Many people make excuses on a daily basis and procrastinate on their goals. They limit themselves and settle for less. David Goggins is not one of these people. 

He has had every excuse in the world to be a failure. He has suffered from a traumatic childhood, sickle cell, learning disabilities, a congenital heart defect, and many more. Despite this, he has become a top endurance athlete and a successful public speaker. In addition, he is the only person to have completed training as a Navy SEAL, Army Ranger, and Air Force Tactical Controller.

This autobiography not only tells his story but provides helpful tips to discipline yourself and begin your own self-improvement journey.

If you have goals, this book is for you. Whether you want to get fit, do better in school, learn an instrument, or land a promotion, you always need hard work and discipline. After every chapter, Goggins gives tips to help keep yourself accountable and “callous your mind”. Some of these include:

• Journal your “excuses” and view them as things to overcome
• Use an Accountability Mirror to list goals & insecurities
• Do things that make you feel uncomfortable
• Flip the script by working harder and becoming excellent
• Visualize and meditate
• Compartmentalize your day creating an optimal schedule

This list may seem intimidating at first. You may think that these methods only work for the best. It may surprise you, but David Goggins was once an overweight failure with a dead-end job. He was discharged from the military for medical reasons, but in reality, he had quit. But no matter how many times he failed, he always came back and pushed through.

The fact that Goggins shows his many highs and lows makes the book much more relatable. He does not always succeed. Every time he makes it over a hill, it seems like a steeper one presents itself. But, even when he achieved greatness, he always strived for more. If he is unable to serve in the army further, why not try becoming a speaker and army recruiter? Why not become an endurance athlete and break the pull-up record? Why stop?

Another one of my favorite ideas presented is the 40% Rule. David Goggins believes that when you feel like you are finished, you are only doing 40% of what you are capable of. Whether it is running farther than usual, working later hours, or going for one more rep, pushing yourself will have results. Breaking these limits is crucial to achieving success.

His personal experience with failure and perseverance make this book that much more effective. Unlike many self-help books that may provide temporary motivation, this autobiography may help you achieve permanent discipline. This book has changed millions of lives, including mine. If you want to achieve a goal, this book will help you.

Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins is available to download for free from Libby.