Whatever it takes for you to believe that you’re better than good enough to achieve your dreams is what you must do. And remember, your greatness is not tied to any outcome. It is found in the valiance of the attempt ― David Goggins
Many have read David Goggins’ first book, Can’t Hurt Me. Goggins described his early life and the journey he traversed from an abused and emotionally scarred child to an overweight exterminator to a retired Navy Seal that now competes in some of America’s toughest ultra-marathons. In this follow-up, Goggins expands on that foundation with some new stories as well as a deeper look into some of his earlier experiences.
To be clear, Goggins does not want this book (or his previous one) to be considered a self-help book. As you read, you’ll see that one of the primary concerns is that we do not simply rely on a feel-good, Mom said I’m the best, type of belief in ourselves but rather that we come to develop a belief in our potential that is built upon the foundation of real-life experiences. This belief “comes from working your way through layers of pain, fatigue, and reason, and ignoring the ever-present temptation to quit until you strike a source of fuel you didn’t even know existed” (Goggins, pg. 13, 2022).
So, as you read Goggins’ stories, look for the lessons he has learned and shares at the end of each chapter. These are labeled as evolutions and walks the reader step by step through the lessons that David has identified in a particular area of life. We are, literally, evolving at each step in our life. In some cases, these changes are happening behind the scenes and we may not even be aware until we look back. While other times, we are quite aware of the change that is taking place. In either case, we are challenged to know that we are never finished.
It is a lifelong quest for more knowledge, more courage, more humility, and more belief. Because when you summon the strength and discipline to live like that, the only thing limiting your horizons is you ― David Goggins