BookBabble #28: "Can't Hurt Me" by David Goggins

“Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds”

Here is a great book from an interesting character, and has to rank as one of the best in all genres.

David Goggins is a man some may be familiar with, others won’t have heard of at all. Some will love his ‘direct’ style, others may be put off by it. Either way, his message is sound.

I first became aware of Goggins (as most people I suspect) through being a guest on various podcasts. He’s done the rounds now but the first time I saw him was on Tom Bilyeu’s show, in which he came back for a second appearance.

Now, the guy swears a lot, so if that offends you or negatively skews your experience in these matters, then this probably isn’t the chap or book for you (although in terms of the book, I believe there is now a ‘clean’ version and much of his talks have been edited on YouTube, so if you like him and the general message and inspiration but sans the f-bombs etc then there is the possibility of getting some of that vibe, although you’ll lose a bit of the essence).

Some may see him as more ‘brutish’ and hard-core but I see a philosophical and, dare I say, spiritual side that shines through. It takes all sorts and there’s more than one way to talk and be around these concepts. Sitting under a tree meditating can be one… beasting a 100 mile ultra-run is another!

The first thing that gets talked about on the podcasts tends to be his accomplishments. Going above and beyond in ultra-running and other endurance events that go just past what you think humans are capable of. He was also a distinguished Navy SEAL and only a certain pedigree can enter those ranks.

In the book he delves more into his past and what made him as well as elaborates on his experiences. He was abused as a kid, received a lot of racism growing up and had struggles with his weight and purpose, which were all terrible but also drove him on to be the man he is today.

Because when you’re driven, whatever is in front of you, whether it’s racism, sexism, injuries, divorce, depression, obesity, tragedy, or poverty, becomes fuel for your metamorphosis.

As he says though, this isn’t about him. It’s about you… you are the hero in this journey. There’s a challenge set after each chapter which forces you to take a look at yourself, where you are and where you want to be. Nothing fancy or fluffy here, more nitty-gritty back to basics, old fashioned graft.

If you want a sympathetic pat on the back and ra ra everything’s great and we’re all perfect, then Goggins isn’t for you. But if you want someone shouting in your ear, not taking your whining and pushing you regardless, then he’s ideal.

Source

Top Takes: Key Concepts & Quotes From the Book, Followed By My Additional Thoughts…

Human Potential is Virtually Limitless

This speaks for itself and has been uttered many times and in many ways. Goggins discusses this a lot and suggests it in all his activities, talks and writings. We just don’t realise how much this is true and what we are truly capable of.

40/60 Rule

I don’t think it was Goggins who coined this, it comes from the military and in particular the Navy SEALS (where he’s heavily involved) and here he discusses and expands on it. It taps into the previous point in that when you think you’re done, you’re generally only at 40% and have another 60% in the tank.

Your mind is telling you you’re finished as that’s it’s job to keep you alive, as well as hold a bit back. This makes sense in an evolutionary sense but at that point there is far more available.

Day One, Week One

Another military concept of treating each day as square one - approaching with a beginner’s mind. You’re back on the first day of training, a nobody, needing to prove yourself again and again. Never settling, and earning it every single day.

Why Am I Here/Doing This?

The big question that needs to be answered when undertaking anything difficult. Why on earth are you doing Hell Week and SEAL training, what’s the point in this marathon etc? You need to be able to answer that question in those tougher moments. Quitting can look very desirable, so we must have an answer ready when the easy and more logical thing is to stop.

Cookie Jar

This is about having past experiences to draw on that help you smash on in an endeavour. It goes back to when David would get cookies out the jar from his mother - they had nothing much else in the world but that jar always had some treats inside, something to draw on.

When you’ve completed previous runs for example, you know you can do it, there’s evidence of accomplishment, and it can make the difference during those tougher moments and split second decisions.

Accountability Mirror

This is where you face yourself. Literally. Goggins talks about putting little post it notes on the mirror of things to improve on and giving himself a good talking to. He did it when it was younger and espouses the concept now. It’s a direct method and a bit old-school but there’s no hiding place.

And it needs to be brutally honest. If you’re fat, say so… no sugar coating, ‘well I’m a little overweight’ doesn’t cut it. This isn’t time to be particularly nice. Yes, be loving in a general sense but address the elephant in the room with brutal honesty, with intention to put it right.

Calloused Mind

When you work with your hands, or even play an instrument, through use they can become calloused. There’s a build up of toughness that appears over time. Here we’re talking about that sort of toughness but for your mind through persistent use and challenge.

In the military we always say we don’t rise to the level of our expectations, we fall to the level of our training

One Warrior

According to Heraclitus (Greek philosopher in the 5th century BC), out of every 100 men on the battlefield; 10 shouldn’t be there, 80 are just targets, 9 are real fighters… and there is one warrior. You have the opportunity to be that One Warrior.

Hates Running

This is an interesting one, but Goggins insists he hates running and many other things in life. People think he’s a sadist and must love it (I think he does in a way but that’s not the point). It’s not a case of enjoying it (although there are enjoyable aspects, usually after!), it’s a case of it being who you are and getting it done.

You get up, brush your teeth, shower, eat. They’re not necessarily enjoyable but you just get them done. Tying up your running shoes and getting out the door for a cheeky 10k of a morning can be another. And you’ll feel a damn sight better once you get going, and even better when you’re finished.

Of course, this isn’t all about running or athletic pursuits… we can apply these concepts across the board.

Buddhism, Suffering & Stoicism

Buddhism talks about life being suffering. And being peaceful to all beings as a way to break the constant cycle of life and rebirth into this realm. Stoicism has certain aspects that cross-over with Buddhism, and these 2 ideologies are referenced in the book, and elsewhere in these Book Babbles.

In Japan there’s a sect of Zen monks that run 1,000 marathons in 1,000 days in a quest to find enlightenment through pain and suffering

All very jolly ;). But there is a point to it all… perhaps a bit excessive in this example but there are many ways to the ‘holy land’ and this is one route.

Taking Souls

This is a concept based around getting one over on others but in your own mind. Chipping that little advantage and having a sense of satisfaction over the other guy. To be used with caution as it’s potentially a little ‘childish’ and destructive, so to be used in the best spirit.

For example, in the book Goggins talked about being half-way through Hell Week in SEAL training and the trainers always looking to get inside the trainees heads. Here he talks about turning the tables and getting in their heads. Going above and beyond in any challenge they set and figuratively speaking taking their souls.

Remember though, in good spirit to help drive you to greater heights, not drag anyone else down or make them feel bad.

One-Second Decisions

Those moments when you could easily stop or continue. They only last a second and it’s a case of reaching into that cookie jar discussed earlier (or any other method) and taking that split second decision just to continue for one more step. Then get through a few more steps and hopefully be in a better headspace to continue then complete the job.

Not Training for a Race; Training for Life

It’s not about getting fit per se, or a particular event. It’s about being prepared for life and all it throws at you. That’s the real training and this sets you up in many ways.

To Find Peace, You Have to Go to War With Yourself First

There’s a lot of war going on between Goggins’ ears. As I say, he’s a military man plus has had a lot of battles over the years.

The main one is always with yourself. There is peace at the end of it all, but you must endure some sort of suffering to deeply feel it. It’s in direct contrast to what you can take, how blissful you feel after.

You can avoid both sides of course but to feel anything deeply, you must experience the opposite to a large degree.

Then there’s acceptance.

We are all fighting the same battle. All of us are torn between comfort and performance, between settling for mediocrity or being willing to suffer in order to become our best self, all the damn time.

Work on Weaknesses (Not So Much Strengths)

Gary Vaynerchuk talks about tripling down on strengths. As in, almost forget weaknesses and really concentrate on what you’re good at. Goggins takes a different approach in that you should focus on your weaknesses as those are what will hold you back.

I believe there is a balance and they’re both right. You should emphasise your strengths as not everyone has them and they can be expanded upon and set you apart. But you also need to work on weaknesses in core areas as that affects your whole being.

Of course you can always delegate a task that someone else is better at (and enjoys and/or gets paid for), but having a handle on them makes you unreliant on other people, plus more of an idea how best to outsource it.

God/Chart Story. Even He didn't see it coming!

At the end of the audiobook and in some of his podcasts, he talks about meeting ‘god’ upon his death. As I said earlier, Goggins may or may not be religious but he is a man of faith and spiritual in his own way.

God’s there with a chart with your potential… and you’ve smashed even that. Even He in all His infinite wisdom seeing your ‘full’ capabilities is taken aback by what Goggins (and me/you/us) has actually achieved. Even god didn’t see that coming and is frantically writing it as you’re doing it to keep up to date.

That’s the kind of attitude we want to have. To exceed all expectations and any potential, the complete opposite to languishing in mediocrity like most.

Thanks David! Anything Else?

There is also an audio version of this book which is absolutely recommended. Usually it’s just a nice to have, alternative way of consuming a book, in this case it’s required listening and takes the book to a new level. Another guy (Adam Skolnick) reads the book but Goggins is there with him.

They will break at certain points and chat further, always at the end of chapters but at other points of interest too. Goggins will set down the challenges that are layed down as well as an intro and wrap up. It’s in the style of a podcast/radio show in conjunction with the main reading and supercharges what this book and person offers.

It’s one of the best books I’ve ever read and would be in my top 3 for 2019 which would include the previous 2 BookBabbles - Atomic Habits and Outwitting the Devil. I truly believe there’s something for everyone in those 3 books, and if you can ingest, digest and act on even half of what’s contained there, then you’ll be set fair. Different styles of course but driving at core principles that once mastered (at least to a degree) will mean a good handle on life.

A really well written book (credit to Skolnick here too as the co/ghost-author), with genuine personal development principles scattered throughout. You see these in the specifics written about but also in the story. As mentioned at the start, it’s not so much about David Goggins (although it is his story) but about the reader and what they take and apply. They are at the centre of their own story - that would be you and I writing the script day by day.

And I’ve just heard he’s got a new book out in December (2022) - Never Finished. Could be worth a look! And also check out Living with a SEAL by Jessie Itzler. Can you guess who the SEAL is?

Don’t stop when you’re tired. Stop when you are done.

First image my own, second linked to source + quotes used are from the book

Check out the others in the series…