can't hurt me - david goggins

Can’t Break the Unbreakable: “Can’t Hurt Me” By David Goggins

When it comes to mental resilience and self-mastery, “Can’t Hurt Me” by David Goggins is a raw and unfiltered testament to the power of the human spirit. Goggins, a former Navy SEAL, ultramarathon runner, and motivational speaker, shares his journey from a challenging and abusive past to becoming a symbol of unbreakable determination.

Let’s dive into the key insights and takeaways from this inspiring and no-nonsense guide to overcoming adversity. I hope you enjoy this book review of “Can’t Hurt Me.”

If you would like to get your hands on the book, click here to read it.

1. The 40% Rule: Expanding the Limits of Human Potential

At the heart of “Can’t Hurt Me” is the concept of the 40% Rule—a philosophy that challenges individuals to push beyond what they believe to be their physical and mental limits. David Goggins argues that when we think we’re done, we’re actually only 40% done. By embracing discomfort and persevering through pain, individuals can tap into the untapped reservoir of potential within them.

Goggins illustrates the 40% Rule through his own experiences, recounting grueling physical challenges, such as completing multiple Navy SEAL Hell Weeks and ultra-endurance races. His story serves as a living example of what can be achieved when one refuses to accept self-imposed limitations.

2. The Accountability Mirror: Confronting the Brutal Truth

“Can’t Hurt Me” introduces the concept of the Accountability Mirror—a metaphorical mirror that reflects the truth about oneself. Goggins encourages readers to take a brutally honest look at their strengths and weaknesses, accepting responsibility for their actions and acknowledging areas for improvement.

David Goggins recounts his own use of the Accountability Mirror during challenging times in his life, emphasizing its role in self-reflection and personal growth. By confronting the truth and holding oneself accountable, individuals can break free from self-deception and take control of their destinies.

3. Calloused Mind: Building Mental Toughness

Goggins emphasizes the importance of developing a calloused mind—a mental resilience that can withstand life’s challenges. He argues that the mind, like the body, can be toughened through exposure to discomfort and adversity. By deliberately putting oneself in challenging situations, individuals can build mental toughness that prepares them for life’s inevitable hardships.

“Can’t Hurt Me” shares Goggins’ personal experiences of deliberately subjecting himself to discomfort, including enduring extreme physical training, taking on leadership roles in the military, and pushing through the mental and emotional challenges of his upbringing. The book serves as a guide for readers to embark on their own journey toward mental toughness.

I look at this in my own life as “doing the hard shit.” What I mean by this is that you need to be doing the things that others won’t. This involves being more disciplined in all aspects of life. Avoiding temptation, doing for walks in the heat of the day and the cold of winter, pushing yourself during workouts, and using spare time to grow your mind by reading books to improve various aspects of your life.

David Goggins introduces the Cookie Jar Method as a tool for navigating challenges and setbacks. The metaphorical cookie jar is a repository of past achievements and victories—big or small—that individuals can draw upon during difficult times. By reminding themselves of past triumphs, individuals can find the strength to persevere through current struggles.

Through personal anecdotes, David Goggins shares instances where he tapped into his own cookie jar to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. The Cookie Jar Method serves as a practical strategy for cultivating grit and resilience, reinforcing the belief that one can overcome any adversity.

5. Taking Souls: The Art of Competing with Yourself

“Can’t Hurt Me” challenges the conventional notion of competition by introducing the concept of “Taking Souls.” David Goggins argues that the true competition is not with others but with oneself. By constantly striving to outperform one’s previous self, individuals can achieve continuous improvement and personal excellence.

Goggins shares stories from his military training, ultramarathon races, and other challenges where he competed not to beat others but to conquer his own limitations. The philosophy of Taking Souls encourages individuals to focus on self-mastery and self-improvement as the ultimate measure of success.

Conclusion: Unleashing the Unyielding Spirit Like David Goggins

“Can’t Hurt Me” by David Goggins is not just a memoir; it’s a guide to unlocking the unbreakable spirit within. Through the exploration of the 40% Rule, the Accountability Mirror, the calloused mind, the Cookie Jar Method, and the philosophy of Taking Souls, Goggins provides readers with a blueprint for overcoming adversity and achieving extraordinary feats.

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To button this all up, “Can’t Hurt Me” challenges individuals to redefine their limits, embrace discomfort, and cultivate mental resilience. Goggins’ story is a testament to the human capacity for growth and transformation, proving that the only limits that exist are the ones we place on ourselves. Through the pages of “Can’t Hurt Me,” readers are invited to embark on a journey of self-discovery, pushing beyond perceived boundaries, and unleashing the unyielding spirit within.

Click here to get “Can’t Hurt Me” by David Goggins.

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Matt Weik

Matt Weik, BS, CPT, CSCS, CSN, is the Owner and Head Keyboard Banger of Weik Fitness. He is a well-respected, prolific writer with a global following and a self-proclaimed fitness and supplement nerd. Matt’s content has been featured on thousands of websites, 100+ magazines, and he has authored over a dozen published books.