Can't Hurt Me by David Goggins | Book Summary & Analysis | Free Audiobook

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StoryShots Book Summary of Can't Hurt Me by David GogginsAbout David Goggins

David Goggins is a retired Navy SEAL and is the only member of the U.S. Armed Forces to complete SEAL training (including two Hell Weeks), the U.S. Army Ranger School (where he graduated as Enlisted Honor Man), and Air Force Tactical Air Controller training. An accomplished endurance athlete, Goggins has completed over 60 ultra-marathons, triathlons, and ultra-triathlons. He once held the Guinness World Record for pull-ups, completing 4,030 in 17 hours.

Introduction

In Can’t Hurt Me, Goggins reveals a path that anyone can follow to push past limits, eliminate fear, and live life to the fullest. For Goggins, childhood was far from innocently playing outside without a care in the world. Instead, he experienced trauma from an abusive father and extreme prejudice and poverty in rural America. Statistically, Goggins was going nowhere and was destined for a life of depression and poverty. But, he defied all odds through self-discipline, mental toughness, and hard work. No longer was he a depressed, overweight young man with no future. By committing himself to weight loss and improving his test scores, Goggins became a U.S. Armed Forces icon. On top of that, he is now one of the world’s top endurance athletes. He has become the only man in history to complete elite training as a Navy SEAL, Army Ranger, and Air Force Tactical Air Controller. He didn’t stop there, though. Goggins set records in extreme endurance events and has been named The Fittest (Real) Man in America.

“You are in danger of living a life so comfortable and soft, that you will die without ever realizing your true potential.” - David Goggins

The Early Life of Goggins

Goggins’ Father

Goggins was born in New York in 1975. He did not have a typical carefree childhood. Instead of playing outside with friends, Goggins was controlled by his abusive father. His father, Trunnis, was a self-made businessman who owned a disco. Instead of hiring paid workers, Trunnis would force his family to work every night of the week. Goggins was already working at the rink by the age of six. Even at this age, his father would force him to work until midnight. Instead of taking him home, Trunnis would often leave him to sleep in the office. Goggins would hardly sleep at night, though, as the disco was loud and would stay open until the early hours of the morning.

On top of forced labor, Goggins’ dad was extremely violent. Goggins and his mother fell victim to domestic abuse, often for the smallest things. For example, Goggins once contracted a nasty ear infection. His loving mother took him to the hospital. But, Trunnis hated the family spending money, even when his children were ill. After returning, Goggins witnessed his father beating his mother senseless with a belt. When he intervened, his father beat him too. He had to attend school, hiding the bruises he had been given....

DISCLAIMER: This is an unofficial summary and analysis.

NOTE: This episode was first published on 4/2/2021 but updated on 28/1/2022.