About six or seven months ago, my son challenged me to read this book. “You’re only using forty percent, dad!” I had no idea what he meant and at that time I did not make time for reading outside of my daily devotionals, using excuses like being too busy during the day building things for Bri, or in the evenings watching Family Feud with her. Funny enough, once I started my job in prison, I stumbled onto a brand-new copy of this very book. So naturally I picked it up and put it in my lineup. I am SO GLAD that I did! Ironically, the early life of David Goggins has an unexpected resemblance to my own, and I couldn’t put it down. I read this huge book in two days.
Goggins grew up in a very abusive household. At a young age, his mother escaped the terror by moving them to Indiana, coincidentally in the same area I live now. He was bullied and racisms played a huge part of his life during high school. Shortly after graduation, he became severely overweight and not getting anywhere in his life. One day, he just made a sharp decision to do something- and it was to join the Navy. After being told no, over and over, he was finally accepted if he could pass the ASVAB and lose a tremendous amount of weight. Both of which he did.
Goggins is now one of the most distinguished athletes in the world. He is also the only man to complete elite training as a Navy Seal, Army Ranger, and Air Force Tactical Air Controller. He has set record after record in endurance events. Incredibly inspiring.
Some things I noticed immediately were not only the similarities we both had growing up in abusive families, but also poverty, being made fun of at a crucial time in young lives was brutal. We both grew up without fathers and that is what I believe let him to outrun his pain, or at least attempt to.
This man is an example of diligence and determination for any young person and any adult who has self-esteem issues. Being able to use your mind to turn pain into success is vital for your inner being. It’s also very profound how he escapes pain, real physical pain through his mindset. All the while displaying an attitude of “Anything worth doing, is worth doing right!”
Prior to being incarcerated, most books I’ve either been given or came across as interesting came second to other mis-prioritized tasks. Reading has been a gift currently and the lessons have been long-awaited. I am so grateful to have read this book. I’ve faced adversity my whole life and made some bad choices. Goggins has shown me that determination has endless possibilities if it is appropriately executed.
Finally, his challenges in the book are exceptional, applicable, and achievable. I consider these the most valuable part of the book. Very powerful.
My favorite message was the book dedication.
“To the unrelenting voice in my head that will never allow me to stop.”
(Could this be God’s voice?)
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