If you’re ready to be jolted out of your comfort zone then this is the book for you. I walked past Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins, went back and picked it up, set it down, then went back again. It kept calling to me to read this story of a man who came up from devastating circumstances to achieve the unbelievable. Well, I’m glad I bought it. From the minute I started reading, I couldn’t put it down.

This story is not for the faint of heart. Goggins shares it honestly and raw and yes, there’s an “R” rating for language. But he’s a retired Navy SEAL for crying out loud. Yeah. And get a load of this author’s resume…

David Goggins is 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. ** Excerpt from Book Jacket.

When it comes to the details of life in BUD/S, these warriors don’t share observations over tea and crumpets. No sirree.

His telling is very real. But this is not just an autobiography, rather it’s a “kick in the butt” call to action. It really made me think twice on complaining about shin pain. I took his “cookie jar” advice, psyched myself up for another set of squats, and knocked them out tight-lipped.

Goggins uses his story of perseverance to catapult change in all of us. It’s no wonder he has such a positive impact on athletes and youth. To come from such a start and go the distance requires a champion’s mindset. Goggins’ book explains how to adopt one and the habits required to sustain it and defy the odds. He highlights the gritty tools that helped him, bloody and battered, survive BUD/S three times before going on to achieve the impossible. Coupling that with a tragic youth, brutal military training, deployment, and accomplishing athletic feats most wouldn’t comprehend, let alone attempt, Goggins has more than earned his platform for compelling change in all of us.

I read this book through in its entirety. Then I read it again and took copious notes—reminders, lessons, strategies, and inspiration—to follow each day and assist in workin on my mental strength. If you’re a fan of motivational, success, military, grit, and discipline tomes, Can’t Hurt Me is a must read.