Can't Hurt Me by David Goggins

Last updated: Sep 3, 2023

Summary of Can't Hurt Me by David Goggins

Can't Hurt Me by David Goggins is a memoir that chronicles the incredible journey of the author from a troubled childhood to becoming one of the toughest men on the planet. Goggins shares his story of overcoming immense physical and mental challenges to achieve extraordinary success.

The book begins by delving into Goggins' difficult upbringing, marked by poverty, abuse, and racism. He recounts the struggles he faced growing up in a dysfunctional family and how these experiences shaped his mindset and determination to rise above his circumstances.

Goggins then takes readers through his early adulthood, where he joined the military and became a Navy SEAL. He describes the grueling training and the mental and physical obstacles he had to overcome to become a member of this elite force. Goggins emphasizes the importance of pushing oneself beyond perceived limits and embracing discomfort to achieve personal growth.

After leaving the military, Goggins sets his sights on becoming an ultra-endurance athlete. He shares his experiences participating in various extreme races, including ultramarathons and triathlons. Goggins reveals the mental strategies he developed to push through pain and exhaustion, highlighting the power of the mind in overcoming physical limitations.

Throughout the book, Goggins emphasizes the concept of the "cookie jar," a metaphor for drawing strength from past accomplishments and using them as motivation during challenging times. He also discusses the importance of accountability and taking ownership of one's actions and failures.

Goggins goes on to discuss his philosophy of embracing suffering and using it as a catalyst for personal growth. He encourages readers to confront their fears, break through self-imposed limitations, and develop mental resilience.

Intertwined with his personal story, Goggins provides practical advice and techniques for readers to apply in their own lives. He shares his insights on goal-setting, visualization, and developing a strong work ethic. Goggins also emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and learning from failures.

Overall, Can't Hurt Me is a powerful and inspiring memoir that challenges readers to push beyond their comfort zones and tap into their full potential. Goggins' story serves as a testament to the indomitable human spirit and the transformative power of perseverance and self-belief.

1. Embrace the "cookie jar" mentality

In the book, David Goggins introduces the concept of the "cookie jar" mentality, which is a powerful tool for overcoming self-doubt and pushing through difficult times. The idea is to create a mental reservoir of past accomplishments and positive experiences that you can draw upon when facing challenges. Goggins suggests that whenever you achieve something significant or overcome a difficult obstacle, you should metaphorically place a "cookie" in your jar. When you encounter self-doubt or feel overwhelmed, you can reach into your cookie jar and remind yourself of all the times you have succeeded in the past.

This mentality is actionable because it allows you to shift your focus from your current struggles to your past triumphs. By reminding yourself of your past successes, you can boost your confidence and belief in your abilities. It also serves as a reminder that you have overcome challenges before and have the strength to do so again. By regularly adding cookies to your jar and revisiting them when needed, you can cultivate a resilient mindset and tackle any obstacle that comes your way.

2. Embrace the power of accountability

Goggins emphasizes the importance of accountability in achieving personal growth and success. He believes that holding yourself accountable for your actions and decisions is crucial for pushing past your limits and achieving your goals. One way to do this is by publicly declaring your goals and intentions, which creates a sense of external pressure and motivates you to follow through.

Another aspect of accountability is being honest with yourself and taking ownership of your mistakes and shortcomings. Goggins encourages individuals to confront their weaknesses head-on and actively work on improving them. By acknowledging your areas for improvement and holding yourself accountable, you can continuously grow and become a better version of yourself.

3. Embrace the power of visualization

Goggins emphasizes the power of visualization as a tool for achieving success. He suggests that by vividly imagining yourself accomplishing your goals and overcoming obstacles, you can increase your motivation and drive. Visualization allows you to create a mental blueprint of what success looks like, making it easier to stay focused and committed.

One actionable way to incorporate visualization into your life is by creating a vision board or writing down your goals and aspirations. By regularly visualizing your desired outcomes, you can align your actions and decisions with your long-term objectives. Visualization also helps in building mental resilience, as it allows you to mentally rehearse challenging situations and prepare yourself for success.

4. Embrace the power of self-discipline

Goggins emphasizes the importance of self-discipline in achieving personal growth and success. He believes that true transformation comes from pushing past your comfort zone and consistently challenging yourself. Self-discipline is the key to developing mental toughness and resilience.

One actionable way to cultivate self-discipline is by setting specific goals and creating a structured routine. By breaking down your goals into smaller, manageable tasks and committing to a daily routine, you can develop the discipline to consistently work towards your objectives. Goggins also suggests embracing discomfort and seeking out challenging situations to build mental strength and discipline.

5. Embrace the power of embracing failure

Goggins challenges the conventional notion of failure and encourages individuals to embrace it as a stepping stone towards success. He believes that failure is an opportunity for growth and learning, rather than a reason to give up. By reframing failure as a valuable experience, you can overcome the fear of failure and take more risks.

One actionable way to embrace failure is by adopting a growth mindset. Instead of viewing setbacks as permanent and indicative of your abilities, see them as temporary obstacles that can be overcome with effort and perseverance. By learning from your failures and using them as fuel for improvement, you can develop resilience and bounce back stronger.

6. Embrace the power of relentless self-improvement

Goggins advocates for a mindset of relentless self-improvement, constantly pushing yourself to become better in all aspects of life. He believes that true growth comes from embracing discomfort and seeking out challenges that push your limits.

One actionable way to embrace relentless self-improvement is by setting ambitious goals and consistently working towards them. Goggins suggests that you should always strive to be better than you were yesterday and never settle for mediocrity. By continuously seeking opportunities for growth and pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone, you can unlock your full potential and achieve extraordinary results.

7. Embrace the power of self-belief

Goggins emphasizes the importance of self-belief in overcoming obstacles and achieving success. He believes that having unwavering faith in your abilities is crucial for pushing through difficult times and achieving your goals.

One actionable way to cultivate self-belief is by surrounding yourself with positive influences and eliminating negative self-talk. Goggins suggests that you should actively seek out individuals who inspire and motivate you, as their belief in you can reinforce your own self-belief. Additionally, practicing positive affirmations and challenging negative thoughts can help build a strong foundation of self-belief.

8. Embrace the power of resilience

Goggins highlights the importance of resilience in overcoming adversity and achieving success. He believes that resilience is not something you are born with, but a skill that can be developed through consistent effort and determination.

One actionable way to build resilience is by embracing discomfort and seeking out challenging situations. By intentionally putting yourself in uncomfortable positions and pushing through adversity, you can develop mental toughness and resilience. Goggins also suggests adopting a "no excuses" mindset and taking full responsibility for your actions and decisions, which strengthens your resilience and ability to bounce back from setbacks.