A journey of grit and resilience

Transforms adversity into strength, and ignites the fire within to achieve the impossible.

Makliya Mamat  /  June 10, 2023

I’ve always been fascinated by stories of resilience, and David Goggins’ “Can’t Hurt Me” is one of the most compelling I’ve encountered.

Goggins’ journey starts in a tough place. His childhood was a litany of hardships—poverty, abuse, and racism. But what’s remarkable is how he transformed these adversities into a relentless drive to excel. He became a Navy SEAL, an Army Ranger, and one of the world’s top endurance athletes.

Reading his memoir feels like having a tough conversation with someone who’s lived through the fire and come out forged anew. Goggins shares the raw, unfiltered truth of his struggles and the mindset that helped him conquer them. One of his core strategies is what he calls the “cookie jar.” It’s a mental trick where you draw strength from your past achievements to face current challenges. It’s simple but profoundly effective.

He’s completed multiple ultra-marathons, set a Guinness World Record for pull-ups, and inspired countless people worldwide. His story is a powerful reminder that we all have untapped potential if we’re willing to push through pain and adversity.

What strikes me most about Goggins is his relentless pursuit of self-improvement. He refuses to settle for mediocrity and continually challenges himself to reach new heights. Whether it’s during brutal military training, extreme endurance events, or his daily personal goals, Goggins exemplifies the power of a focused mind.

One key take-away from the book is the importance of embracing discomfort. Goggins willingly puts himself in tough situations, viewing them as opportunities for growth. Growth lies just beyond the boundaries of our comfort. It’s through embracing discomfort that we can truly step into our greatness.

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