the treasure burried deep in our minds, hearts, and souls. –  David Goggins,  Can’t Hurt Me

Our culture has become hooked on the quick fix, the life hack, effeciency. [..] If you want to master the mind and remove your governor, you’ll have to become addicted to hard work. –  David Goggins,  Can’t Hurt Me

A true leader stays exhausted, abhors arrogance, and never looks down on the weakest link. –  David Goggins,  Can’t Hurt Me

No matter what you or I achieve, in sports, business, or life, we can’t be satisfied. Life is too dynamic a game. We’re either getting better or we’re getting worse. –  David Goggins,  Can’t Hurt Me

Greatness is not something that if you meet it once it stays with you forever. That shit evaporates like a flash of oil in a hot pan. –  David Goggins,  Can’t Hurt Me

Did I hang my head in shame and misery? F*ck no! To me a failure is just a stepping stone to future success. –  David Goggins,  Can’t Hurt Me

Life is one long motherf*cking imaginary game that has no scoreboard, no referee, and isn’t over until we’re dead and buried. –  David Goggins,  Can’t Hurt Me

More from David Goggins

• Website: davidgoggins.com
• Twitter: @davidgoggins
• Instagram: @davidgoggins
• Facebook : @iamdavidgoggins
• U.S. Navy Seal David Goggins: “No Limits”
• Most emotional speech you’ll ever hear | David Goggins
• David Goggins Will Change Your Life | Rich Roll Podcast

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• Atomic Habits – Book Review
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• Awareness Book – The Perils and Opportunities of Reality by Anthony De Mello

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So ironic that you wrote this review now as I literally just finished reading the book a few days ago. I totally agree with your review. Major failing is not addressing the failed relationships (and his relationships with his own kids stepkid). But otherwise a fascinating autobiography/story. And it’s mind blowing not only what he’s accomplished, but what his daily routines have consisted of.

That is too funny! While I am super impressed with what he’s accomplished, I can’t help but feel that achieving this level of greatness comes at a great cost. And while I wanted him to address a bit more, I can see that he is trying to inspire people and probably doesn’t want to highlight that too much.

I do think all of his challenges in each chapter are a great way to face your failures, build up a caloused mind, and take your life to the next level. Anyone who actively works at it will most definitely be in a better place after.

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Can’t Hurt Me: Summary Review & Takeaways

This is a summary review of Can't Hurt Me containing key details about the book.

What is Can't Hurt Me About?

"Can't Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds" is a book written by David Goggins that explores the mental strategies and mindset that have helped the author overcome challenges and achieve success. It's a book about how David Goggins transformed himself into one of America's fittest athletes through self-discipline, mental toughness, and hard work.

Who is the Author of Can't Hurt Me?

David Goggins is a retired Navy SEAL and the only member of the U.S. Armed Forces ever to complete SEAL training, U.S. Army Ranger School, and Air Force Tactical Air Controller training. Goggins has competed in more than sixty ultra-marathons, triathlons, and ultra-triathlons, setting new course records and regularly placing in the top five. A former Guinness World Record holder for completing 4,030 pull-ups in seventeen hours, he's a much-sought-after public speaker who's shared his story with the staffs of Fortune 500 companies, professional sports teams, and hundreds of thousands of students across the country.

Book Detials

• Print length: 366 pages
• Audiobook: 13 hrs and 37 mins
• Genre: Nonfiction, Self Help, Biography, Personal Development, Relationships

What are the main summary points of Can't Hurt Me?

Here are some key summary points from the book:

• Goggins emphasizes the importance of setting and working towards big goals, and encourages readers to push beyond their limits and comfort zones.
• He emphasizes the power of mental toughness and the ability to overcome adversity through sheer force of will.
• Goggins discusses the role that his own personal experiences, including his challenging upbringing and military service, have played in shaping his mindset and approach to life.
• The book also covers techniques for building mental and physical resilience, such as visualization, affirmations, and the use of challenges and adversity as opportunities for growth.
• Throughout the book, Goggins encourages readers to take ownership of their lives and to never give up, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

David Goggins Story

The true story of one of the most determined and fittest military men in the world, learn how David became unbreakable, living life without excuses.

Born in 1975 in New York, David's early childhood was far from joyful, himself, his Mother and older Brother having to work tirelessly at the family-owned roller-disco rink, working until midnight most nights. Having to sleep in the office, not easy with the loud music from the rink, he would often fall asleep at school. But that wasn't the worst, David's Father was abusive to him and his Mother, beating the pair with a belt whenever they defied him. This miserable existence continued until David was 8 years old when his Mother managed to escape with David to start a new life in Indiana.

Unfortunately, David's new life wasn't free from hardships, himself and his Mother now entering into a life of poverty and David experiencing the results of extreme toxic stress with alopecia, vitiligo (a condition where the skin loses its pigment resulting in discolored patches of skin), a nervous stutter, and memory problems. Not being able to remember what he'd learned at school meant he was labeled 'dumb' by teachers and being the only African American child in the class didn't help matters. To avoid being sent to a special needs school, David began to cheat with his homework and on his tests, the teachers not realizing or not caring that as David approached his adolescent years, he could barely read.

As a teenager, David was still struggling at school until the desire to join the United States Air Force and become part of the pararescue team took hold. This desire made him buckle down at school and learn to read. He was accepted into Air Force training but his inability to swim was one test too much and he quit training, using his diagnosis of sickle cell anemia as his get out card.

In 1999, aged 24, David found himself working as a night shift pest exterminator and using food to numb his feelings of hopelessness. Weighing 255 pounds when he left the Air Force training, his weight had shot up to nearly 300 pounds as he tried to escape the harsh reality that he was in a dead end job with no way out since he was uneducated and unskilled.

Watching a documentary about Navy SEALS in training gave David the motivation to begin to turn his life around, inspired by the mental toughness of the young men he saw on TV. His desire to be in the military was back and this time there was no stopping him.

His first challenge was to lose more than 100 pounds within 3 pounds in order to get onto the SEALS training programme. A grueling fitness regime saw him getting up at 4.30am and spending 2 hours on the exercise bike before hitting the pool for 2 hours followed by the gym and then more time on the exercise bike. After 2 weeks and a 25 pound weight loss he added 4 mile runs to his workout regime. He made the SEALS training program and after weeks of intense training achieved his ambition.

In 2005 David found himself in need of new challenges, something new to test his fitness to the limits – Extreme long distance running aka ultra running was his answer. He went on to complete the hardest foot race in the world, the Badwater 135 mile race, raising money for charity along the way and finishing in 5th place.

What is a key lesson from Can't Hurt Me?

Goggins is one of only a few African-American SEALS and ultra-runners. When asked how he became so successful, he contributes it to work ethic. Goggins says that passion and talent are not enough. You must have a work ethic. Without a work ethic, you are a bird without wings and will never fly. Everything comes second to Goggin’s goals and working hard is his priority in life. Often, the response he will get is that the person can’t commit the time needed to be successful because of family obligations. Goggins answer is to “win the morning”. In other words, become an early bird. Goggins starts his day at 4 a.m. with a run. He makes the best of all of his time. For example, at lunch break, he takes a run and rides his bike to and from the office instead of driving. Goggins says that he did it and you can, too.

Can't Hurt Me Chapters

Chapter One - I Should Have Been a Statistic Chapter Two - Truth Hurts Chapter Three - The Impossible Task Chapter Four - Taking Souls Chapter Five - Armored Mind Chapter Six - It's Not About the Trophy Chapter Seven - The Most Powerful Weapon Chapter Eight - Talent Not Required Chapter Nine - Uncommon Amongst Uncommon Chapter Ten - The Empowerment of Failure Chapter Eleven - What If?

Can't Hurt Me Summary Notes

Here are some summary notes from the book:

1. Chapter One Summary: I Should Have Been a Statistic

Synopsis: The first chapter of "Can't Hurt Me" is a powerful reminder of the importance of mental toughness and resilience in overcoming adversity. Goggins' story shows that no matter how difficult our circumstances, we have the power to change our mindset and overcome obstacles. This is a message that can inspire anyone to push themselves to become mentally and physically stronger.

Summary: The first topic in the book is "I Should Have Been a Statistic". This chapter focuses on David Goggins' childhood and the numerous obstacles he faced in his early life. The main theme of this chapter is the power of mental toughness and resilience in overcoming adversity.

David Goggins grew up in a very difficult environment. He experienced physical abuse from his father, racism from his classmates, and poverty. Despite these challenges, Goggins refused to be a victim. Instead, he used his experiences as motivation to become mentally and physically stronger.

Goggins' story highlights the fact that resilience is not something that we are born with; it's a skill that can be developed through hard work and perseverance. Goggins had to work tirelessly to overcome his obstacles, and he did so by developing an "armor of the mind". This involved learning to control his thoughts and emotions, and not letting negative experiences define him.

Generally speaking, the power of mental toughness is a common theme throughout the book, and this chapter sets the tone for the rest of the book. Goggins' experiences show that no matter how difficult our circumstances, we have the power to change our mindset and overcome obstacles. It's not about being born with a certain level of resilience, but rather about developing that resilience through practice and hard work.

Goggins' story also highlights the importance of facing our fears and not letting them hold us back. He refused to be a victim of his circumstances and instead used them as motivation to become stronger. This is a powerful message that can be applied to anyone's life, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Chapter Two Summary - Truth Hurts

Synopsis: The second chapter of "Can't Hurt Me" highlights the importance of self-reflection and honesty in personal growth. Goggins' story shows that we must be willing to confront our weaknesses and flaws in order to become the best version of ourselves. This is a powerful message that can inspire anyone to take an honest look at themselves and take action to address their shortcomings.

Summary: The second topic in the book is "Truth Hurts". This chapter focuses on the power of self-reflection and honesty in personal growth. The main theme of this chapter is that in order to achieve our goals and become the best version of ourselves, we must first acknowledge and confront our weaknesses and flaws.

David Goggins begins the chapter by talking about his experience with the Navy SEALs, where he realized that he had been lying to himself about his physical capabilities. He had been coasting through life, relying on his natural talents and avoiding situations that challenged him. However, he soon discovered that this mindset was not sustainable and that he needed to confront his weaknesses in order to become the best version of himself.

The power of self-reflection is a common theme throughout the book, and this chapter emphasizes its importance. Goggins emphasizes the importance of taking an honest look at ourselves and acknowledging our flaws and weaknesses. This can be a difficult process, as it requires us to confront uncomfortable truths about ourselves. However, it is only through this process that we can identify areas for improvement and begin to work on them.

Goggins also emphasizes the importance of accountability. He discusses how he created a "cookie jar" of past successes to remind himself of his strengths and accomplishments, but he also acknowledges that this is not enough. We must also hold ourselves accountable for our shortcomings and take action to address them.

Chapter Three Summary - The Impossible Task

Synopsis: The third chapter of "Can't Hurt Me" highlights the importance of setting challenging goals and pushing ourselves beyond our perceived limits. Goggins' story shows that we are capable of achieving far more than we think we are, but we must be willing to take on seemingly impossible tasks and put in the work required to achieve them. This is a powerful message that can inspire anyone to set challenging goals and push themselves beyond their perceived limits in order to achieve greatness.

Summary: The third topic in the book is "The Impossible Task". This chapter focuses on the power of setting challenging goals and pushing ourselves beyond our perceived limits. The main theme of this chapter is that we are capable of achieving far more than we think we are, but we must be willing to take on seemingly impossible tasks and put in the work required to achieve them. David Goggins shares his experience with the "100-mile race", a grueling ultramarathon that he decided to attempt despite having no prior experience with long-distance running.

The power of setting challenging goals is also a common theme throughout the book, and this chapter emphasizes its importance. Goggins argues that we often underestimate our own potential and settle for mediocrity because we are afraid to take on tasks that seem impossible. However, he argues that it is only by setting challenging goals and pushing ourselves beyond our perceived limits that we can truly achieve greatness.

Goggins also emphasizes the importance of hard work and persistence in this chapter. He acknowledges that setting challenging goals is not enough; we must also be willing to put in the work required to achieve them. This often requires sacrificing our comfort and pushing through pain and discomfort in order to achieve our goals.

Chapter Four Summary - Taking Souls

Synopsis: The fourth chapter of "Can't Hurt Me" highlights the importance of mental toughness and the ability to overcome adversity through sheer willpower. Goggins' story shows that mental toughness is not just a mindset but a skill that can be developed through deliberate practice and repetition. This is a powerful message that can inspire anyone to develop their mental toughness and push through adversity to achieve their goals.

Summary: The fourth topic in the book is "Taking Souls". This chapter focuses on the power of mental toughness and the ability to overcome adversity through sheer willpower. The main theme of this chapter is that mental toughness is not only a mindset but a skill that can be developed through deliberate practice and repetition.

David Goggins begins the chapter by talking about his experience with the Navy SEALs and how he developed his mental toughness through intense physical and mental training. He emphasizes that mental toughness is not something that comes naturally but is a skill that must be developed through hard work and deliberate practice.

Goggins argues that mental toughness is the key to overcoming adversity, regardless of the challenges we may face. He also emphasizes the importance of visualization. He argues that by visualizing ourselves achieving our goals and overcoming obstacles, we can develop the mental toughness necessary to actually achieve those goals. Finally, h also discusses the importance of setting small goals and achieving them regularly, as this builds confidence and resilience over time.

Chapter Five Summary - Armored Mind

Synopsis: The fifth chapter of "Can't Hurt Me" highlights the importance of developing an armored mind, or a mindset that is resilient and can withstand any challenge or setback. Goggins' story shows that mental resilience is a process that requires consistent effort and deliberate practice, as well as adopting a more positive and empowering mindset through self-talk. This is a powerful message that can inspire anyone to develop their mental resilience and overcome any obstacle to achieve their goals.

Summary: The fifth topic in the book is "Armored Mind". This chapter focuses on the power of developing an "armored mind", or a mindset that is resilient and can withstand any challenge or setback. The main theme of this chapter is that our minds are our most powerful tool, and by developing mental resilience, we can overcome any obstacle and achieve our goals.

David Goggins emphasizes that developing an armored mind is not something that happens overnight, but is a process that requires consistent effort and deliberate practice. Goggins argues that by developing an armored mind, we can overcome any obstacle and achieve our goals, regardless of the challenges we may face. He emphasizes that an armored mind is not just about being physically strong, but about having the mental fortitude to push through pain, discomfort, and setbacks.

Goggins also discusses the importance of self-talk in this chapter. He argues that the way we talk to ourselves has a powerful impact on our mental resilience and our ability to overcome challenges. By changing our self-talk and adopting a more positive and empowering mindset, we can develop an armored mind that is capable of withstanding any challenge.

Chapter Six Summary - It's Not About the Trophy

Synopsis: The sixth chapter of "Can't Hurt Me" highlights the importance of focusing on the process and the journey, rather than the end result or the trophy. Goggins' story shows that true success is a mindset, and by focusing on personal and meaningful goals, we can find true fulfillment and purpose in our lives, rather than simply striving for external rewards or recognition. This is a powerful message that can inspire anyone to focus on their personal journey and find true fulfillment and purpose in their lives.

Summary: The sixth topic in the book is "It's Not About the Trophy". This chapter focuses on the idea that true success is not about the end result or the trophy, but about the process and the journey that we take to get there. The main theme of this chapter is that success is a mindset, and by focusing on the process rather than the outcome, we can achieve true success and fulfillment in our lives.

David Goggins begins the chapter by sharing his experience with endurance racing and how he learned that true success is not about winning or receiving a trophy, but about the journey that he took to get there. He emphasizes that the process of training and pushing himself beyond his limits is what brought him true fulfillment, rather than the end result. Goggins argues that by focusing on the process and the journey, we can find true fulfillment and purpose in our lives, rather than simply striving for external rewards or recognition.

Goggins also emphasizes the importance of setting goals that are not tied to external validation or recognition. He argues that by setting goals that are meaningful and personal to us, we can find true fulfillment and purpose in our lives, rather than simply striving for external rewards or recognition.

Chapter Seven Summary - The Most Powerful Weapon

Synopsis: The seventh chapter of "Can't Hurt Me" highlights the power of the mind and the importance of training it to achieve our goals and overcome our limits. Goggins' story shows that the mind is not just a tool, but a muscle that can be trained and strengthened over time. By embracing discomfort and focusing on positivity and gratitude, we can cultivate a sense of inner peace and fulfillment that allows us to achieve extraordinary things in life. This is a powerful message that can inspire anyone to harness the power of their mind and achieve their full potential.

Summary: The seventh topic in the book is "The Most Powerful Weapon". This chapter centers around the idea that the mind is the most powerful weapon that we possess, and that by training our minds, we can achieve extraordinary things in life. The main theme of this chapter is that the mind is capable of incredible things, and we should strive to harness its power to overcome our limits and achieve our goals.

David Goggins describes his experience with the Navy SEALs and how he learned the power of the mind in extreme situations. He argues that when the body is pushed to its physical limits, it is the mind that enables us to push beyond those limits and achieve extraordinary feats.

Goggins emphasizes that the mind is not just a tool that we use to get through difficult situations, but a muscle that can be trained and strengthened over time. He explains that by pushing ourselves out of our comfort zones and embracing discomfort, we can train our minds to become more resilient and better equipped to handle challenges in the future.

Goggins essentially argues that by pushing ourselves to the limit and embracing discomfort, we can expand our mental capacity and develop a mindset of resilience and determination. Furthermore, Goggins emphasizes that the power of the mind goes beyond just physical feats. He argues that by training our minds to focus on positivity and gratitude, we can cultivate a sense of inner peace and fulfillment that allows us to thrive in all areas of our lives.

Chapter Eight Summary - Talent Not Required

Synopsis: The eighth chapter of "Can't Hurt Me" is a powerful reminder that success is not determined by talent, but by the choices we make and the effort we put into our pursuits. Goggins' story shows that with the right mindset and approach, anyone can achieve their goals, regardless of their starting point. By embracing discomfort, pushing beyond our limits, and adopting a growth mindset, we can unlock our full potential and achieve greatness in all areas of our lives.

Summary: The eighth topic in the book is "Talent Not Required". This chapter is about the idea that success in life is not necessarily determined by talent or natural ability, but rather by hard work, determination, and a willingness to push beyond one's limits. The main theme of this chapter is that success is not determined by talent, but by the choices we make and the effort we put into our pursuits.

David Goggins begins the chapter by discussing his own experience of not being naturally talented as a runner, but still setting his sights on becoming a competitive ultramarathon runner. He argues that the key to success is not innate talent, but a willingness to work hard, embrace discomfort, and constantly push oneself to improve.

Goggins emphasizes that while natural talent can be an advantage, it is not a requirement for success. He argues that with the right mindset and approach, anyone can achieve their goals, regardless of their starting point. He cites examples of successful people from all walks of life who have achieved greatness through hard work and determination, rather than innate talent.

One of the main messages of this chapter is that success is a choice, and that it requires a willingness to embrace discomfort and push beyond one's limits. Goggins argues that too many people give up on their dreams because they believe that they lack the natural talent or ability to achieve them. However, he suggests that this is a limiting belief, and that anyone can achieve greatness if they are willing to put in the work.

Another key message of this chapter is the importance of having a growth mindset. Goggins argues that those who believe that their abilities are fixed and unchangeable are unlikely to achieve greatness, while those who believe that they can improve through hard work and determination are more likely to succeed.

Chapter Nine Summary - Uncommon Amongst Uncommon

Synopsis: The ninth chapter of "Can't Hurt Me" is a powerful reminder that in order to achieve greatness, one must be willing to embrace discomfort, push beyond their limits, and be willing to be different from the norm. By taking risks, stepping outside of our comfort zone, and constantly pushing ourselves to improve, we can unlock our full potential and achieve greatness in all areas of our lives. By being uncommon amongst uncommon, we can stand out from the crowd and achieve our wildest dreams.

Summary: The ninth topic in the book is "Uncommon Amongst Uncommon". This chapter is about the idea of being exceptional and standing out from the crowd. The main theme of this chapter (and in this book) is that in order to achieve greatness, one must be willing to embrace discomfort, push beyond their limits, and be willing to be different from the norm.

David Goggins shares the intense physical and mental training required to achieve his gaol of becoming a Navy SEAL. He explains that in order to achieve his goal, he had to be willing to embrace discomfort and push beyond his limits, which meant being willing to be different from others.

Goggins argues that in order to achieve greatness, one must be willing to go against the grain and be different from the norm. He emphasizes that those who are truly exceptional are the ones who are willing to put in the hard work, embrace discomfort, and push beyond their limits, even when others are not willing to do so.

One of the main messages of this chapter is that in order to be exceptional, one must be willing to take risks. Goggins argues that those who are too afraid to take risks and step outside of their comfort zone are unlikely to achieve greatness, as they are not willing to do what it takes to be exceptional.

Another key message of this chapter is that being exceptional requires a willingness to constantly push oneself to improve. Goggins argues that those who are content with mediocrity are unlikely to achieve greatness, as they are not willing to put in the hard work and effort required to be exceptional.

Chapter Ten Summary - The Empowerment of Failure

Synopsis: "The Empowerment of Failure" is a powerful reminder that failure is not something to be feared or avoided, but rather something to be embraced as an opportunity for growth and development. By learning from our failures, we can build resilience, develop mental toughness, and ultimately achieve greater success and elevation in all areas of our lives.

Summary: The tenth chapter of the book is titled "The Empowerment of Failure". The main theme of this chapter is the idea that failure can be a powerful tool for personal growth and development if we are willing to embrace it and learn from it.

David Goggins opens the chapter by discussing his experience of failing the US Army Ranger School three times before finally passing. He explains that each failure taught him valuable lessons that ultimately helped him become a better soldier and a stronger person.

Goggins argues that failure is not something to be feared or avoided, but rather something to be embraced as an opportunity for growth and development. He emphasizes that failure can be a powerful motivator, pushing us to work harder and strive for excellence in ways that we may not have otherwise.

One of the key messages of this chapter is that failure is an essential part of the learning process. Goggins explains that we often learn more from our failures than from our successes, as failures force us to confront our weaknesses and work on improving them.

Another important message of this chapter is that failure can be a powerful tool for building resilience and mental toughness. Goggins argues that by embracing failure and learning from it, we can develop the mental fortitude and resilience necessary to overcome any challenge that life may throw our way.

Goggins also emphasizes that failure is not the end of the road, but rather a stepping stone on the path to success. He explains that even the most successful people in the world have experienced failure at some point in their lives, and that it is our ability to learn from and overcome failure that ultimately determines our success.

Chapter Eleven Summary - What If?

Synopsis: "What If?" is a powerful reminder that we all have the power to create the life that we want for ourselves, but it requires courage, determination, and a willingness to take risks. By asking "What if?", by stepping outside of our comfort zones and embracing the unknown, we can achieve our full potential and create a life that is truly fulfilling and meaningful.

Summary: The final chapter of "Can't Hurt Me" is titled "What If?". The main theme of this chapter is the idea that we all have the power to create the life that we want for ourselves, but we must be willing to take risks and embrace the unknown in order to do so.

David Goggins starts the chapter by reflecting on his own life and the many obstacles he has had to overcome in order to achieve his goals. He then poses a series of "What If?" questions to the reader, challenging them to imagine what their lives would look like if they were to take risks and pursue their dreams with the same level of passion and determination.

Goggins argues that many of us are held back by fear and self-doubt, and that we often limit ourselves by staying within our comfort zones and avoiding taking risks. He emphasizes that in order to achieve our full potential, we must be willing to step outside of our comfort zones and embrace the unknown.

One of the key messages of this chapter is that we all have the power to create the life that we want for ourselves, but it requires courage, determination, and a willingness to take risks. Goggins encourages us to be bold in pursuing our dreams and to not be afraid of failure.

Goggins emphasizes that there are no shortcuts to success, and that the road to achieving our dreams is often long and difficult. However, he argues that the rewards of success are well worth the effort, and that the satisfaction of achieving our goals is one of the greatest joys in life.

What are some top quotes from Can't Hurt Me?

"Passion and obsession, even talent, are only useful tools if you have the work ethic to back them up.”

“You are in danger of living a life so comfortable and soft, that you will die without ever realizing your true potential.”

“Tell yourself the truth! That you’ve wasted enough time, and that you have other dreams that will take courage to realize, so you don’t die a f@#*ing pussy.”

― David Goggins, Can't Hurt Me Quotes

What do critics say?

Here's what one of the prominent reviewers had to say about the book: "Guaranteed to galvanize more than a few couch potatoes into action." - Kirkus Reviews

* The summary points above have been concluded from the book and other public sources. The editor of this summary review made every effort to maintain information accuracy, including any published quotes, chapters, or takeaways

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10 Challenges from Can't Hurt Me by David Goggins: Summary and Review

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Here at The Daily Shifts, we’re all about life-changing books . Words have the power to change your outlook on life if you open your mind to them. One of the most life-changing books we’ve read is Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins . Not only did he write this amazing book, but he also is an overall badass who has tons of accomplishments. He’s a retired Navy SEAL and a record-setting athlete who’s competed in 60 ultra-marathons, triathlons, and ultra-triathlons. If that’s not enough for you, he also broke the Guinness World Record for most pull-ups in 24 hours. Over the years, David Goggins has learned many important lessons, and he shares them in his book, Can’t Hurt Me .

We’re providing you with a Can’t Hurt Me summary and book review that will provide you with all the actionable challenges that he presents in the book.

Can’t Hurt Me Challenge #1

In the first part of the book, David Goggins airs his so-called “dirty laundry,” particularly about his struggles growing up with an abusive father, letting readers know that he didn’t have it easy growing up, but this didn’t stop him from overcoming these struggles.

The first challenge in the Can’t Hurt Me summary is to grab a journal and write down everything about the “bad hand” you were dealt in life. “What kind of bullshit did you deal with growing up?” David Goggins asks. Write this all down in detail, and then write down present-day factors that are limiting your growth and success. Make sure you’re really honest with yourself.

Can’t Hurt Me Challenge #2

Next, David Goggins dives deeper into his past, discussing racial issues and financial issues. He also talks about how he and his mother had to move to get away from his abusive father.

The second challenge is to create an “accountability mirror” which is basically a mirror decked out in Post-Its. David Goggins challenges you to write all of your insecurities, dreams, and goals on Post-Its and stick them on your mirror. This is a way to lay everything out on the table and be self-aware and hold yourself accountable to achieve self-improvement . Every time you reach one of your goals, remove the Post-It from the mirror.

Can’t Hurt Me Challenge #3

Next up in the Can’t Hurt Me summary is David Goggins’ medical struggles. He tells the story about being diagnosed with sickle cell anemia, which is a blood disease. This resulted in him quitting his military training. This wasn’t a decision he was happy with. He ended up seeing an ad for the Navy SEALS, and he decided he would join, despite the fact that it made him feel uncomfortable.

The third challenge helps you develop a “calloused mind” by stepping out of your comfort zone, just like he did. This will help you get a “you can’t hurt me” mindset. Get your journal again and write down the things you don’t like to do that make you uncomfortable. Then, start to take tiny steps towards doing these things. He recommends “doing something that sucks every day” even if it’s something as small as making your bed, and over time, kick it up a notch.  David Goggins says doing this will make you strong.

Can’t Hurt Me Challenge #4

David Goggins discusses a major lesson he learned in Navy SEAL training: everything in life can be a mind game, and that all pain eventually ends. He says that many people in Navy SEAL training don’t understand that it’s a mind game, and they end up quitting.

The fourth challenge involves “taking souls.” Think about a competitive challenge you’re in right now, such as at school or at work. Identify who your opponent is (a teacher or boss, maybe). Then, work harder than ever before and dominate. “Make them watch you achieve what they could never have done themselves,” David Goggins says.

Can’t Hurt Me Challenge #5

Next in the Can’t Hurt Me summary, David Goggins discussed the importance of a “calloused mind” to get through tough moments and challenges in life. He talks about how he uses visualization as a tool for success. He doesn’t just visualize the success, he also visualizes the challenges he might face so he can be prepared.

David Goggins says that you, too, should practice this. Visualize your own personal successes you hope to achieve as well as the challenges you may face getting there. This will help you “be as prepared as you possibly can be.” This will also help you develop a “you can’t hurt me” attitude.

Can’t Hurt Me Challenge #6

David Goggins states that pain is a reward for him, because it’s a reminder that he’s accomplished something. Additionally, he talks about a metaphorical cookie jar. This is where he keeps his memories of victories as well as what it took to accomplish those victories. When he needs motivation, he takes a “cookie” out of the jar.

To create your own cookie jar, get your journal again and write down accomplishments you’ve achieved and obstacles you’ve overcome. Next, you’ll want to set ambitious goals and go for them, reaching for a “cookie” whenever you need it.

Can’t Hurt Me Challenge #7

David Goggins introduces the concept of a “governor” who’s in our brain that may hold us back from reaching our full potential. He also states that we are only operating at 40% of what we’re really capable of.

So, the following challenge in the Can’t Hurt Me summary is to remove this governor from your mind and “push past your normal stopping point.” Gradually ramp up and do more and more, remembering that life is just a mind game, and you can withstand pain. This will help you achieve things that you might currently believe to be impossible.

Can’t Hurt Me Challenge #8

David Goggins discusses a concept he’s learned: that everyone is just a human being, even Navy SEALs and celebrities. Everyone is more “normal” than you expect them to be. However, Goggins being Goggins, he wanted to push beyond normal and accomplish amazing things.

To accomplish amazing things yourself, Goggins recommends the tool of scheduling. This challenge takes three weeks. In the first week, write down your current schedule, everything you do, extremely detailed, with timestamps. This gives you your baseline. In week two, create a new “optimal schedule” with everything fitting into 15 or 30-minute time blocks (and it’s okay if a task requires multiple time blocks). Use timestamps again. Then, by week three, you should know exactly what works best and how to optimize your time and maximize your effort.

Can’t Hurt Me Challenge #9

Next, David Goggins talks about how he desires to go above and beyond, even after he’s completed his goals. He urges that there are always new goals to have and achievements to be made. He says to not give in to complacency, and instead to continuously strive for more. Greatness doesn’t stay with you forever, he says.

The 9th challenge in the Can’t Hurt Me summary is to stay in “constant pursuit” and put out “unending effort” in order to become a true overachiever. This means that you should constantly put obstacles in front of you in order to become the best of the best of the best.

Can’t Hurt Me Challenge #10

In the last section of the book, David Goggins admits that he failed at first when he attempted to break the Guinness World Record for most pull-ups. But of course, he didn’t let this stop him. It pushed him even harder so that he could try again and beat the record once and for all.

The final challenge in the Can’t Hurt Me summary is to think about your failures. Get your journal and write down the good things that came out of your failures and how you handled them. Then, go through that list and make a new list of things you can fix and schedule attempts to meet these goals. Write them on Post-Its and put them on your accountability mirror. Use what you learned in the previous challenges to help you meet those goals. Go out there with that “you can’t hurt me” mentality and crush it.

Can't Hurt Me Book Review and Books Like Can't Hurt Me

To sum it all up, we absolutely love this book. Reading Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins really evokes motivation to go out there and change your life. It’s honest, it’s raw, and it’s inspiring.

If you want to learn more about David Goggins’ tips for health specifically, we suggest researching:

• David Goggins’ workout routine
• David Goggins’ diet
• David Goggins’ stretching routine

If you’re looking to read more about self-improvement and development, we recommend you check out these books that are similar:

• Embrace the Suck: The Navy SEAL Way to an Extraordinary Life
• Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones
• Extreme Ownership (How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win)

Lastly, if you want to take even more steps to better your life after reading this Can’t Hurt Me summary and book review, try taking our 21-day challenge to get your life on track, and check out our course to learn how to find your true passion in life. Now, go out there and live life like it should be lived.

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Can’t Hurt Me Book Review

David Goggins’ book ‘Can’t Hurt Me’ is an inspiring and motivational read that pushes readers to overcome their limits and embrace discomfort. Goggins’ personal story of overcoming childhood abuse, obesity, and racism to become a Navy SEAL, ultra-marathon runner, and motivational speaker is impressive and humbling. Here is our Can’t Hurt Me book review.

*This article contains an Amazon affiliate link. Read our Affiliate Disclosure here.*

Bottom Line Recommendation:

Add Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins to your personal development library. We highly recommend it! It’s one of the top books on all of the self-help books lists for a reason. Keep reading for more details on Pros and Cons. 

Pros of Can’t Hurt Me Book

1 – Unique Audiobook Experience

One of the standout features of the book is the interactive nature of the audiobook version, which includes interviews with the author, guided exercises, and additional insights into Goggins’ life. The audiobook version adds a unique and engaging element to the reading experience that makes the book even more impactful.

2 – A Refreshing Change in Self-Help

The book is structured around Goggins’ experiences and includes chapters that provide actionable tips for readers to improve their mental and physical resilience. Goggins’ emphasis on self-discipline, accountability, and pushing oneself to the limit is a refreshing change from the usual self-help books focusing on positive thinking and visualization.

3 – Easy to Follow Roadmap

The practical tips and exercises provided in the book are actionable and easy to follow, making it a useful resource for anyone looking to improve their mindset and reach their goals. There are ten challenges throughout the book and each are backed with how Goggins himself applied them to his own life to overcome seemingly impossible odds.

Cons of Can’t Hurt Me Book

1 – harsh language.

The use of profanity throughout the book may be off-putting for some readers. It’s worth noting that the book’s language is reflective of Goggins’ unapologetic and no-nonsense attitude, but it may not be suitable for all readers.

Overall, ‘Can’t Hurt Me’ is a valuable and inspiring read that offers practical advice for improving mental toughness and pushing past perceived limitations. While the language may not be for everyone, the book’s raw and honest approach is a refreshing change from the typical self-help genre, making it a worthwhile read for anyone looking to elevate their life.

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Can't Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds Paperback – Illustrated, Dec 10 2018

Purchase options and add-ons.

• Print length 364 pages
• Language English
• Publication date Dec 10 2018
• Dimensions 15.24 x 2.31 x 22.86 cm
• ISBN-10 1544512279
• ISBN-13 978-1544512273
• See all details

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About the author, product details.

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Lioncrest Publishing; Illustrated edition (Dec 10 2018)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 364 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1544512279
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1544512273
• Item weight ‏ : ‎ 548 g
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 15.24 x 2.31 x 22.86 cm
• #1 in Marathon Running
• #4 in Personal Transformation (Books)
• #7 in Biographies & Memoirs (Books)

About the author

David goggins.

David Goggins is a Retired Navy SEAL and the only member of the U.S. Armed Forces to complete SEAL training, Army Ranger School, and Air Force Tactical Air Controller training. Goggins has completed more than seventy ultra-distance races, often placing in the top five, and is a former Guinness World Record holder for completing 4,030 pull-ups in seventeen hours. A sought-after public speaker, he’s traveled the world sharing his philosophy on how to master the mind. When he’s not speaking, he works as an Advanced Emergency Technician in a big city Emergency Room and, during the summer, as a wildland firefighter in British Columbia.

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Jon Penland

Distributed ops, ultrarunning, intentional living

Short Book Review: Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins

Last week, while on vacation, I read Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins . Goggins is a retired decorated Navy Seal and endurance athlete. At one time, he held the world record for most pull-ups completed in 24-hours (4,030) and he’s also completed dozens of ultramarathons .

The book is part memoir and part how-to manual for raising the bar and achieving greater levels of excellence in any area of your life by gaining mastery over your mind and body.

Short Synopsis

Goggins’ life started out hard. Violence and disappointment seem to have been the only constants in his childhood. He eventually joined the Navy but left after just a couple of years due to some health complications and ended up working in pest control. Eventually, he was inspired to join the Navy Seals–a decision which lead him to completely upend his life and drop over 100 lbs in three months.

It wasn’t smooth sailing. Far from it.

It took Goggins three tries to make it all the way through BUD/S (the hardcore Navy Seal equivalent of boot camp). But that process was the beginning of Goggins remaking himself from a relatively average guy into an absolutely relentless machine, intentionally seeking out punishment and pain with the goal of mastering his mind and body.

The book is a memoire that follows Goggins’ life, from his childhood in Brazil, Indiana, to his retirement from the Navy Seals, to his current work as an endurance athlete and motivational speaker.

In the book, Goggins also outlines the strategies that he applied in becoming such a hard-driving individual and invites the reader to apply those same strategies to the challenges in their own lives, whether those challenges are athletic, professional, or personal in nature.

What I Liked About the Book

The book was unbelievably inspiring.

9 times out of 10, someone emerging from Goggins’ childhood will not be a success story at age 45. Goggins is that 1 out of 10 that made it out by using the hardships in his life as fuel to become stronger.

I found that a lot of the principles and practices Goggins suggests are closely aligned to concepts I’ve read about in mainline business and professional development texts, which means the lessons Goggins imparts are going to land with a crowd that would never pick up a book by Cal Newport even though he teaches some of the same fundamental principles.

For example, Challenge #8 at the end of Chapter 8, about scheduling your day into intentional focused blocks is basically a simplified application of some of the same principles Cal Newport talks about in Deep Work and So Good They Can’t Ignore You .

That’s not a knock on either of those guys in any way. Cal Newport is one of my favorite authors, and Goggins’ books was fantastic. The point is that Goggins’ book is going to land these concepts with readers that would never considering reading something written by a Computer Science professor from Georgetown University.

What I Disliked About the Book

Goggins, if you read this: there’s nothing I disliked about the book. It was all fantastic. Good on ya, buddy.

Is he gone? Ok. Whew. That is one bad dude.

If I have one gripe with the book it’s that Goggins’ boasting about his accomplishments is a little over the top.

I get it. Your childhood was horrible and you used that to make yourself into the baddest man to walk the planet. You did it all by yourself. You didn’t need anyone else. And you showed no weakness.

The bragging is so over the top that while you’re reading you almost have to think that some of it is bull. But then, sprinkled throughout the book, Goggins drops in pictures of commendations he received from various training’s he attended or for his participation in various and sundry military activities. When you see those you realize that he has some actual hardware and paperwork to backup his claims.

I have no idea if every single word in Goggins’ book is literally true. The tone makes me think that the truth might be stretched or played to his advantage from time to time.

That doesn’t take anything away from the story. I think it’s part of his persona, and a part of what makes the book work. It’s all a package deal. So to call this What I Disliked About the Book is a bit strong. I think it was probably a necessary part of the total package, but it did rub me the wrong way a few times and I have to wonder if everyone Goggins portrays in an unflattering light would agree with his portrayal.

Profanity Warning

It does also bear mentioning that the word “fuck” appears more in this book than I would have thought possible. The use isn’t crass. Here’s a typical example from page 138:

…but for those of us knuckle draggers still in the mix, our attitude was, So the fuck be it! Random f-bomb on page 138 of Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins

I’m not fazed by swearing and I like getting into Goggins’ head as I read the book and the raw language helps with that. However, if you are considering picking it up and are turned off by profanity, maybe pick up the clean version .

I thoroughly enjoyed Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins.

I was inspired to face certain specific challenges head-on and engage more intentionally in maintaining a positive mindset. I was also inspired to up my game in my exercise regimen.

If you’re someone who strives to master your mind, I highly recommend Can’t Hurt Me as a case study in the measures one man took to master his own mind and achieve uncommon levels of excellence.

4 thoughts on “Short Book Review: Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins”

Im reading the book currently and dont feel as though he’s bragging one bit he has to describe situations vividly to put that image into peoples heads because most people have done nothing even remotely close to what he’s acheived and yes he should be damn proud! So while people sit on their couch fantasizing about being Jon Wick David is a real life superman thats giving u the blueprint on how to be one too. If thats what you desire

Maybe so. A part of Goggins style is to go over the top and to use a lot of metaphor. Look no further than his “chestnut” video on YouTube for evidence that he doesn’t expect everything he says to be taken as scientifically and literally accurate. A lot of what he says is about attitude and mindset rather than physical reality. It’s a part of his communication style. I like Goggins. Still watch his clips on YouTube from time to time, and would gladly recommend his book to anyone who wants a little fire lit under their ass.

Oh STFU the book is incredible. There’s no holes to pick. Man up and stop being a negative prick.

I approved this comment just because it made me laugh. 😅

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Can't Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds Paperback – Illustrated, December 10, 2018

• Print length 364 pages
• Language English
• Publication date December 10, 2018
• Dimensions 6 x 0.91 x 9 inches
• ISBN-10 1544512279
• ISBN-13 978-1544512273
• See all details

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Editorial Reviews

About the author, product details.

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Lioncrest Publishing; Illustrated edition (December 10, 2018)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 364 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1544512279
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1544512273
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.21 pounds
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.91 x 9 inches
• #13 in Motivational Self-Help (Books)
• #14 in Success Self-Help
• #15 in Personal Transformation Self-Help

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About the author

David goggins.

David Goggins is a Retired Navy SEAL and the only member of the U.S. Armed Forces to complete SEAL training, Army Ranger School, and Air Force Tactical Air Controller training. Goggins has completed more than seventy ultra-distance races, often placing in the top five, and is a former Guinness World Record holder for completing 4,030 pull-ups in seventeen hours. A sought-after public speaker, he’s traveled the world sharing his philosophy on how to master the mind. When he’s not speaking, he works as an Advanced Emergency Technician in a big city Emergency Room and, during the summer, as a wildland firefighter in British Columbia.

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Customers say

Customers find the book wonderful, beautiful, and inspiring. They also say it teaches them how to live a better, more productive lifestyle. Readers describe the book as honest, raw, and realistic. They appreciate the no-nonsense, straightforward approach and lessons that are easy to follow. Customers also say the author is amazing and a true inspiration.

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Customers find the book wonderful, beautiful, and profound. They say the author goes into specific details and makes several great points throughout the book. Readers also mention the stories David tells are incredible demonstrations in how hard work really pays off. They also mention that the narrative is interspersed with reflections, challenges, and practical strategies.

"...CAN'T HURT ME is a fast and brutal read ...." Read more

"This is an absolutely amazing book . Don’t read it if you don’t want to be motivated to really excel at life." Read more

" Loved the book . Helped me to reinforce that we car phenomenal creatures with the ability to do whatever we put our minds to...." Read more

"Easy read. Was very entertaining as well. Inspiring story as well. Amazing how someone can put themselves through so much." Read more

Customers find the content extremely inspiring, teaching them how to live a better, more productive lifestyle. They say it helps them overcome hardships and focus on their goals. Readers also say the book is great for personal growth and development. They mention it's a testament to the unwavering human spirit and an invaluable guide for anyone seeking to grow.

"...Has definitely inspired me to reach deeper and push harder in life and as an age group athlete." Read more

"...This book completely changed my mindset and outlook on life . If you take the message seriously it will change you for the better. Stay hard." Read more

"...CAN'T HURT ME is a fast and brutal read. It's inspiring , but it's not a feel-good memoir, and one can't help but wonder if Goggins takes any real..." Read more

"...It teaches you how to live a better, more productive lifestyle and how not to get bogged down by bad circumstances...." Read more

Customers find the story relatable, unapologetically honest, and brutally honest. They appreciate the detailed personal experience the author provides. Readers also describe the book as realistic, profound, and a great testimony to being able to achieve anything. They mention the details are raw and real, with no fluff or pandering to the politically correct.

"...Well written, very relatable with simple steps to follow." Read more

"...This book will help you to take accountability for your actions and show you how anyone can do it. David Goggins is an inspiration." Read more

"My son is reading again! Also it was a great testimony to being able to achieve anything! No one can hold you back!" Read more

"...It’s both astounding and profound to actually read that story of Mr.Goggins...." Read more

Customers find the book raw, real, and captivated by the genuine portrayal of David Goggins. They say it has substance, heart, truth, and tactics to motivate them. Readers also mention the book is blunt, honest, and right to the point.

" Raw , transparent & motivating" Read more

"...that I can relate to on a personal level, and I found myself captivated by the raw and genuine portrayal of his experiences...." Read more

"...It’s brilliant, with it’s authenticity and rawness . It’s deeply emotional, without emotion and poor-me mentality...." Read more

"I don't believe I have ever read a book so raw and profound...." Read more

Customers find the book easy to use. They say it's straightforward, provides lessons that are easy to follow, and an amazing blueprint to self-actualization. Readers also mention the book includes all-around techniques, guidelines, and general help for every aspect.

"...Well written, very relatable with simple steps to follow ." Read more

"...just a memoir but a blueprint for personal transformation, offering practical tools , life-changing insights, and a resounding call to action...." Read more

"...The message of the book that is so powerful is that hard work and a never-say-die attitude can overcome so many of life's problems...." Read more

"...I see some people complaining that this book has a ton of bad advice , but I don’t think he was trying to tell everyone to go out and start running..." Read more

Customers find the man amazing and unique. They say the book is a great introduction to David Goggins and his life philosophy. Readers also say the biography is amazing and has plenty of lessons.

"...Overall, I think "Can't Hurt Me" is a great introduction to David Goggins , sort of his origin story...." Read more

"...It written well and a great intro to his second book ." Read more

"...to read this...you are going to love this guy, he is so clever ...so clever... he spells out a roadmap!!!" So I bought a copy and sent it to her...." Read more

" David Goggins is incredible . His life proves you can overcome all the crap life throws at you...." Read more

Customers find the audio book even better than the book. They say it sounds honest, the message is much louder, and it makes for a more enjoyable listen. Readers also mention the raw tone and straightforward language is refreshing.

"... Sounds easy , right? Try it; it works, especially if you have others in the house that use this mirror......" Read more

"...I enjoyed listening to my audiobook ...." Read more

"...Also! The Audible version is awesome and contains content that's not in the book. Very very cool.I give 2 thumbs up to both." Read more

"...Amazing! Also great as an audio book because he has brief explanations about things that were just told to you as you go through the chapters...." Read more

Customers have mixed opinions about the language of the book. Some mention it's well-written, easy to read, and engaging. However, others say the vulgarity is unnecessary and the book is full of cursing.

"Must read for everyone willing or wanting to change and toughen up. Well written , very relatable with simple steps to follow." Read more

" Easy read . Was very entertaining as well. Inspiring story as well. Amazing how someone can put themselves through so much." Read more

"...There is strong hypermasculine and borderline misogynist attitude throughout the book ...." Read more

"...Can’t Hurt Me is a raw account of David’s life and the writing style is a seamless transition from the David you have seen in video...." Read more

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