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camalthaner 's review for:
Can't Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds
by David Goggins
I first heard about David Goggins on a podcast where he was, essentially, being made fun of. Who was this crazy guy yelling into a camera while running shirtless? And why was he telling everyone that you shouldn't wear sunscreen because it'll make you "soft"? I didn't really think much about it after that until I saw recommendations for his book popping up everywhere - and with stellar reviews nonetheless. So I had to give it a try.
This is a confusing book. Goggins flips between humility and narcissism, biography and self-help, and storytelling and preaching. Despite insisting that he is nothing special, he also constantly reminds the reader of how unique he is, and that not everyone is as dedicated or passionate as him. He'll casually brush off one incredible feat, but then dedicate multiple paragraphs to how incredible his mindset is and how it let him overcome incredible pain.
At its core, this is an incredible account about the life that Goggins has had. An absolutely crazy story that I would recommend everyone hear. If even half of the stories he told from ultramarathons or SEAL training are true, then he is an incredible badass. No way around it. However, he reminds the reader that this story isn't about him, it's about the potential within all of us. His life is only a glimpse of what can be achieved if you unlock your potential using the steps described in this book. That's where I disengaged.
I struggled to buy in to the main message of this book: You have to seek out painful/uncomfortable situations purposely in order to strengthen your mind. There's a saying that goes "Don't spend all your time setting the table - you have eat the meal eventually." This is basically the antithesis of Goggins, as he is constantly ranting about how one should never be satisfied, society today is "soft" because they are complacent once they're comfortable, etc. But I would argue that it's perfectly acceptable, and even healthy, to take time to appreciate your accomplishments and enjoy results of hard work.
Maybe some people need to hear his message, and this book will help them. I'm not saying that some won't find it powerful or be helped by it. But personally, the constant preaching of "society is lazy and dumb" really dampened what would have otherwise incredible biography, hence only 3 stars. If the philosophical preaching was trimmed (not even necessarily omitted) it would have really improved the book, in my opinion.
This is a confusing book. Goggins flips between humility and narcissism, biography and self-help, and storytelling and preaching. Despite insisting that he is nothing special, he also constantly reminds the reader of how unique he is, and that not everyone is as dedicated or passionate as him. He'll casually brush off one incredible feat, but then dedicate multiple paragraphs to how incredible his mindset is and how it let him overcome incredible pain.
At its core, this is an incredible account about the life that Goggins has had. An absolutely crazy story that I would recommend everyone hear. If even half of the stories he told from ultramarathons or SEAL training are true, then he is an incredible badass. No way around it. However, he reminds the reader that this story isn't about him, it's about the potential within all of us. His life is only a glimpse of what can be achieved if you unlock your potential using the steps described in this book. That's where I disengaged.
I struggled to buy in to the main message of this book: You have to seek out painful/uncomfortable situations purposely in order to strengthen your mind. There's a saying that goes "Don't spend all your time setting the table - you have eat the meal eventually." This is basically the antithesis of Goggins, as he is constantly ranting about how one should never be satisfied, society today is "soft" because they are complacent once they're comfortable, etc. But I would argue that it's perfectly acceptable, and even healthy, to take time to appreciate your accomplishments and enjoy results of hard work.
Maybe some people need to hear his message, and this book will help them. I'm not saying that some won't find it powerful or be helped by it. But personally, the constant preaching of "society is lazy and dumb" really dampened what would have otherwise incredible biography, hence only 3 stars. If the philosophical preaching was trimmed (not even necessarily omitted) it would have really improved the book, in my opinion.