“Can’t Hurt Me” is a memoir by David Goggins, a retired United States Navy SEAL and former United States Air Force Tactical Air Control Party member. The book is co-written with Adam Skolnick, a journalist, and author, and was first published in 2018.
Can’t Hurt Me Summary
The book is divided into three sections: “Indoctrination,” “The Uncommon Amongst the Uncommon,” and “The Unbeatable Mind.” Each section covers a different phase of Goggins’ life and the lessons he learned along the way.
In “Indoctrination,” Goggins discusses his upbringing in rural Indiana, where he and his family experienced poverty and racism. Goggins was overweight and struggled in school, but his father’s tough love taught him the value of hard work and discipline. Goggins also recounts his abusive childhood, including physical violence from his father, which he says gave him the strength and resilience needed to become a Navy SEAL.
In “The Uncommon Amongst the Uncommon,” Goggins recounts his time in the military and how he transformed himself into one of the most elite and respected soldiers in the world. Goggins discusses his experience in BUD/S (Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL) training and the mental and physical challenges he faced during the program. He also talks about his deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan and the traumatic experiences he had during those missions.
In “The Unbeatable Mind,” Goggins discusses his post-military life and how he transitioned from being a Navy SEAL to becoming an ultra-endurance athlete and motivational speaker. Goggins recounts his experiences running ultra-marathons and participating in other extreme endurance events, including the Badwater 135 and the Navy SEAL Hell Week. Goggins also discusses his philosophy of “callusing the mind” and how he overcame his personal limitations through mental toughness and perseverance.
Throughout the book, Goggins emphasizes the importance of facing one’s fears and pushing past one’s limits. He also stresses the value of hard work, self-discipline, and mental toughness in achieving success in any field. Goggins encourages readers to embrace discomfort and challenge themselves to become the best version of themselves.
Overall, “Can’t Hurt Me” is an inspiring and motivating memoir that shares the remarkable journey of one man’s transformation from an overweight, bullied child to a world-renowned Navy SEAL and ultra-endurance athlete. The book offers valuable lessons on overcoming adversity, embracing discomfort, and achieving greatness through hard work and perseverance.