David Goggins is a retired Navy Seal, ultra-marathon runner, former World Record holder and motivational speaker. His book, Can’t Hurt Me, is a mixture of autobiography and self-help. As you read or listen through the journey of his life, you are given pieces of advice on how to improve your own performance, and challenges between chapters to attain concrete results in pursuit of your goals.
Ghost writer Adam Skolnick assisted Goggins with the writing of the book, and he is also the primary reader for the audio version. However, in the audio version, Adam pauses the narrative in the midst of and at the end of each chapter to allow David to elaborate on certain parts.
I was inspired by the lengths to which David pushed and continues to push himself. It showed me that the limits of what the human mind and body can accomplish are far beyond what I ever imagined. I used to think a marathon was the pinnacle of human physical achievement. But they’re a light stroll compared to a 240-mile race, which Goggins has completed multiple times. That is not to say that completing a marathon is not a great achievement; they are incredibly difficult and well worth aspiring towards. But I was charged by the thought that there is so much more waiting for me once I had overcome the marathon hurdle.
And overcome it I did, twice in a year. I ran my first two marathons at age 30, and both times I listened to Goggins’ audiobook during training. I made a point of only listening to the book when I ran, and because I enjoyed the book so much it made me look forward to each run more. Each chapter is around 90 minutes, which is a good amount of time to run when you’re preparing for a long race. At the end of each chapter is the aforementioned challenge. There are 10 in total, and I recommend not reading or listening on until you have completed the latest one. These challenges are not necessarily physical; they are simply ways to ensure that we are not becoming complacent when engaging in self-improvement, whatever form it takes.
Warning: this book will make you want to push yourself harder than you have ever done. You are going to be very uncomfortable. And that’s the only way you grow.
What’s next for me? In my 31st year, I intend to run three more marathons and an ultra. Let’s go!
Buy the physical book here: Can’t Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds
Great content! Keep up the good work!