#3 — Embracing Resilience and the Pursuit of Relentlessness: Lessons from David Goggins’ ‘Can’t Hurt Me’

I had a chance to read the book — ‘Can’t Hurt Me’ by David Goggins’ back in Jan 2023. If I had to summarize the book in a few words, I would say — this book revolves around “our own mental boundaries”

David Goggins’ — Can’t Hurt Me

Introduction:

In “Can’t Hurt Me,” David Goggins shares a raw and inspiring journey, one that begins in hardship and culminates into his triumph. His story is not just about physical endurance but about mental resilience, a relentless drive, and how these qualities can reshape both personal and professional lives.

I highly recommend reading this book, in a lot of ways, its life changing.

Early Struggles and Lasting Impact:

Goggins’ childhood was marked by poverty, prejudice, and abuse. These early experiences, while deeply traumatic, forged in him a resilience that later defined his life. The pain and struggle of his early years became fuel for his fire, teaching him that limits are often self-imposed.

The Don’t Ever Stop Mindset:

Goggins’ life is a testament to his mantra: never stop. His commitment to pushing past pain, fatigue, and self-doubt is extraordinary. This attitude saw him through multiple attempts at Navy SEAL training, where he faced both physical and mental barriers. The story narrates us that persistence, above all, is key to overcoming obstacles.

Workout Commitments:

Goggins’ approach to fitness is intense. He doesn’t just exercise; he battles against his own limits. His ultra-marathon runs, record-breaking pull-up numbers, and grueling workout routines are not merely acts of physical strength but demonstrations of mental fortitude. He shows us that the body can achieve almost anything if the mind is willing.

The Parallels to the Business:

The philosopy that Goggins’ life exhibits is beyond personal development. In the business world, the principles of resilience, relentless pursuit, and breaking through self-imposed barriers are invaluable. Businesses, much like individuals, face challenges that require a similar mindset to overcome. His approach mirrors what many successful entrepreneurs and leaders advocate — continuous improvement, resilience, and the courage to face difficult situations head-on.

Empathy and Understanding:

Goggins’ journey also teaches empathy. Understanding personal struggles can lead to better team dynamics, stronger leadership, and a more inclusive workplace. His story reminds us to be mindful of our own and others’ battles, and how these experiences shape our decisions and actions.

Embracing Resilience and the Pursuit of Relentlessness

Quotes from David Goggins’ — I loved from the book:

1. “The only person who was going to turn my life around was me. The only way I could get turned around was to put myself through the worst things possible that a human being could ever endure.”
2. “You are in danger of living a life so comfortable and soft, that you will die without ever realizing your true potential.”
3. “The most important conversations you’ll ever have are the ones you’ll have with yourself.”
4. “You can’t hurt me, because I know I’m capable of anything I put my mind to.”
5. “In the military, we always say we don’t rise to the level of our expectations, we fall to the level of our training.”
6. “It’s possible to transcend anything that doesn’t kill you.”
7. “Most of us give up when we have only given around 40% of our maximum effort. Even when we feel like we have reached our absolute limit, we still have 60% more to give!”
8. “The only thing more contagious than a good attitude is a bad one.”
9. “Don’t stop when you are tired. Stop when you are done.”
10. “You have to build calluses on your brain just like how you build calluses on your hands. Callus your mind through pain and suffering.”
11. “Life is one big mind game. The only person you are playing against is yourself.”
12. “No one is going to come help you. No one’s coming to save you.”
13. “From the time you take your first breath, you become eligible to die. You also become eligible to find your greatness and become the one warrior.”
14. “Be more than motivated, be more than driven, become literally obsessed to the point where people think you’re nuts.”
15. “Remember this: your limitations are self-imposed and the shackles are not on your feet but in your mind.”

These quotes serve as powerful reminder and motivations in various aspects of life, including personal growth, professional development, and endurance in the face of challenges.

Conclusion:

David Goggins’ “Can’t Hurt Me” is more than a memoir; it’s a blueprint for tackling life’s challenges head-on. It’s a story that resonated a lot with me.

You can purchase the book here:

For a deeper dive into David Goggins’ inspiring journey, you can purchase “Can’t Hurt Me” here.

David Goggins’ Youtube Videos