After releasing his incredible first book, Can’t Hurt Me, Goggins had a hard act to follow. How was he going to top the wisdom and motivation he had provided in that unique work of art? But, perhaps unsurprisingly for those who know who Goggins in, he did top it.
I listened to the audiobook version of Never Finished, which, like its predecessor, includes a sort of podcast between each chapter: a conversation between Goggins and the narrator, Adam, in which they dive deeper into topics and stories covered in the previous chapter. As great of a narrator as Adam is, it adds heaps to the listening experience to hear from Goggins personally. I don’t recommend listening to this book while sitting still; go for a run, or hit the gym, and use that inspiration that Goggins is providing to you. I always felt that if I wasn’t exercising while listening, I was being a ‘little bitch’.
As a general piece of advice, I also recommend listening to every audiobook you buy twice in a row, particularly if you are doing something active while listening. I find that I miss a lot the first time around, being distracted by other sights and sounds on the road, or focusing on my breathing and cadence. You’ll be surprised by how much extra knowledge you gain from an instant re-listen.
Never Finished is a combination of two types of stories from Goggins’ life: more childhood insights which he glossed over in Can’t Hurt Me, and events that happened after the release of his first book, approximately covering the period from 2018 to 2022. Although the format remains similar to the previous audiobook, there are definitely some fresh takes. For one, the Challenges between chapters in Can’t Hurt Me have been replaced by ‘Evolutions’, which give more general guidance as opposed to specific tasks.
Goggins is possibly even more honest with his audience than he was in his first book. He details how he became—by his standards—soft, when things were looking good. Much of the book, then, is his journey to become a savage again. It’s heartening to know that even the hardest man on the planet can slip up, and that we should never become complacent with the success we have. There is always another challenge to be confronted, another finish line to be crossed. In short, we should have the attitude that we are never finished.
Thanks for another burst of inspiration, Goggins. I wake up earlier, run more and work harder than I have ever done, and you helped me get there. This book is a must buy for anyone who wants to improve their lives and stay hard.
Buy the physical book here: Never Finished
