Can't Hurt Me

Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds

By: David Goggins

Narrated by: David Goggins, Adam Skolnick

Length: 13 hrs and 37 mins

Publisher's Summary

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 US 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. 

In Can't Hurt Me, he shares his astonishing life story and reveals that most of us tap into only 40% of our capabilities. Goggins calls this The 40% Rule, and his story illuminates a path that anyone can follow to push past pain, demolish fear, and reach their full potential. 

An annotated edition of Can’t Hurt Me, offering over two hours of bonus content featuring deeper insights and never-before-told stories shared by David. Not available in other formats.

©2018 Goggins Built Not Born, LLC (P)2018 Goggins Built Not Born, LLC

Not for me

This is not the first time I've purchased a very highly rated self-help book through audible and then disliked and returned it. This book just didn't do it for me - but obviously, with 67,000 5 star reviews, I'm in the minority here.

In this book, Goggins describes, with the help of an irritating narrator, his difficult early life and his various triumphs in adulthood. Goggins has indeed accomplished amazing things - they are not, however, goals I would seek to attain myself. For example, he runs a 100 mile race in 21 hours, without training. He winds up "pissing blood" and "shitting" himself during and after the race; a doctor suspects he may be in - or at least near - kidney failure after the race, but damn it - he did it. This isn't the type of inspiration I need. Then, a bit later, Goggins returns to the story of this race and criticizes a guy he meets who congratulates him on the accomplishments and tells Goggins he was inspired and will be training to run a similar race; Goggins dismisses the guy, referring to the training plan as "procrastination" and implying if the guy had anything on the ball, he'd just run the race - forget the training! Just not my thing. But props to Goggins for achieving his goals.

Here and throughout the book, the basic message is extremely positive and worthwhile - if we discipline our minds, we can accomplish great things. Beyond this, I didn't enjoy the book, or the reading. The narrator's voice is grating and the text (along with the audible extras) are laced with profanity and the conversations unfold like something out of a middle school locker room. I don't actually mind profanity, but this was just inarticulate and obnoxious - like when you're out in public being annoyed by a group of teenagers trying to show off by talking about themselves too loudly and super crassly.

As I've said, this is a book that definitely has an audience, I'm just not in it. Also, Goggins has definitely accomplished great things, I just don't enjoy the stories or resonate with the thinking behind them. After speeding this up a few times to try to get through it, I'm just giving up and will request a return. I will take with me the message that if we work hard and stay focused, we can accomplish great things.

It starts out great, inspiring. But then....

I really enjoyed the first half, maybe the first 2/3 of this book. Mr. Goggins is inspiring. The difficulties he overcame make him an incredible role model.

But as we got into the ultra marathon stories and the pull-up stories, I seriously began to wonder if the man was a masochist. I do not want to be like that. Not ever. Yes, goals are important, but I will not sacrifice my body and literally exercise myself to the grave. I'm not into massive blood blisters, pushing until collapse, hospitalization, and near-death just to be the best at something. Kudos to him for being able to push that far, but honestly, I don't see the merit.

I would rather live a long, healthy, well-rounded life. I set goals, I achieve them. I am exceptional at everything I do, but there is absolutely no reason to sacrifice my body to be the very best at one single thing.

I struggled to finish the book once we reached the ultra-marathon stage. I no longer wished to be like Mr. Goggins. Do I still admire him? Absolutely. Was the story compelling? Yes. Would I read it again? Probably not.

Mr. Goggins, if by any chance you ever read this review, please know you are awe-inspiring. Not completely what I want to emulate, but that's just me. Thank you for the book. Go on with your bad self.

Self Worship Is An Understatement

I admire the effort David Goggins has put into his endeavors. I am glad that he overcame everything in front of him. I think he has some good stories, but to say the book is self worship is an understatement. Maybe that type of self aggrandizement is helpful for some listeners, but honestly it became tiring half way through. I begrudgingly finished the Audible because I was so motivated by the book to push through torture. Thanks David.

Opting for the book instead

The audio book is unique in that in between reading chapters, the narrator/co-author interviews David. Overall, it's interesting as a break between chapters. I'm actually returning the audisobook and buying the book instead because there are exercises after every chapter, photos referenced, and there was no audiobook supplement. Feel like that was a major miss that should be rectified for this audiobook.

Motivational, but at a cost

Here are my three take-aways from "Can't Hurt Me" by David Goggins:

David Goggins is an impressive man, and has achieved things that only the uncommon of the uncommon could do-he lives to be unique. Goggins is a type A, high-achieving, resume- focused individual. He has utilized his genetics and optimized his body and mind through repetition. He used his dark past, insecurities, and competition to fuel his many endeavors. However, I believe everything in life is a trade-off. David chose to take a path focused on physical milestones by proving he was psychologically "hard". By doing so, he worked harder rather than smarter, and forewent so many other important aspects of life.

I couldn't help but notice how underprepared Goggins was going into things. He never had the right bike, the right shoes, the right food/salt/gels-in fact, he ate crackers and hamburgers during some of his races and pull-up comps. He tormented and tortured himself, and takes pride in it today. A lot of those scenarios in which he suffered were preventable. The rash on his wetsuit, the bendy pull-up bar, the running shoes on a snow-packed trail...I just find it a little ludicrous and embarrassing. He shouldn't have worked out before a 100 mile race, he should have known to stretch as an ultra-marathon runner. It's just kind of stupid. But it adds to his hardship that he is so proud of.

From a critical point of view, Goggins forfeited family, love, appreciation, and belonging to achieve. There was never balance or appreciation until his life was almost taken from him. I value achievement highly, but it was hard for me to hear him talk about his life on the audiobook. He cheated throughout school, cheated in buds by stealing the itinerary, and took a disgusting amount of pain meds to get through several obstacles. What I heard was a man lacking peace, lacking understanding, and lacking human connection. In my opinion, Goggins needs to sit down and have a slice of humble-pie. He seemed so unsatisfied, so uneducated-filling every other word with swear words, and quite narcissistic. I don't recall very many examples where he was thankful for his genes, body, ex-wives and mother (who were there every step of the way), friends, or mentors. Each person is a unique blend of nature and nurture, and I know he had one of the hardest lives growing up. I value his growth mindset, just think it was hyper-focused on a single area in life-physical achievement. And that comes at a cost.

The major things that I would like to apply to my life is the governor-we should remove unnecessary limitations, do things that suck, or change the way we perceive challenges. I do believe in the 40% rule, and assume there is an unfathomable amount of unfulfilled potential in me, and in those around the world. So I will do my best to callous my mind each time I do something challenging, and do things that are hard because they are hard, and because it will set me apart in the world. All in all, it was a fantastic and motivating book, but the dude's only human, as are we.

I'M A 60 YR OLD WOMAN AND LOVE THIS BOOK!

I WAS CURIOUS AS TO WHETHER I WOULD GET ANY MORE FROM DAVID'S BOOK THAN I HAD ALREADY GOTTEN FROM ALL THE PODCASTS AND OTHER INTERVIEWS I'VE LISTENED TO. WELL THIS BOOK GOES WAY MORE DEEPLY INTO WHAT MOST GOGGINS' FANS ALREADY KNOW OF HIS LIFE AND SOME!

I MENTION MY AGE IN THE HEADLINE IN CASE THERE ARE OTHER OLDER PEOPLE, AND WOMEN IN GENERAL WHO WONDER IF A BOOK ABOUT THE LIFE OF THE HARDEST MAN ON EARTH HAS ANYTHING IN IT FOR THEM.

YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE AN ALPHA MALE, SEAL TEAM WANNA BE, TO GET SOMETHING FROM THIS BOOK. IF YOU ARE INSPIRED BY PEOPLE WHO GET KNOCKED DOWN BUT GET BACK UP AGAIN - OVER AND OVER AND OVER AGAIN THEN YOU CAN APPLY HIS LESSONS TO ANYTHING IN LIFE ! THIS MAN HAS GONE DEEEEEEP INTO SELF REFLECTION AND ACCOUNTABILITY AND ARTICULATES WHAT HE HAS LEARNT, AND HOW HE HAS TURNED WEAKNESSES INTO STRENGTHS BEAUTIFULLY WITH BRUTAL SELF DEPRECATING HONESTY. I'VE READ MANY BOOKS IN THIS GENRE AND I'VE NEVER FELT THIS LEVEL OF RAW HONESTY.

FROM DAVID'S PODCASTS I'VE LEARNT SO MUCH ABOUT THE MENTAL STRENGTH WHICH I'VE USED FOR RUNNING MARATHONS (I HAVE GOGGINS'ED MY WAY THROUGH SEVERAL RACES!) - BUT READING HIS BOOK HAS CHALLENGED ME TO LOOK AT OTHER AREAS OF MY LIFE WHERE I COULD BENEFIT BY GETTING OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE.

FINALLY, WITH THE PODCAST CHATS IN-BETWEEN CHAPTERS YOU FEEL LIKE YOU ARE IN THE ROOM WITH WITH DAVID AND ADAM, HAVING THE BOOK READ TO YOU THEN DISCUSSING THE CHAPTER WITH DAVID AT THE END. BRILLIANT FORMAT FOR AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY !!!

Sorry its rubbish

I liked alot of podcasts i saw about goggins, i got and hour into this book and had had enough.

Not interesting at all and got nothing from hearing about his childhood..

Also didnt like the way it was presented as a part audiobook, part podcast and the with challenges for yourself mixed in..

Goggins is a great guy, insperational character but i just didnt like the book.. Sorry

Master your mind!

The most powerful people are not the ones who control others, it is those who can control themselves. Thank you David for sharing your story. - @Ricky_Arenas

This guy will change your life!

I first heard about David Goggins through Joe Rogan’s podcast. I’ve listened to his interview with him at least a dozen times. Through following David Goggins on social media, I learned he was writing a book. After much anticipation, the audiobook is finally out! I’ve already pre ordered my kindle copy from Amazon once the book is officially released dec, 4. I have no doubt that this audio version will be on repeat. This guy has put so many mantras in my head that constantly motivate me to “get after it.” I’ve even considered getting a tattoo of “uncivilized” (something that David explains) somewhere on my body to always remember to be unstoppable and be hungry for more. I hope his words will inspire you to find out something you don’t already know about yourself. They have for me. David, if you’re reading this, thank you! You’ve certainly made an impact on my life!

Got me out of my own head- AMAZING!

Amazing audiobook unlike any other I have heard. While it is an audiobook, it also offers elements of a podcast! Truly engaging and forced me to look at my problems and challenges in life in a very different way.

Very different from what I expected

I’ve made a mistake believing that this book is about training your mind to be strong, having a different perspective on life and get me motivated and inspired. However it is only 10% this and 90% of David story which is cool but it’s so unnecessary detailed and definitely not right to the point. It’s even describing the cookies he ate. For army training freaks, this book is perfect but I was under the impression it would give me a general idea of keeping my mind strong and not just describing army training into every single little detail possible.

Most overrated book ever

I heard many good reviews about this book and rating of 4.9 on Audible did help too (also the fact the book was in the bestsellers), but I was very disappointed by the second hour of listening. I still gave it a chance but it sounded to me that it's nothing but author's ego boost.
And come on, running on broken legs? This made me laugh if anything, I mean RUN on BROKEN legs?? Seriously? And all this followed by an interview with the narrator telling how "Hundreds of people are running with injuries" - how is this a good idea? If people will start following this example, they will end up getting injured for life! And I'm telling this as a very active person myself.
All this pushing through pain, "earning" the right to watch TV, destroy other people's mind - is there anything in this person's life that he genuinely enjoys? That makes him happy?

I found this book extremely sad. And it sounded like the person who written it is captured in his own torturing set of mind.

Best way to start 2019!

This is the best book I’ve heard in a long time. It really helps to put things into perspective if you think you’re having a bad day! To go through all that he has and still have the ability to be driven to the success that David Goggins has achieved is truly remarkable. If you have a goal you want to achieve, if you’re stuck in a rut, or if there are obstacles preventing you being who you want to be, then this book is the book for you!

The icing on the cake are the short interviews that take place at the end of each chapter. Insightful and a brilliant concept. Rather than being short-changed like with a lot of audio books where the resources aren’t readily available, this gives you more than reading it would. Awesome!

Some good points but hilariously self-aggrandising

Ok before I say anything negative, this book has some fine points about discipline and some amazing anecdotes about persistence which truly are (if true) mind-bending. I am not denying, in any way, this man's physical abilities as a human or mental toughness. That is, in fairness, indisputable.

However, I found the writing in this book is hilarious. It's so Alan Partridge. He keeps saying (especially in the excruciating brodude back-and-forth parts with the ghost writer on the audiobook) "I'm not a hero", to the extent that I believe he very much doubts that he is not a hero, and possibly polishes a big statue of himself in his house with "A Hero" written on it . I found it really grating during the hell week stage, where he basically takes credit for the work of his team, as if his steely determination coasted the rest of the guys through. He just can't believe himself.

Also, as mentioned, the back and forth with the ghostwriter/narrator has to be heard to be believed. The guy has his tongue down the back of Goggins' trousers for the whole thing. He's so slimy and sycophantic. At one point, after Goggins had finished describing one of the movies he likes, Platoon I think (seriously these parts are inane and insane. Goggins also describes the storyline to the movie Rocky at one point, so buckle up for that one) the narrator says something like "that's some knowledge right there". Great. Thanks for that.

Anyway, perhaps it's a cultural thing, constant self-praise is a bit grating to me, but if it doesn't bother you there are some amazing stories about brutal training schedules and physical feats to keep you entertained.Sorry if I was too negative there.I have just finished "Man's Search for Meaning" which sees a man go through a concentration camp and lose everything and there wasn't one self-congratulatory note. It is humble throughout. That to me is totally amazing.

This book is a journey you owe yourself!

Raw, honest, spiritual, true, transcending.

Explore yourself and the depths of your soul as David Goggins' story unfolds offering precious tools and kindling. And now, when life gives you kindling make damn sure to use it and start some longlasting fire.

Incredible stuff ...

Only at chapter 10 but I couldn't wait any longer. first introduced to DG via Joe Rogans podcast, and since then I've been really interested in his story, and more importantly his mindset. We can all achieve this ... but we need to step off the marshmallow clouds, and be honest with ourselfs. You need to want change for more than just motivational sake, you need to want it because you deserve it. DG, Joe Rogan and Jordan Peterson have become father figures for me. Thank you DG for sharing your insight.

mike

It’s above average.

The problem I had with this audiobook is that it gets quite same-ish and you don’t find yourself thinking for god sake stop blowing smoke up your own butt crack David you get a bit fed up of his non stop PT silly statements he has to make where he nearly kills himself several times trying to be the worlds toughest man. It’s like sheeesh again?? There are some brilliant takeaways though from the book that have influenced me as I find myself thinking about them in my day to day life and that is a good sign the book has affected you. It’s very good conclusion and the beginning part of the book discussing his abusive father is done with tact and tastefully for such a somber and sad situation. No doubt David is tough man and a great leader and inspiration. But it’s not a patch on ant Middletons first man in book which delves more into leadership in his life. This just seems like a book about David and how effing tough he is. He’s blowing his own trumpet for most of it. Worth listening to though.

The Thor's Hammer of self help books

Although in the title I have said this is a self help book, I would really call it a self awakening book.
This book is not for everyone, as you read or listen, one of 2 things will happen. You will either start to feel that there are too many challenges ahead and take the easy way out and go back to watching telly.
Or, if you are worthy, you will re-ignite the flame you had as a kid to just get up and get after it.
The story of David Goggins life is inspirational, bit what he is doin is simply opening a door to discovery of yourself.
Best listen in ages, shed tears of realisation whilst reflecting between his and my own life, and wasted potential past.

the man's a legend

loved the book finished in record time , narrator was great even tho I was annoyed it wasn't goggins . the moment he ran with two broken legs WOW !

One of the best book that I listened

I have waited for months to listen this book as David is so inspiring.. when I watched David's Podcast, I started running more than 100km/week and 500 push ups/ day.. his words penetrate through skull and activate pain tolarance neurons in the brain.. Once you listen to this guy for few months in loop.. you will not be the same person as before.. that's for sure..
And it's finally release, I was excited and started listening.. down the line I realize, David is not narrating this book.. n I was like.. why? why?
No doubt book is great, message he tries to tell audience that how he conquer odds by simply hard work, repeatation and inhuman pain tolarance.. is one of the kind.. but it would have been awesome If David would have narrated story..
Thank you David for the inspiration..