Can’t Hurt Me
Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds
David Goggins
“For David Goggins, childhood was a nightmare — poverty, prejudice, and physical abuse colored his days and haunted his nights. But through self-discipline, mental toughness, and hard work, Goggins transformed himself from a depressed, overweight young man with no future into a U.S. Armed Forces icon and one of the world’s top endurance athletes. The only man in history to complete elite training as a Navy SEAL, Army Ranger, and Air Force Tactical Air Controller, he went on to set records in numerous endurance events, inspiring Outside magazine to name him “The Fittest (Real) Man in America.””
This isn’t the type of book I’d usually pick up. I only read it because my doctor suggested it might help me manage stress. I had no expectations going in, just a vague idea that it was something about resilience. What I found was an intense memoir that completely pulled me in.
David Goggins’ story is nothing short of brutal. From childhood trauma and poverty to extreme physical and mental challenges, it’s hard to believe one person endured so much. The first few chapters were especially heavy, and I found myself totally immersed, like I’d stepped into another world.
I’ve always thought marathon runners were a little extreme. I had no idea what true athletic insanity looked like. Running over 100 miles in 36 hours? On 2 broken legs? In Death Valley? Up and down mountains? Not just once, but multiple times. Almost killing himself fairly often too! It’s hard to wrap your head around that kind of drive. Goggins pushes the boundaries of human endurance and then some. I did start to lose interest a little during the last stretch of those ultra-endurance race stories.
Can’t Hurt Me is about mastering your mindset. It’s about pushing past the limits we place on ourselves, most of which exist only in our heads. While there are a few tips at the end of each chapter, the book isn’t overflowing with practical advice, and honestly, I didn’t mind. The power is in his story.
This book can be read two ways: as a self-help guide or as a memoir. For me, it definitely resonated more as a memoir. It’s not trying to be polished or perfectly structured. It’s real, raw, and relentless, just like Goggins himself.
If you’re looking for motivation or just a jaw-dropping story of human grit, Can’t Hurt Me is worth a read, even if it’s not your usual kind of book. 4-4.5 stars.
