Reviews - Can't Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds

I’ve read plenty of books about grit and mindset, but this one felt different—because I could see myself in it. I know what it’s like to grow up in a house where you never feel safe. I know what it’s like to carry around shame in your own skin, to look in the mirror and hate what you see. The abuse, the weight issues, the silence—you don’t forget that stuff. You carry it.

What struck me about Goggins wasn’t that he ran 100 miles or became a Navy SEAL. It was that he came from nothing and didn’t use it as a crutch. He owned it. Faced it. Turned it into fuel. And he doesn’t pretend it was easy or inspiring. He shows what it looks like to keep showing up when no one else would blame you for quitting.

There were moments I had to put the book down—not because it was too much, but because it was too familiar. The self-hate. The isolation. The feeling that maybe this is just who I am, and nothing’s ever going to change.

But he proves that’s a lie. That you’re not stuck, that pain isn’t the end of the story.

vayeate's review against another edition

5.0

challenging dark emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

Wow, what I read! It seems you get pumped for action just by reading this book.
I once caught David on a Joe Rogan podcast, so it felt like David was narrating the book while I read.
It felt like David is sharing wisdom left and right in his book. And I liked, I loved it. It makes me not want to put this book far away and keep it close, for moments when I require some motivation.

However one thing keeps bothering, David mentions that his first ex-wife gets pregnant at one point, clearly I do know the details, however did David chose not be a father ? Or something else happened that was not mentioned in the book ?

graceereading's review against another edition

3.25

inspiring medium-paced

David Goggins is undeniably disciplined and driven. His ability to push his body and mind beyond what most of us would ever attempt is extreme—and impressive in its own way. I typically only take advice from people whose life path I respect or aspire to emulate. In Goggins’ case, I don’t want to be a Navy SEAL or a "muscle machine," and to be honest, I don’t particularly like him as a person. But I picked up this book because I struggle with self-discipline and consistency, and I knew that was an area where he excels.

Goggins talks a lot about “callusing the mind”—doing the things you need to do, especially when you don’t feel like doing them. That message did resonate with me. His approach is extreme, but there’s value in his message if you’re looking for a tough-love style push toward self-discipline. Some of his challenges were moderately helpful, and his perspective can definitely serve as a wake-up call.

That said, this is not a well-rounded self-help book. If you’re looking to improve emotional regulation, your relationships, or overall well-being with actionable tools, this probably isn’t the right fit. And to be fair, I don’t think the book claims to offer those things—but many of the people who recommended it to me framed it that way, which led to mismatched expectations.

If your goal is to build grit, mental toughness, and learn to show up for yourself even when it’s hard, I’d recommend it. But don’t expect emotional insight or psychological nuance. Goggins openly admits to being emotionally hardened—something he views as a strength. For example, spoiler alert, during his third Hell Week, someone died. The way that moment was handled and rationalized was jarring to me. It showed the level of emotional detachment Goggins sees as necessary in his world, but I don’t think that kind of detachment should be a universal ideal.

In my opinion, emotions are part of what make us human. While we shouldn’t be controlled by them, there’s a balance—and I think Goggins swings too far in the other direction.

adventureinprint's review against another edition

5.0

Buckle up, folks, because I've got a confession—I never expected to love a book like this! You know those David Goggins devotees who transform their lives after reading his books? Yeah, I've had my fair share of eye-rolling conversations with them, but I decided to take the plunge and see what all the hype was about, especially since it aligned with my 2024 goal of climbing Kilimanjaro.

Hold onto your hats because "Can't Hurt Me" was a game-changer I didn't see coming. It's not just a book; it's a kick in the pants, a burst of motivation that had me reevaluating my fitness goals and dreaming bigger than ever. Climbing a massive mountain? That's not the end game; it's the launchpad for a life of relentless motivation and pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve.

David Goggins, the man himself, takes us on a wild ride through his awe-inspiring journey. Picture this: a guy with a less-than-ideal upbringing, cruising through life like it's a joyless existence, getting heavier and unhealthier every single day. And then, Bam! A transformation unfolds that's nothing short of a miracle. Whether you're at the peak of fitness or chilling on the couch with a bag of chips, Goggins' stories are bound to ignite a fire within you.

Now, I'm not one to easily fall for self-help spiel, but Goggins' firsthand experience and motivational prowess worked some serious magic on even this skeptical reader. "Can't Hurt Me" isn't just about physical transformation; it's a rallying cry for anyone itching to break free from mediocrity, inspiring even the most self-help-resistant souls (yours truly included).

If you're on the fence about diving into this read, let me be the one to nudge you over. Get ready to be slapped with a dose of motivation (sprinkled with Goggins' flavorful lingo), challenge your limits, and discover a newfound zest for crushing your goals. David Goggins might turn you into the unstoppable force you never knew you could be.

millal8's review against another edition

3.5

challenging emotional informative inspiring reflective slow-paced

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