Can’t Hurt Me
By: David Goggins
Reflection by: Connor Brumbaugh
Why I read it?
I was seeking something more than just motivation—I was looking for a book that would pose a challenge both mentally and physically. David Goggins, known for his extreme endurance and relentless mindset, seemed like the perfect guide to push me out of my comfort zone.
What is it all about?
“Can’t Hurt Me” is the raw, no-excuses life story of David Goggins. Once a directionless man, he transformed himself into a Navy SEAL, ultra-endurance athlete, and living example of mental toughness. The book is part memoir, part self-help guide, with Goggins recounting his childhood trauma, battles with obesity, racism, and self-doubt, and how he overcame these adversities by developing an ironclad mindset. Goggins emphasizes pain, suffering, and failure are inevitable parts of life, but can be used as tools for personal growth if we face them head-on. His concepts of the “calloused mind” and the “40% Rule” urge readers to realize that when they feel they’ve given their all, they still have more left to give.
What caused me to pause?
The unfiltered honesty about Goggin’s personal struggles and the extreme lengths he went to in order to prove himself capable made me pause repeatedly throughout the book. Whether running on broken legs or enduring Hell Week multiple times, Goggins continuously pushed his body and mind beyond what I would have thought was humanly possible. The extreme nature of his challenges caused me to reflect on how much discomfort or fear dictate my actions. His determination to never settle, never make excuses, and always strive for greatness forced me to confront my own comfort zone.
How will this book change my habits or influence me?
Reading “Can’t Hurt Me” has already started to influence my mindset and habits. I’ve become more conscious of choosing the easy path versus the path that will help me grow. One of the biggest changes is how I handle discomfort, whether in physical exercise, work challenges, or personal goals. Goggins’ “40% Rule” resonated deeply with me—I now remind myself that when I feel like I’ve hit my limit, I still have more to give. I’ve started pushing myself harder in workouts and other aspects of life, testing the limits of what I thought I could achieve. I’m also incorporating more accountability into my daily routines by taking ownership of my failures rather than blaming external circumstances. The idea of callousing my mind, just as Goggins did, is something I aim to continue building upon by embracing discomfort, setting bigger goals, and refusing to let fear or excuses dictate my actions.
Add this to your reading list if…
You are looking for an inspiring story that will help you learn how to push yourself beyond limits you thought were impossible.
Pickle Rating: 4 out of 5
