Can’t Hurt Me: Summary Review & Takeaways
This is a summary review of Can't Hurt Me containing key details about the book.
What is Can't Hurt Me About?
"Can't Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds" is a book written by David Goggins that explores the mental strategies and mindset that have helped the author overcome challenges and achieve success. It's a book about how David Goggins transformed himself into one of America's fittest athletes through self-discipline, mental toughness, and hard work.
Who is the Author of Can't Hurt Me?
David Goggins is a retired Navy SEAL and the only member of the U.S. Armed Forces ever to complete SEAL training, U.S. Army Ranger School, and Air Force Tactical Air Controller training. Goggins has competed in more than sixty ultra-marathons, triathlons, and ultra-triathlons, setting new course records and regularly placing in the top five. A former Guinness World Record holder for completing 4,030 pull-ups in seventeen hours, he's a much-sought-after public speaker who's shared his story with the staffs of Fortune 500 companies, professional sports teams, and hundreds of thousands of students across the country.
Book Detials
- Print length: 366 pages
- Audiobook: 13 hrs and 37 mins
- Genre: Nonfiction, Self Help, Biography, Personal Development, Relationships
What are the main summary points of Can't Hurt Me?
Here are some key summary points from the book:
- Goggins emphasizes the importance of setting and working towards big goals, and encourages readers to push beyond their limits and comfort zones.
- He emphasizes the power of mental toughness and the ability to overcome adversity through sheer force of will.
- Goggins discusses the role that his own personal experiences, including his challenging upbringing and military service, have played in shaping his mindset and approach to life.
- The book also covers techniques for building mental and physical resilience, such as visualization, affirmations, and the use of challenges and adversity as opportunities for growth.
- Throughout the book, Goggins encourages readers to take ownership of their lives and to never give up, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
David Goggins Story
The true story of one of the most determined and fittest military men in the world, learn how David became unbreakable, living life without excuses.
Born in 1975 in New York, David's early childhood was far from joyful, himself, his Mother and older Brother having to work tirelessly at the family-owned roller-disco rink, working until midnight most nights. Having to sleep in the office, not easy with the loud music from the rink, he would often fall asleep at school. But that wasn't the worst, David's Father was abusive to him and his Mother, beating the pair with a belt whenever they defied him. This miserable existence continued until David was 8 years old when his Mother managed to escape with David to start a new life in Indiana.
Unfortunately, David's new life wasn't free from hardships, himself and his Mother now entering into a life of poverty and David experiencing the results of extreme toxic stress with alopecia, vitiligo (a condition where the skin loses its pigment resulting in discolored patches of skin), a nervous stutter, and memory problems. Not being able to remember what he'd learned at school meant he was labeled 'dumb' by teachers and being the only African American child in the class didn't help matters. To avoid being sent to a special needs school, David began to cheat with his homework and on his tests, the teachers not realizing or not caring that as David approached his adolescent years, he could barely read.
As a teenager, David was still struggling at school until the desire to join the United States Air Force and become part of the pararescue team took hold. This desire made him buckle down at school and learn to read. He was accepted into Air Force training but his inability to swim was one test too much and he quit training, using his diagnosis of sickle cell anemia as his get out card.
In 1999, aged 24, David found himself working as a night shift pest exterminator and using food to numb his feelings of hopelessness. Weighing 255 pounds when he left the Air Force training, his weight had shot up to nearly 300 pounds as he tried to escape the harsh reality that he was in a dead end job with no way out since he was uneducated and unskilled.
Watching a documentary about Navy SEALS in training gave David the motivation to begin to turn his life around, inspired by the mental toughness of the young men he saw on TV. His desire to be in the military was back and this time there was no stopping him.
His first challenge was to lose more than 100 pounds within 3 pounds in order to get onto the SEALS training programme. A grueling fitness regime saw him getting up at 4.30am and spending 2 hours on the exercise bike before hitting the pool for 2 hours followed by the gym and then more time on the exercise bike. After 2 weeks and a 25 pound weight loss he added 4 mile runs to his workout regime. He made the SEALS training program and after weeks of intense training achieved his ambition.
In 2005 David found himself in need of new challenges, something new to test his fitness to the limits – Extreme long distance running aka ultra running was his answer. He went on to complete the hardest foot race in the world, the Badwater 135 mile race, raising money for charity along the way and finishing in 5th place.
What is a key lesson from Can't Hurt Me?
Goggins is one of only a few African-American SEALS and ultra-runners. When asked how he became so successful, he contributes it to work ethic. Goggins says that passion and talent are not enough. You must have a work ethic. Without a work ethic, you are a bird without wings and will never fly. Everything comes second to Goggin’s goals and working hard is his priority in life. Often, the response he will get is that the person can’t commit the time needed to be successful because of family obligations. Goggins answer is to “win the morning”. In other words, become an early bird. Goggins starts his day at 4 a.m. with a run. He makes the best of all of his time. For example, at lunch break, he takes a run and rides his bike to and from the office instead of driving. Goggins says that he did it and you can, too.
Can't Hurt Me Chapters
Chapter One - I Should Have Been a Statistic
Chapter Two - Truth Hurts
Chapter Three - The Impossible Task
Chapter Four - Taking Souls
Chapter Five - Armored Mind
Chapter Six - It's Not About the Trophy
Chapter Seven - The Most Powerful Weapon
Chapter Eight - Talent Not Required
Chapter Nine - Uncommon Amongst Uncommon
Chapter Ten - The Empowerment of Failure
Chapter Eleven - What If?
Can't Hurt Me Summary Notes
Here are some summary notes from the book:
1. Chapter One Summary: I Should Have Been a Statistic
Synopsis: The first chapter of "Can't Hurt Me" is a powerful reminder of the importance of mental toughness and resilience in overcoming adversity. Goggins' story shows that no matter how difficult our circumstances, we have the power to change our mindset and overcome obstacles. This is a message that can inspire anyone to push themselves to become mentally and physically stronger.
Summary: The first topic in the book is "I Should Have Been a Statistic". This chapter focuses on David Goggins' childhood and the numerous obstacles he faced in his early life. The main theme of this chapter is the power of mental toughness and resilience in overcoming adversity.
David Goggins grew up in a very difficult environment. He experienced physical abuse from his father, racism from his classmates, and poverty. Despite these challenges, Goggins refused to be a victim. Instead, he used his experiences as motivation to become mentally and physically stronger.
Goggins' story highlights the fact that resilience is not something that we are born with; it's a skill that can be developed through hard work and perseverance. Goggins had to work tirelessly to overcome his obstacles, and he did so by developing an "armor of the mind". This involved learning to control his thoughts and emotions, and not letting negative experiences define him.
Generally speaking, the power of mental toughness is a common theme throughout the book, and this chapter sets the tone for the rest of the book. Goggins' experiences show that no matter how difficult our circumstances, we have the power to change our mindset and overcome obstacles. It's not about being born with a certain level of resilience, but rather about developing that resilience through practice and hard work.
Goggins' story also highlights the importance of facing our fears and not letting them hold us back. He refused to be a victim of his circumstances and instead used them as motivation to become stronger. This is a powerful message that can be applied to anyone's life, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Chapter Two Summary - Truth Hurts
Synopsis: The second chapter of "Can't Hurt Me" highlights the importance of self-reflection and honesty in personal growth. Goggins' story shows that we must be willing to confront our weaknesses and flaws in order to become the best version of ourselves. This is a powerful message that can inspire anyone to take an honest look at themselves and take action to address their shortcomings.
Summary: The second topic in the book is "Truth Hurts". This chapter focuses on the power of self-reflection and honesty in personal growth. The main theme of this chapter is that in order to achieve our goals and become the best version of ourselves, we must first acknowledge and confront our weaknesses and flaws.
David Goggins begins the chapter by talking about his experience with the Navy SEALs, where he realized that he had been lying to himself about his physical capabilities. He had been coasting through life, relying on his natural talents and avoiding situations that challenged him. However, he soon discovered that this mindset was not sustainable and that he needed to confront his weaknesses in order to become the best version of himself.
The power of self-reflection is a common theme throughout the book, and this chapter emphasizes its importance. Goggins emphasizes the importance of taking an honest look at ourselves and acknowledging our flaws and weaknesses. This can be a difficult process, as it requires us to confront uncomfortable truths about ourselves. However, it is only through this process that we can identify areas for improvement and begin to work on them.
Goggins also emphasizes the importance of accountability. He discusses how he created a "cookie jar" of past successes to remind himself of his strengths and accomplishments, but he also acknowledges that this is not enough. We must also hold ourselves accountable for our shortcomings and take action to address them.
Chapter Three Summary - The Impossible Task
Synopsis: The third chapter of "Can't Hurt Me" highlights the importance of setting challenging goals and pushing ourselves beyond our perceived limits. Goggins' story shows that we are capable of achieving far more than we think we are, but we must be willing to take on seemingly impossible tasks and put in the work required to achieve them. This is a powerful message that can inspire anyone to set challenging goals and push themselves beyond their perceived limits in order to achieve greatness.
Summary: The third topic in the book is "The Impossible Task". This chapter focuses on the power of setting challenging goals and pushing ourselves beyond our perceived limits. The main theme of this chapter is that we are capable of achieving far more than we think we are, but we must be willing to take on seemingly impossible tasks and put in the work required to achieve them. David Goggins shares his experience with the "100-mile race", a grueling ultramarathon that he decided to attempt despite having no prior experience with long-distance running.
The power of setting challenging goals is also a common theme throughout the book, and this chapter emphasizes its importance. Goggins argues that we often underestimate our own potential and settle for mediocrity because we are afraid to take on tasks that seem impossible. However, he argues that it is only by setting challenging goals and pushing ourselves beyond our perceived limits that we can truly achieve greatness.
Goggins also emphasizes the importance of hard work and persistence in this chapter. He acknowledges that setting challenging goals is not enough; we must also be willing to put in the work required to achieve them. This often requires sacrificing our comfort and pushing through pain and discomfort in order to achieve our goals.
Chapter Four Summary - Taking Souls
Synopsis: The fourth chapter of "Can't Hurt Me" highlights the importance of mental toughness and the ability to overcome adversity through sheer willpower. Goggins' story shows that mental toughness is not just a mindset but a skill that can be developed through deliberate practice and repetition. This is a powerful message that can inspire anyone to develop their mental toughness and push through adversity to achieve their goals.
Summary: The fourth topic in the book is "Taking Souls". This chapter focuses on the power of mental toughness and the ability to overcome adversity through sheer willpower. The main theme of this chapter is that mental toughness is not only a mindset but a skill that can be developed through deliberate practice and repetition.
David Goggins begins the chapter by talking about his experience with the Navy SEALs and how he developed his mental toughness through intense physical and mental training. He emphasizes that mental toughness is not something that comes naturally but is a skill that must be developed through hard work and deliberate practice.
Goggins argues that mental toughness is the key to overcoming adversity, regardless of the challenges we may face. He also emphasizes the importance of visualization. He argues that by visualizing ourselves achieving our goals and overcoming obstacles, we can develop the mental toughness necessary to actually achieve those goals. Finally, h also discusses the importance of setting small goals and achieving them regularly, as this builds confidence and resilience over time.
Chapter Five Summary - Armored Mind
Synopsis: The fifth chapter of "Can't Hurt Me" highlights the importance of developing an armored mind, or a mindset that is resilient and can withstand any challenge or setback. Goggins' story shows that mental resilience is a process that requires consistent effort and deliberate practice, as well as adopting a more positive and empowering mindset through self-talk. This is a powerful message that can inspire anyone to develop their mental resilience and overcome any obstacle to achieve their goals.
Summary: The fifth topic in the book is "Armored Mind". This chapter focuses on the power of developing an "armored mind", or a mindset that is resilient and can withstand any challenge or setback. The main theme of this chapter is that our minds are our most powerful tool, and by developing mental resilience, we can overcome any obstacle and achieve our goals.
David Goggins emphasizes that developing an armored mind is not something that happens overnight, but is a process that requires consistent effort and deliberate practice. Goggins argues that by developing an armored mind, we can overcome any obstacle and achieve our goals, regardless of the challenges we may face. He emphasizes that an armored mind is not just about being physically strong, but about having the mental fortitude to push through pain, discomfort, and setbacks.
Goggins also discusses the importance of self-talk in this chapter. He argues that the way we talk to ourselves has a powerful impact on our mental resilience and our ability to overcome challenges. By changing our self-talk and adopting a more positive and empowering mindset, we can develop an armored mind that is capable of withstanding any challenge.
Chapter Six Summary - It's Not About the Trophy
Synopsis: The sixth chapter of "Can't Hurt Me" highlights the importance of focusing on the process and the journey, rather than the end result or the trophy. Goggins' story shows that true success is a mindset, and by focusing on personal and meaningful goals, we can find true fulfillment and purpose in our lives, rather than simply striving for external rewards or recognition. This is a powerful message that can inspire anyone to focus on their personal journey and find true fulfillment and purpose in their lives.
Summary: The sixth topic in the book is "It's Not About the Trophy". This chapter focuses on the idea that true success is not about the end result or the trophy, but about the process and the journey that we take to get there. The main theme of this chapter is that success is a mindset, and by focusing on the process rather than the outcome, we can achieve true success and fulfillment in our lives.
David Goggins begins the chapter by sharing his experience with endurance racing and how he learned that true success is not about winning or receiving a trophy, but about the journey that he took to get there. He emphasizes that the process of training and pushing himself beyond his limits is what brought him true fulfillment, rather than the end result. Goggins argues that by focusing on the process and the journey, we can find true fulfillment and purpose in our lives, rather than simply striving for external rewards or recognition.
Goggins also emphasizes the importance of setting goals that are not tied to external validation or recognition. He argues that by setting goals that are meaningful and personal to us, we can find true fulfillment and purpose in our lives, rather than simply striving for external rewards or recognition.
Chapter Seven Summary - The Most Powerful Weapon
Synopsis: The seventh chapter of "Can't Hurt Me" highlights the power of the mind and the importance of training it to achieve our goals and overcome our limits. Goggins' story shows that the mind is not just a tool, but a muscle that can be trained and strengthened over time. By embracing discomfort and focusing on positivity and gratitude, we can cultivate a sense of inner peace and fulfillment that allows us to achieve extraordinary things in life. This is a powerful message that can inspire anyone to harness the power of their mind and achieve their full potential.
Summary: The seventh topic in the book is "The Most Powerful Weapon". This chapter centers around the idea that the mind is the most powerful weapon that we possess, and that by training our minds, we can achieve extraordinary things in life. The main theme of this chapter is that the mind is capable of incredible things, and we should strive to harness its power to overcome our limits and achieve our goals.
David Goggins describes his experience with the Navy SEALs and how he learned the power of the mind in extreme situations. He argues that when the body is pushed to its physical limits, it is the mind that enables us to push beyond those limits and achieve extraordinary feats.
Goggins emphasizes that the mind is not just a tool that we use to get through difficult situations, but a muscle that can be trained and strengthened over time. He explains that by pushing ourselves out of our comfort zones and embracing discomfort, we can train our minds to become more resilient and better equipped to handle challenges in the future.
Goggins essentially argues that by pushing ourselves to the limit and embracing discomfort, we can expand our mental capacity and develop a mindset of resilience and determination. Furthermore, Goggins emphasizes that the power of the mind goes beyond just physical feats. He argues that by training our minds to focus on positivity and gratitude, we can cultivate a sense of inner peace and fulfillment that allows us to thrive in all areas of our lives.
Chapter Eight Summary - Talent Not Required
Synopsis: The eighth chapter of "Can't Hurt Me" is a powerful reminder that success is not determined by talent, but by the choices we make and the effort we put into our pursuits. Goggins' story shows that with the right mindset and approach, anyone can achieve their goals, regardless of their starting point. By embracing discomfort, pushing beyond our limits, and adopting a growth mindset, we can unlock our full potential and achieve greatness in all areas of our lives.
Summary: The eighth topic in the book is "Talent Not Required". This chapter is about the idea that success in life is not necessarily determined by talent or natural ability, but rather by hard work, determination, and a willingness to push beyond one's limits. The main theme of this chapter is that success is not determined by talent, but by the choices we make and the effort we put into our pursuits.
David Goggins begins the chapter by discussing his own experience of not being naturally talented as a runner, but still setting his sights on becoming a competitive ultramarathon runner. He argues that the key to success is not innate talent, but a willingness to work hard, embrace discomfort, and constantly push oneself to improve.
Goggins emphasizes that while natural talent can be an advantage, it is not a requirement for success. He argues that with the right mindset and approach, anyone can achieve their goals, regardless of their starting point. He cites examples of successful people from all walks of life who have achieved greatness through hard work and determination, rather than innate talent.
One of the main messages of this chapter is that success is a choice, and that it requires a willingness to embrace discomfort and push beyond one's limits. Goggins argues that too many people give up on their dreams because they believe that they lack the natural talent or ability to achieve them. However, he suggests that this is a limiting belief, and that anyone can achieve greatness if they are willing to put in the work.
Another key message of this chapter is the importance of having a growth mindset. Goggins argues that those who believe that their abilities are fixed and unchangeable are unlikely to achieve greatness, while those who believe that they can improve through hard work and determination are more likely to succeed.
Chapter Nine Summary - Uncommon Amongst Uncommon
Synopsis: The ninth chapter of "Can't Hurt Me" is a powerful reminder that in order to achieve greatness, one must be willing to embrace discomfort, push beyond their limits, and be willing to be different from the norm. By taking risks, stepping outside of our comfort zone, and constantly pushing ourselves to improve, we can unlock our full potential and achieve greatness in all areas of our lives. By being uncommon amongst uncommon, we can stand out from the crowd and achieve our wildest dreams.
Summary: The ninth topic in the book is "Uncommon Amongst Uncommon". This chapter is about the idea of being exceptional and standing out from the crowd. The main theme of this chapter (and in this book) is that in order to achieve greatness, one must be willing to embrace discomfort, push beyond their limits, and be willing to be different from the norm.
David Goggins shares the intense physical and mental training required to achieve his gaol of becoming a Navy SEAL. He explains that in order to achieve his goal, he had to be willing to embrace discomfort and push beyond his limits, which meant being willing to be different from others.
Goggins argues that in order to achieve greatness, one must be willing to go against the grain and be different from the norm. He emphasizes that those who are truly exceptional are the ones who are willing to put in the hard work, embrace discomfort, and push beyond their limits, even when others are not willing to do so.
One of the main messages of this chapter is that in order to be exceptional, one must be willing to take risks. Goggins argues that those who are too afraid to take risks and step outside of their comfort zone are unlikely to achieve greatness, as they are not willing to do what it takes to be exceptional.
Another key message of this chapter is that being exceptional requires a willingness to constantly push oneself to improve. Goggins argues that those who are content with mediocrity are unlikely to achieve greatness, as they are not willing to put in the hard work and effort required to be exceptional.
Chapter Ten Summary - The Empowerment of Failure
Synopsis: "The Empowerment of Failure" is a powerful reminder that failure is not something to be feared or avoided, but rather something to be embraced as an opportunity for growth and development. By learning from our failures, we can build resilience, develop mental toughness, and ultimately achieve greater success and elevation in all areas of our lives.
Summary: The tenth chapter of the book is titled "The Empowerment of Failure". The main theme of this chapter is the idea that failure can be a powerful tool for personal growth and development if we are willing to embrace it and learn from it.
David Goggins opens the chapter by discussing his experience of failing the US Army Ranger School three times before finally passing. He explains that each failure taught him valuable lessons that ultimately helped him become a better soldier and a stronger person.
Goggins argues that failure is not something to be feared or avoided, but rather something to be embraced as an opportunity for growth and development. He emphasizes that failure can be a powerful motivator, pushing us to work harder and strive for excellence in ways that we may not have otherwise.
One of the key messages of this chapter is that failure is an essential part of the learning process. Goggins explains that we often learn more from our failures than from our successes, as failures force us to confront our weaknesses and work on improving them.
Another important message of this chapter is that failure can be a powerful tool for building resilience and mental toughness. Goggins argues that by embracing failure and learning from it, we can develop the mental fortitude and resilience necessary to overcome any challenge that life may throw our way.
Goggins also emphasizes that failure is not the end of the road, but rather a stepping stone on the path to success. He explains that even the most successful people in the world have experienced failure at some point in their lives, and that it is our ability to learn from and overcome failure that ultimately determines our success.
Chapter Eleven Summary - What If?
Synopsis: "What If?" is a powerful reminder that we all have the power to create the life that we want for ourselves, but it requires courage, determination, and a willingness to take risks. By asking "What if?", by stepping outside of our comfort zones and embracing the unknown, we can achieve our full potential and create a life that is truly fulfilling and meaningful.
Summary: The final chapter of "Can't Hurt Me" is titled "What If?". The main theme of this chapter is the idea that we all have the power to create the life that we want for ourselves, but we must be willing to take risks and embrace the unknown in order to do so.
David Goggins starts the chapter by reflecting on his own life and the many obstacles he has had to overcome in order to achieve his goals. He then poses a series of "What If?" questions to the reader, challenging them to imagine what their lives would look like if they were to take risks and pursue their dreams with the same level of passion and determination.
Goggins argues that many of us are held back by fear and self-doubt, and that we often limit ourselves by staying within our comfort zones and avoiding taking risks. He emphasizes that in order to achieve our full potential, we must be willing to step outside of our comfort zones and embrace the unknown.
One of the key messages of this chapter is that we all have the power to create the life that we want for ourselves, but it requires courage, determination, and a willingness to take risks. Goggins encourages us to be bold in pursuing our dreams and to not be afraid of failure.
Goggins emphasizes that there are no shortcuts to success, and that the road to achieving our dreams is often long and difficult. However, he argues that the rewards of success are well worth the effort, and that the satisfaction of achieving our goals is one of the greatest joys in life.
What are some top quotes from Can't Hurt Me?
[Favorite Quote]: “Denial is the ultimate comfort zone.” (Meaning)
"Passion and obsession, even talent, are only useful tools if you have the work ethic to back them up.”
“You are in danger of living a life so comfortable and soft, that you will die without ever realizing your true potential.”
“Tell yourself the truth! That you’ve wasted enough time, and that you have other dreams that will take courage to realize, so you don’t die a f@#*ing pussy.”
― David Goggins, Can't Hurt Me Quotes
What do critics say?
Here's what one of the prominent reviewers had to say about the book: "Guaranteed to galvanize more than a few couch potatoes into action." - Kirkus Reviews
* The summary points above have been concluded from the book and other public sources. The editor of this summary review made every effort to maintain information accuracy, including any published quotes, chapters, or takeaways
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
