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Can't Hurt Me: by David Goggins, Review and Discussion

MJ DeMarco

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Let's roll! Now a big best-seller, what do you think of the book?

While I'm not shocked, I was unable to find a suitable format to discuss the book using this software, Xenforo. Another reason why I don't recommend Xenforo as forum software. So instead of discussing chapter by chapter (which will probably clutter the front page) I decided we should try using this format:

My Rating: 3 stars out of 5 stars
:star::star::star: :xx::xx:
(The STAR/X emojis are under the emoji icon, under "commenting icons.")

Format: Audible

My thoughts/review:
Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.

Favorite (or least favorite) chapter:
Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.

Main takeaway:
Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.

Once posted, FEEL FREE to comment on anyone's review/thoughts/takeaway.

PS: This is NOT my review.
 
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Get Right

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My Rating: 4 stars out of 5 stars
:star::star::star: :star::xx:
Format: Kindle

My thoughts/review:
My heart was broken in the first chapter. I almost gave up reading the book all together. For some reason, I stuck it out and I'm glad I did. I think David (author) might have liked that. Trauma aside, this book has a lot of ground breaking advice/material. I found multiple areas to test in my own life and have reaped rewards for the effort.

Favorite (or least favorite) chapter:
Chapter 7 was my favorite. This chapter lit me up! The highlight being "Sadly, most of us give up when we've only given around 40% of our maximum effort." This was such a novel idea that I had to test it with a short run (I'm not a runner). When my legs hurt to the point of needing to stop, I reflected on his 40% rule. After my mind conceded I ran the same distance... again...and could have kept going.

Main takeaway:
The mental and the physical parts of our bodies might be more intertwined than we thought. What can the mind push the body to do and vice versa? David lays a pretty good case out there as to his answer(s). My summation would be that we have a lot more in the tank than we think we have (mentally and physically). The only question is how big is your tank? David would probably ask you to find that out by asking "What if?"
 

LuckyPup

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My Rating: 3 stars out of 5 stars
:star::star::star: :xx::xx:
(Actually, I give it 3.5 stars.)

Format:
Audible
I've been listening to the Audible version, which has some extras added to enhance the book. Interspersed with the narration is a podcast-like dialogue between Goggins and the author that elaborates on the events in the book. It works for me - makes the book more interesting.

My thoughts/review:

As with that of other larger-than-life figures, Goggins' hero's journey stands in stark contrast to my own less-than-heroic journey and life of relative ease. Maybe it's just me and stuff I have to work through, but after the inspiration wears off, I tend to feel shitty about myself after I read books like this.

Most books like this can be distilled down to some basic life lessons having to do with mindset. I don't mean to minimize Goggins' life experience and I do think we can learn from them, but the cynic in me can't help but think that books in this "warrior-athlete" genre have become a bit formulaic: shitty life > elite military training > further setbacks > ultimate triumph > life lessons.

With that being said, the book is an easy read/listen, because Goggins does have a compelling story which the author tells well enough to help mortals like me live vicariously through Goggins, if only for a bit. Also, I had expected the typical "kid overcomes shitty childhood" story, but I was still surprised by some of Goggins' life experiences. Still hoping to see what becomes of that mo-fo Trunnis, so no spoilers, please!

Favorite (or least favorite) chapter:
Audible's chapters are a mess, but my favorite parts so far (I'm almost done) are:
  • When Goggins did a self-intervention and got his act together to learn to read, pass the military entrance exam, etc. Pure FTM. Guess who has Post-It notes on his bathroom mirror now?
  • When he dropped 100 lbs in what, 90 days? Inspired me to set a goal to drop 20 in 1Q 2019.
  • Relating the BUDS training & hell week stuff. I may be a cynic, but I'm still impressed as hell at the grit these guys have. Aside: I read Lone Survivor and other stuff about Marcus Luttrell, and I had forgotten that he and his brother pulled off that hilarious scam. Classic.
  • God's chart. I'm agnostic, but the feeling that I'm not living up to my potential haunts me daily. Long ago I remember reading something to the effect that the greatest sin is not attempting to reach your potential, and it's stuck with me for years.
Main takeaway:
Mindset, mindset, mindset.

Also, I believe the only reason Goggins is here today because his mom finally had an FTE and left Trunnis.

Amended comments:
Main Takeaway: In his quest to be uncommon, Goggins has isolated himself. I get it. I'm also an introvert and don't often play well with others. However, there's more at work with Goggins than plain ol' introversion, and he's paid a price in relationships for being so single-minded. Like many exceptionally single-minded people, he has mastered some aspects of his life, but it wasn't until he faced a crisis that he became self-aware enough to understand that he needed to change in order to succeed in other aspects of his life.

Also, even though I can get cynical about the military hero worship, Goggins has accomplished some truly amazing feats.
 
Last edited:

MTF

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My Rating: 4 stars out of 5 stars
:star::star::star: :star::xx:
Format: Kindle

I'm giving the book 4 stars because I think that it could be improved with at least one additional, more practical chapter. It's not really a typical how-to book, but I'd love to read David's perspective and practical advice on exercise, nutrition, recovery, and how to turn yourself into a beast. Or if not specific advice, then I'd be interested in reading more about the past few years in David's life and some of his hard-earned successes as it would balance his struggles and failures (for example, how he transitioned into the job of a fireman).

Also, I can't help but feel that David is still struggling with some inner demons. I had a feeling that he can't really have healthy relationships in his life and that the most important thing that keeps him alive is making himself suffer and constantly face new challenges. This is not really applicable for most of us who don't want to endlessly pursue suffering.

My thoughts/review:

I've already posted my thoughts in a different thread two weeks ago so I'll repost it here:

David made me realize how weak our society today is and how important it is for us, entrepreneurs, to get stronger and keep toughening up. People get offended for no reason, worry about insignificant sh*t, lose their composure when something irritates them a little, or give up just because they faced a tiny obstacle.

If you get good at suffering and pushing through despite immense pain, insurmountable obstacles, and unfairness, then everyday problems won't bother you at all. On the other end of the spectrum, if you stay in your comfort zone, protected from everything that might be unpleasant, then even the tiniest problem will feel like the end of the world.

One of the things I realized thanks to the book is that I'm not pushing myself even 10% as much as I should when it comes to physical fitness, which is one of the best ways to toughen up not only physically, but also mentally. I consider myself fairly fit, but what David does is on another, incomprehensible level. I'm going to change my routine and raise my standards. Time to take some souls.

Additional thoughts today: I wanted to start a new, more hardcore workout plan after I finished the book. Unfortunately I got injured so badly that I can't exercise at all for the unforeseeable future. Instead of pushing my physical limits, I'm now limited to pushing my mental limits (I find it very tough not to be able to exercise). But well, at least I can practice being comfortable with pain (and it hurts like a....).

Favorite (or least favorite) chapter:

Chapter 5, Armored Mind and the concept of a calloused mind. Quote:

Similar to using an opponent’s energy to gain an advantage, leaning on your calloused mind in the heat of battle can shift your thinking as well. Remembering what you’ve been through and how that has strengthened your mindset can lift you out of a negative brain loop and help you bypass those weak, one-second impulses to give in so you can power through obstacles.

Main takeaway:

Toughen up to be prepared for anything that life throws at you.
 
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Patrick Jones

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My Rating: 2 stars out of 5 stars
:star::star::xx::xx::xx:
Format: epub

My thoughts/review:
It's an entertaining read, but 70+ pages into the book (where I stopped), I hadn't taken a single note. There was nothing for me to take away, nothing I wanted to put into action. In comparison: That far into TMF , my Evernote note was already bursting with ideas.
 

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I am listening to the audible version right now. Just a few chapters in. I am slowing down because I actually want to work through the exercises. The first few chapters of him going through his past is not really that impactful to me. Meaning, I can relate to his life in some ways but it doesn't tell me much. However, seeing how he his story unfolds, the process, is nice. I like the exercise/homework assignments he gives. Looking forward to seeing how he went from surviving to thriving. So far, I am diggin' in.
 

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My Rating: 4 stars out of 5 stars
:star::star::star: :star::xx:
Format: Kindle

I'm giving the book 4 stars because I think that it could be improved with at least one additional, more practical chapter. It's not really a typical how-to book, but I'd love to read David's perspective and practical advice on exercise, nutrition, recovery, and how to turn yourself into a beast. Or if not specific advice, then I'd be interested in reading more about the past few years in David's life and some of his hard-earned successes as it would balance his struggles and failures (for example, how he transitioned into the job of a fireman).

Also, I can't help but feel that David is still struggling with some inner demons. I had a feeling that he can't really have healthy relationships in his life and that the most important thing that keeps him alive is making himself suffer and constantly face new challenges. This is not really applicable for most of us who don't want to endlessly pursue suffering.

My thoughts/review:

I've already posted my thoughts in a different thread two weeks ago so I'll repost it here:

David made me realize how weak our society today is and how important it is for us, entrepreneurs, to get stronger and keep toughening up. People get offended for no reason, worry about insignificant sh*t, lose their composure when something irritates them a little, or give up just because they faced a tiny obstacle.

If you get good at suffering and pushing through despite immense pain, insurmountable obstacles, and unfairness, then everyday problems won't bother you at all. On the other end of the spectrum, if you stay in your comfort zone, protected from everything that might be unpleasant, then even the tiniest problem will feel like the end of the world.

One of the things I realized thanks to the book is that I'm not pushing myself even 10% as much as I should when it comes to physical fitness, which is one of the best ways to toughen up not only physically, but also mentally. I consider myself fairly fit, but what David does is on another, incomprehensible level. I'm going to change my routine and raise my standards. Time to take some souls.

Additional thoughts today: I wanted to start a new, more hardcore workout plan after I finished the book. Unfortunately I got injured so badly that I can't exercise at all for the unforeseeable future. Instead of pushing my physical limits, I'm now limited to pushing my mental limits (I find it very tough not to be able to exercise). But well, at least I can practice being comfortable with pain (and it hurts like a....).

Favorite (or least favorite) chapter:

Chapter 5, Armored Mind and the concept of a calloused mind. Quote:

Similar to using an opponent’s energy to gain an advantage, leaning on your calloused mind in the heat of battle can shift your thinking as well. Remembering what you’ve been through and how that has strengthened your mindset can lift you out of a negative brain loop and help you bypass those weak, one-second impulses to give in so you can power through obstacles.

Main takeaway:

Toughen up to be prepared for anything that life throws at you.

First, I'm sorry to hear of your injury - heal fast, heal well!

Second, I agree that we have become WAY too soft as a society, and I also like the "callous" imagery. It makes me hopeful that younger generations have recognized that comfort isn't nirvana and are embracing the "do hard shit" mantra. I think this awakening explains the appeal of this book and others that deliver a similar message, one that MJ espouses, and I paraphrase: "Fall in love with the process, not the event." Crucial and timeless advice, for sure. It calls to mind a poem I read long ago called, "The Station." (scroll down to read).

Third, I forgot to post another key concept I liked - "taking souls." It's a creative way to approach an adversarial relationship.

Fourth, I'm the poster child for the "worrying about tomorrow so much that it robs me of today, leaving me with yesterdays of regret" phenomenon. Even cancer didn't give me the kick in the a$$ I needed. The only solution I've found to remedy this tragedy is to show up every day, to stack small victories and in the process, create a meaningful life and hopefully, a worthwhile legacy. Books like "Can't Hurt Me" are a reminder to show up, embrace the suck and build a life on your own terms.

The Station

Tucked away in our subconscious minds is an idyllic vision. We see ourselves on a long, long trip that almost spans the continent. We’re traveling by passenger train, and out the windows we drink in the passing scene of cars on nearby highways, of children waving at a crossing, of cattle grazing on a distant hillside, of smoke pouring from a power plant, of row upon row of corn and wheat, of flatlands and valleys, of mountains and rolling hills, of biting winter and blazing summer and cavorting spring and docile fall.

But uppermost in our minds is the final destination. On a certain day at a certain hour we will pull into the station. There sill be bands playing, and flags waving. And once we get there so many wonderful dreams will come true. So many wishes will be fulfilled and so many pieces of our lives finally will be neatly fitted together like a completed jigsaw puzzle. How restlessly we pace the aisles, damning the minutes for loitering … waiting, waiting, waiting, for the station.

However, sooner or later we must realize there is no one station, no one place to arrive at once and for all. The true joy of life is the trip. The station is only a dream. It constantly outdistances us.

“When we reach the station that will be it!” we cry. Translated it means, “When I’m 18, that will be it! When I buy a new 450 SL Mercedes Benz, that will be it! When I put the last kid through college, that will be it! When I have paid off the mortgage, that will be it! When I win a promotion, that will be it! When I reach the age of retirement, that will be it! I shall live happily ever after!”

Unfortunately, once we get it, then it disappears. The station somehow hides itself at the end of an endless track

“Relish the moment” is a good motto, especially when coupled with Psalm 118:24: “This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” It isn’t the burdens of today that drive men mad. Rather, it is regret over yesterday or fear of tomorrow. Regret and fear are twin thieves who would rob us of today.

So, stop pacing the aisles and counting the miles. Instead, climb more mountains, eat more ice cream, go barefoot oftener, swim more rivers, watch more sunsets, laugh more and cry less. Life must be lived as we go along. The station will come soon enough.
 
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ZF Lee

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Thanks MJ.

My Rating: 4 stars out of 5 stars
:star::star::star::star::xx:
:)

My thoughts/review:
I was thinking of pouring out everything, since I saw a lot of myself in David Goggins, although my dad didn't exactly beat me to a pulp and I'm not in the Navy SEALS. I was thinking of including my own relevant experiences here, and how Goggins' principles fit in...but since this thread is not on ZF Lee, I re-edited my post a few times.

I'll just say that I am no stranger to military-style training, as I was pretty much in the drill department for the Boys Brigade (BB) uniform group in high school.

I'll work on posting my tales on here one of these days. :cool:

Many of his concepts for uncommon success are strikingly similar to Dan Pena's. Dan Pena has a whole website page dedicated to insane feats he did on his own, BTW (he also served in the army for a bit, if I can remember). So I guess Dan Pena isn't much of a farce as some might assume him to be.

Goggins detailed a lot of his pain and sufferings throughout his military training and subsequent marathons. Lots of process to learn from, even if our goals are not physically-orientated.

I felt that Goggins' success principles still need some polishing, especially on the people part. No successful person got there alone. Goggins does express regret at the final chapters of not being 'more friendly' to others along the way, which may have contributed to a hit on his career in some manner. I am glad I did go out of my way to work with others during my past days in BB, as well as my time on TFLF and freelancing, but there is always room for improvement.

He does express a lot of appreciation for people like the Admiral, who got him into recruiting, as well as his SEALS trainer, the Silverback Gorilla (lol). Felt there was a lot more he could talk about on their exchanges, the same way MJ DeMarco learned from Gary the limo passenger who sold his company for $50 million.

Next, David Goggins mentioned that he made some blunders in not training enough for his earlier marathons, ending up running till he pissed blood, literally. I think that he should emphasize this part more, the importance of setting up wider time frames and even denote a unique CHALLENGE for that (there are CHALLENGES for each chapter's end for us to do).

He did discuss a tactic he learned from the military, which is something like charting alternative routes of travel during a combat mission, but he only started talking about it when he noted that he failed to use this method to research routes for his marathons. I would like to see him tell about a successful tale of the application of that tactic, so that we can see how it should be done. Still, this does dispel the notion that you don't need a Plan B and C, and raises the importance of managing risk.

I have started on his CHALLENGES, and the first is to note down every 'bad hand' that serves as an excuse for not progressing. I spent an hour on it, and often I had to walk away from the laptop because it was painful. But I did it. Now I have more fuel to use, than just the mere FTE I put down on TFLF.

Now I will be doing the next challenge, which is to set up an Accountability mirror. I should keep this apart from my regular planner, which was a mistake of me to mash both together earlier.

If any of you want to stick to the books, I would suggest that you pair the Goggins' CHALLENGES with stuff like the Slight Edge, The One Thing, Miracle Morning and The War of Art.

Favorite (or least favorite) chapter:

The Navy SEALS training chapters. Definitely.

Least favourite? None, except for the few parts when he mentions briefly that he broke up with 2 marriages. That must have been a side effect or price of his relentless focus on success. I won't judge him for that, but I feel that it could have been managed better, and he could have done better to educate his SOs better on his vision for life.

Unfortunately he did not discuss that in detail, but I can understand that he might want to keep some matters private.

I had the great fortune of having a girl who declared that she 'liked BB boys' like me. She understood the degree of work I had to put in and respected it. I think that unconsciously, my dedication to the BB company was what planted a seed for the later years, when I would eventually see her as more than a friend (and reach out to Fastlane for that matter).



Main takeaway:

I'll leave you with just two:

1. Cookie jar.

Goggins describe a survival technique that I had struggled for so long to express in words and detail.

In a nutshell, this involves the drawing of positive emotions of a sense of satisfaction from a past positive experience (i.e. from beating the Navy SEALS tests, grabbing a Guinness records in Goggins' case), like a cookie jar, to counter the negative-feedback/ harsh mental environment of doing any tough challenge.

In high school, I struggled with a lot of STEM subjects, so whenever I made a breakthrough in one exam, I would keep that paper for the next time I was struggling to break through one tough topic. Whenever I felt discouraged at a Physics topic, I would just look back at my past breakthroughs and know that I have won before, and can win again. I also would think back to my years in the BB, and draw on the emotions, the sense of pride after overcoming the societal norms and mental crap.

I scored 10As for my final high school exams, the highest in my school.

I actually deploy a 'reverse Cookie Jar' method. Drawing positive emotions and strength from a future, instead of the past.

I can think of two times I used the 'reverse Cookie Jar' method.

Tough to do, but I'll explain.

#1 During my first day in drill camp, an officer from another company saw that I did my turns the wrong way. So he made me do it over and over again until I was aching and ashamed all over, nearly in tears.

During bedtime, I was thinking of faking sick and going home, like one of the folks from my school did that evening.

Then out of the blue, in my sleeping bad, in the darkness, a picture came to my mind.

It was of my future. A desired one. It had not happened, but I was working towards it.

It was of me standing in the parade square commanding the entire company. Standing proud, smart, dignified. My drill commands were absolute, clear, precise. Instead of chaos, there was order, dedication and discipline amongst the ranks. I saw faces of unnamed boys whom I would train to be better, more steadfast than I am.

It was like seeing a harvest that hadn't sprouted yet. Or a feast that you hadn't cooked or hunted for yet.

A voice in me said, 'You can create this. Feel that pride? Satisfaction? You can have a place there.'

So I stuck on. Failed that first attempt, but succeeded after a few re-tries.

Haven't got a personal photo of the badge, but here's it.
drill.jpg


I got to play roles in company parades, serving as a Section Commande and Company Bugler, in at least 3-4 Guard of Honours.

2#
Last year, around this time, I had just found out I got rejected by Upwork.

I felt like just tossing in the towel again. And just go do something else....

Then I thought about it.

The creating of a profile for Upwork was like crafting a sales proposal.

I looked at my Whatsapp messages to my girl. I looked back at my promise to learn the ways of the Fastlane, to teach her things that could free her.

I reached out to the 'future cookie jar'.

What future did I desire?

I saw myself spending time with my girl, discussing how to create and communicate value to her clients. I saw her eyes widen, as her brain broke past the limits placed upon her mind.

I saw her putting away her university certs. She didn't need them any more.

I saw her having tea in the morning, late at 11am. She didn't need to go and work for money, because she learned from my experiences, applied them, and freed herself.

Wouldn't you be happy having those things? I would.

So I drew all that into myself, and pressed myself to rewrite the damn pitch for Upwork. And got ACCEPTED.

I now had some experiences to tell my girl. Another step to her freedom.



2. There is no 'ultimate goal'

I ran into this concept myself, but didn't acknowledge it fully until now.

After completing my Boys' Brigade Basic Drill Badge, I realised there was more.

There was the entire Guard of Honour procedures. The Colour Party, the wheeling in of the entire company, section drills (not sure exactly what they served for...the other Corporals and Sergeants from the neighbouring Companies never put them into daily practice lol enough to tell me),, etc.

For studies, after an exam, I usually just thought, 'That was it.'

Wrong. There was the mid-terms, finals, pre-university, university, Masters, PhDs, the list goes on.

There was no fixed level of Mastery. Only evolution and constant improvement.

Even for Fastlane businesses, I took a hard look at why some millionaires and successful entrepreneurs failed at some new ventures, even if the projects were within their expertise.

Built a $10 million company? Great, now lets make a $100 million company, with investors, IPO, and a board!

There would be always a new Wild West to explore, what with new technology and knowledge today.

I like it that Goggins didn't get high and mighty about just being a Navy SEALS. He could have just stayed there. After all, many military men stay in the same department for pretty much their whole lives. He moved on and did all kinds of stuff, until he was involved in all three components of the military. He served as an instructor and recruiter. Still, there was so much room that he could go to, in retrospect.



SIDE NOTE: That was exhausting to do all the writing and editing. I know why copywriting is a high-paying gig....this shit IS the barrier of ENTRY
 

ZF Lee

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When Goggins did a self-intervention and got his act together to learn to read
I was really shocked that there are Americans who still struggle to speak and read English.

I can guess why. Although the USA has so much English around, they are often not presented in the right productive context.

For instance, I picked up English from Sunday school, kids' shows and junior encyclopedias as a child. They were mostly by Americans (most Bible translations are American, for Sunday School), so naturally, the US became a standard of English more than that of the British. From the start, I saw English as a language of progress and strength.

For Mandarin and the dialects (any Chinese is expected to know a dialect, besides Simplified Chinese, such as Cantonese, Hokkien, etc.), my dad would just watch the drama all day, which was full of quarreling, as all dramas have. Naturally, I would be distressed and confused at the chaos on the screen. Thus, I failed to pick it up early in life.

I started out on the notion that the Chinese were a violent and bitter group. That coming from a Chinese.

Now, when I have grown, I began to look back into Chinese history, and read up on tough things like the Boxer Rebellion. the Sun Yat Sen uprising, the Chinese Civil Wall, Deng Xiao Peng's overthrowing of the old Mao burdens, etc. Couldn't blame the overall Chinese approaches that were full of sadness and anger. I decided to stop blaming my dad and Mandarin-speaking folks for their inability to teach me. There were somethings that they could not put into words to teach me.

Anyhow, on the language problem, I am in the same position, learning Mandarin. I can speak it, but not enough to discuss politics, science, history or express my emotions. I'll have to take the Goggins' method of memorizing stuff the good ol' way, as opposed to all the fancy courses and tricks suggested by the gurus online.

I did find that practicing Mandarin with Grabcar drivers was pretty good as well.

The mental and the physical parts of our bodies might be more intertwined than we thought. What can the mind push the body to do and vice versa?
I'm writing too many stories of my life today. :playful:

Here's one. I'll be copy-pasting out of my Whatsapp, after I shared it with my girl a few days ago after reading the Goggins book:

"Speechless, reading the Can't Hurt Me book.

He actually recounts his struggles even in dropping weight to qualify for Navy SEALS

Which reminds me of a past story-the school Jogathon we went to.

I'll tell it again, in detail.

The school Jogathon...think it was 2014

When it was first announced, I turned a blind ear to it.

As you know, I was never really into physical activities except for drill.

Then a thought came to my mind.

'Let's try something different. Who knows what you can do?'

I thought about it.

If I trained a bit myself, I could run better in the upcoming jogathon. Perhaps, the upside would be I could be in the Top 10.

Wouldn't be hard either, I thought. After all, the event was going to be joined 80% of the school. The more experienced Ipoh joggers would be a minority.

So I made a plan:

1. Train. Do some warm ups, runs and walks.

I read some blogs.

A write-up on Usain Bolt revealed some interesting facts.

Did you know that even though he is best known for his records in the 100-metre race, he actually TRAINS to beat the 400-metre?

That way, he can develop more ability to totally trash the 100-meter.

I decided to do the same.

I couldn't re-enact a total kilometre run, so I just broke up the estimated 2-3km run into sets of 400-m.

2. I asked my brother and others for the school track records.

I think for 100-m was 7-8 seconds. 400-m was a few mins.

I actually worked to try to beat them.

Crazy? Maybe.

I had 2 weeks to work with before the jogathon.

So I worked every evening. I should have done in the early morning, but my parents would notice. I actually disliked them interfering in my work...they wouldn't understand anyway.

Every evening, around 5pm-ish, I warmed-up, did a simple jog around the neighbourhood 5X, and then did sprints to beat 100-meters as best as I could.

Sprints stress your stamina, so they eventually compound in effect. Not different than weight-lifting reps or taking timed practice exams for studies.

After a series of sprints, I would 'rest' by walking or slow-jogging about.

Not exactly the perfect training routine though...

THE DAY

My goal was to hit the Top 10 runners.

I discovered we had different categories, for adults and students. So that would be the Top 10 Student runners.

We were gathered in that Stadium parking area.

Everybody was pumped.

They were like 'Let's go! Let's go!'

Before us, the whole area stretched out. Fit ground for running.

The signal was given and everyone dashed out.

It felt like a rush of energy around me. 'Rah!' Everyone screamed.

Then as quickly as it all began, it ended.

I scolded myself for bursting speed. This was a marathon, not a sprint race. Steady, not sprint.

So I forced myself into a regular run.

Breath in one nose, exhale with my mouth. Repeat.

Look in front. Keep moving. Forward. Forward. Forward.

As my training earlier was not perfect, I felt my limits coming. Less air in my lungs.

Then I thought: I can't measure my limits with a ruler accurately, so maybe I'll keep going at this rate.

Forward, forward, forward.

I'd like to say that suddenly, my body became steel and I ran like a leopard all the way.

It was more like something draining me of energy inside me, as I ran, and a little voice telling me to slow down and be nice.

But I looked forward. Ran forward.

The goal to be the Top 10 withered from my head. Just became 'Move forward'

Move forward anyway would contribute to the Top 10.

I noticed that I was becoming increasingly alone.

Fewer runners ran in front of me. I overtook them one after another. Didn't need to speed up either.

Hoe Wei (a classmate) was behind me.

He called out to me, 'Hey, ZF Lee, you've been training?'

He was surprised that I could even run at all.

'A bit.' I said. I ran on.

The rest is a blur.

At the finishing line, I looked for my token, a ribbon.

I dropped it....so I couldn't claim the 7th placing....

I was crushed.

Worse, my mum berated me for 'going all out' instead of taking it for fun.

Later, in the week during recess, I told you briefly what happened.

As you laughed, I wondered whether it was all a waste.

It wasn't.

Later, I reused the same training pattern to learn CYCLING.

1. Watched some vids on kids 'skating' on bikes

2. Warmed up in the evening

3. Skated, and then went into a mix of balancing without legs on the ground, awkwardly, with half-assed scooting.

4. On the 5th day, I shakily cycled around the place. Felt like Indiana Jones on the giant wooden wheel.

Cannot really figure out the exact point in time when I achieved it.

Then after, stability got into my legs. Then I could ride normally.

Yup, that's how it went...I wanted to tell you all that during recess at school, but couldn't bring myself to do it. "
 
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Where are all the Goggins lovers who voted for this book? Where's your review!? ;) I'm only 50% finished so I hope to have a review shortly.
 
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Where are all the Goggins lovers who voted for this book? Where's your review!? ;) I'm only 50% finished so I hope to have a review shortly.
Probably struggling with their demons while reading....

Not kidding.

And I think the book does hit a personal note in many of us. Sensitive as well, to an extent. To share about the book would be to share about oneself...which not everyone is ready for, are they?
 

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I didn't actually vote for the book, but when I saw that the Forum voted to read this book. I figured it's got to be good!
4 stars
:star::star::star::star::xx:
Audible

About halfway through the book I was really excited for this thread to start, but then the book just became redundant. By the end I was like meh.

He talks about the struggles about growing up in a white community, and being black. Why doesn't he doesn't talk about his relationship struggles? Training that much has to be taxing on a relationship. What happened with him and his kid!?
I know it's probably personal, and he doesn't want to discuss it. At the same time I think it's a important thing he's missing from his book all these accomplishments had to cost him, but he doesn't talk about it. I struggle with this myself trying to be an ace at things I do has cost me several relationships. So I am not judging.

I don't have a kid, but feel like if I did being a dad would become my whole world! He had to run away from his dad. Did he literally run away from being a dad?
At the end of the day were all these things he accomplished worth not seeing his kid grow up, or did he?

The good things.
I really like the accountability mirror. Actually looking in that mirror and facing yourself makes my stomach twist sometimes!
The 40% rule already has me pushing harder! Well at least in the physical aspect.
I think if I can apply these two things to my Fastlane goals it will be a very beneficial book for me.

Right before this book I read What Doesn't Kill Us. Taking some of the principals from that book, and adding the drive this book gave me. I have lost a few lbs, and have a more energetic positive outlook on life.
 

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Why doesn't he doesn't talk about his relationship struggles? Training that much has to be taxing on a relationship. What happened with him and his kid!?
I know it's probably personal, and he doesn't want to discuss it. At the same time I think it's a important thing he's missing from his book all these accomplishments had to cost him, but he doesn't talk about it. I struggle with this myself trying to be an ace at things I do has cost me several relationships. So I am not judging.

This is one of my gripes with the book. Of course, it's personal, but if you're writing an autobiography, then it's pretty much the definition of this genre. While his accomplishments are inspiring, I've found it sad that his wives and kid (kids?) are almost like a footnote in his story. It shows how deeply concentrated he is on pushing his limits, but it also shows how much he still has to learn about balance in life.

In the conclusion of the book he talks about learning how to stretch. It would tie in nicely with the realization that life isn't only about suffering, pushing your limits, and being tough and perhaps discovering that he can still do these things without pushing everyone away. But I don't know David, so perhaps he actually has great relationships now but just wasn't willing to talk about them in the book.

Still, I think that it's a crucial lesson that's missing in the book. It's inspiring to talk about pushing yourself to the limits, but in the long term it's as unsustainable as entrepreneurs working 12 hours a day, seven days a week at the expense of everything else.
 
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He talks about the struggles about growing up in a white community, and being black. Why doesn't he doesn't talk about his relationship struggles? Training that much has to be taxing on a relationship. What happened with him and his kid!?
I know it's probably personal, and he doesn't want to discuss it. At the same time I think it's a important thing he's missing from his book all these accomplishments had to cost him, but he doesn't talk about it. I struggle with this myself trying to be an ace at things I do has cost me several relationships.

The relationship abandonment issue has always been a major excuse for the people in my life not to work hard to get rich.

I don't think we can get out of this issue anytime soon. Sacrifices do have to be made to achieve something new.

Best things to do would be to:
1. Tell your loved ones who are affected directly by your actions what you'll be doing
2. Tell them that they might not be seeing much of you
3. Set specific deadlines, goals (e.g. when I can sell my company, I'll retire to be with you instead of jumping to the next venture) and expectations they can look forward to
4. Ask them for help to support you. Involve them in the process, so that they will still feel you are around

I'll just say that I am no stranger to military-style training, as I was pretty much in the drill department for the Boys Brigade (BB) uniform group in high school.
I've been to the 'relationships alienation' part before.

I spent the first 3 years doing all I could to get promoted all the way to Corporal. Numerous drill camps, organising camps, learning up band instruments, etc. My classmates only got started around 14-15 years old, during which I was relatively their senior lol in terms of experience and credibility.

I did alienate myself from them. Didn't really get to enjoy many things that youths do such as sleepovers and such. But then again, I wasn't sorry because I was happy breaking down challenges and creating a better future for the company's juniors to follow after us.

Around Form 4 or 5, which was when I was 16 years old, my Lieutenant asked me whether I wanted to work for the President's Award, the second highest badge for the BB.

The award was also a major pre-requisite for me to get promoted to Sergeant. I would then be the FIRST Sergeant in the school's company, as the earlier batches before me never had the chance or facilities to train for that.

I took stock of my present state. I was going to seat for a major final exam academically. I was also already holding a few vital positions in band and drill, as well as secretarial work. To get promoted would most likely have me doing the same old stuff...couldn't really see a higher paradigm besides having the honour of the badge. In short, I didn't need to get promoted. I could just focus on upping and consolidating the quality of my present work.

I even met up with other Sergeants from the neighbouring companies. They were pretty much doing what I was presently doing as a Corporal...so no difference in status validated.

So I declined the Sergeant-ship politely.

It was a good choice, My peers who had bad strengths in terms of organizing logistics and people could then have some space to move up and help the company, besides the juniors. I began to take a back seat to just give some advice and recommendations.

Around that time of relative rest, I could focus better on my studies and eventually, I suddenly realised that my girl had grown to be very beautiful and graceful. She had been only a classmate back then. Began to spend more time with her, which has led till today.

So TLDR, work hard until you reach a sustainable, comfortable level well above the old status quo, and from there you have enough resources and credibility to let everyone else take their share and you can enjoy your life. The UNSCRIPTION focus comes in here.

Still, I think that it's a crucial lesson that's missing in the book. It's inspiring to talk about pushing yourself to the limits, but in the long term it's as unsustainable as entrepreneurs working 12 hours a day, seven days a week at the expense of everything else.
I take the hustle concept to mean 'Work your a$$ off for your life when the meter is DEFCON 1.':rofl: Or when 70% of your customers are pissed, or you have a bad cashflow month. Things can slow down and consolidate when we're in the clear.

While his accomplishments are inspiring, I've found it sad that his wives and kid (kids?) are almost like a footnote in his story.
I hope the kids didn't get hurt too much.

I'm from a divorced family, and there's still lots of bitterness in the air. I don't think much of it today, but I recognise that I can still be triggered.

Goggins did mention about his first wife, Pam. Pam's dad apparently cussed him racially, but he went on to marry her. Would like to hear how he got the in-laws to concede...would be an interesting tale.

While couples of differences races or background can work hard to be in great marriages together, it doesn't work out for the majority. In the Random Thoughts thread here, the concept came up that crucial factors like religion does divide people greatly, regardless of how logical we try to be. One of the factors in the many divorces in my family was also differences in religion and economic/career mindset.

I'll elaborate my point by speculating on Goggins' example:

Goggins' philosophy
Excel in the military, beat the physical odds, go against the grain

Pam (first wife)
Security, don't waste yourself, there are better ways to live happily like working a regular job, care and love for family first

Morally speaking, both of their interests are not wrong. But they can clash.

Most of us would choose to try to talk to the SO more honestly and directly, but I'd like to take a preventive approach in the first place. I've spent countless hours over the phone with my girl to talk to her about opening her mind to other careers, ways of thinking, analysing sensitive topics such as religion in an orderly manner and so on, so that we can ease the waves better, when they come.

But I don't know David, so perhaps he actually has great relationships now but just wasn't willing to talk about them in the book.
Most of those relationships must be related to the military. Would most likely to heavily classified, as the Navy SEALS have a rule against sharing too much stuff...:bored:

And if he did talk about them, it might end up becoming a 1000-page book. When I was writing posts for more own progress thread, I wanted to talk about interesting people I met, but then I realised it would be too much, until some folks might misunderstand me as action-faking! :happy:
 
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Best things to do would be to:
1. Tell your loved ones who are affected directly by your actions what you'll be doing
2. Tell them that they might not be seeing much of you
3. Set specific deadlines, goals (e.g. when I can sell my company, I'll retire to be with you instead of jumping to the next venture) and expectations they can look forward to
4. Ask them for help to support you. Involve them in the process, so that they will still feel you are around

This is fine, and dandy to tell your family, but every time he accomplished a goal he would come up with more goals. I am only speculating here, but it's like an alcoholic telling his wife is going to quit the next day going to quit, tomorrow, going to quit tomorrow, going to quit tomorrow, going to quit tomorrow how many times do you hear it before you stop believing it, and decided to move on with your life.
 

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This is fine, and dandy to tell your family, but every time he accomplished a goal he would come up with more goals. I am only speculating here, but it's like an alcoholic telling his wife is going to quit the next day going to quit, tomorrow, going to quit tomorrow, going to quit tomorrow, going to quit tomorrow how many times do you hear it before you stop believing it, and decided to move on with your life.
Yes. That is why we need to know when to 'stop'. When enough is enough.

Too much of good things can be a bad thing.

When does ambition lead to greed? Or minimalism lead to poverty or neglect? A line needs to be drawn. Restrain.

I read something from Built to Sell, by Warillow. The mentor of the fictional main character asked him to write down his DREAM SALE AMOUNT of the biz, and put the paper away. Later, when a deal came, the main character could then go back to that paper to remind himself of the goal he set out to achieve, even if he felt that someone else could give him more money.And it was a good choice. It is actually a rarity for business to get sold, more or less on favourable terms. Might as well take the money and run away lol.

I myself have taken that to practice.

There is only so much resources you can draw upon in the physical realm. Mentally, you could train yourself more, but Goggins did get burnt out later on. The last part of the book was a bit saddening, but expected, given that he ended up in hospital even without any clear injuries.

I don't want to generalize, but I find it queer that folks who have been physically abused before tend to look for great success in the physical field, be it sports, gym or military (in Goggins' case)? Is there a correlation? Replacing one master with another?
 
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Best things to do would be to:
1. Tell your loved ones who are affected directly by your actions what you'll be doing
2. Tell them that they might not be seeing much of you

IMO that's the type of BS they like to sell people today just because it sounds so sexy and praiseworthy. You'll get more likes on Facebook when you post stuff like "Time to get to work, 12-hour workdays here we go. I don't have time to hang out with losers so see ya when I'm rich and famous, peasants!" than when you say "I'm going to put in a few hours of concentrated work on my business every single day for however long it takes. Grateful to share this journey with my family and friends."

If anything, working so hard that your family and friends don't see much of you is a sign of incompetence than a badge of honor.

I believed this hard work BS when I was younger, too (particularly in sports). Now that I'm getting older and learn that I'm not indestructible, I'm finally beginning to realize that it doesn't matter what you do every now and then; it matters what you do every day.

No matter what the gurus say, you can't maintain high intensity every day. Your choice largely comes down to doing something consistently and safely every day (so that you can do it for decades) or pushing yourself well beyond your limits only to get injured, burn out, or lose everything important in life.

Goggins would have certainly achieved better results if he took the time to properly recover from each of his races and balance strength workouts with stretching, manual therapy and injury prevention. He eventually learned this lesson, but at what expense?

I don't want to generalize, but I find it queer that folks who have been physically abused before tend to look for great success in the physical field, be it sports, gym or military (in Goggins' case)? Is there a correlation? Replacing one master with another?

Definitely. Similar with alcoholics who often quit drinking only to get obsessed (in an unsustainable way) about sports or other physical challenges. I'm wired the same way (obsessive by nature, not because of my childhood or any addictions) so need to be watchful not to throw my life completely out of balance.
 

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IMO that's the type of BS they like to sell people today just because it sounds so sexy and praiseworthy.
I have done the 'tell the family' thing, and I received quite a lot of heat.

That actually set me back mentally by a few months.

There is nothing sexy about telling your loved ones that you have to 'go to war' (analogically speaking). The folks who really had to go to a real war often didn't come back alive.

If anything, working so hard that your family and friends don't see much of you is a sign of incompetence than a badge of honor.

I believed this hard work BS when I was younger, too (particularly in sports). Now that I'm getting older and learn that I'm not indestructible, I'm finally beginning to realize that it doesn't matter what you do every now and then; it matters what you do every day.
These few months, I decided to set a few weeks or a routine of a few days or so to go back and see my parents and such. And a few hours or so for my girl on the phone.

Even if the hours you'd like to spend on loved ones are reduced, keep a habit of 'resupply' for them. To completely cut off would be suicide.

Of course, though, they would fret at the reduced time you spend with them, as they did with me.

Definitely. Similar with alcoholics who often quit drinking only to get obsessed (in an unsustainable way) about sports or other physical challenges. I'm wired the same way (obsessive by nature, not because of my childhood or any addictions) so need to be watchful not to throw my life completely out of balance.
I think my generation was the last to receive corporal punishment (caning) at home and school.

When I was young, I thought it was an absolute evil, and the totally wrong way of enforcing discipline.

Later, I realised that at a younger age, not everyone is wired to think their way out of things. And folks on the worse event of the paradigm, such as kids who did arson and bullying, really needed the consequences.

I have often wondered if that old generation could have underwent a similar effect, myself included. Hope that isn't the case. I'd want a more positive source of energy.
 

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I'm 20% through the book and honestly its a bore. Does it get better?

There's nothing new or even old told in a better that I haven't read already.
 
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I'm 20% through the book and honestly its a bore. Does it get better?

There's nothing new or even old told in a better that I haven't read already.
Huh? What have you read already?

It does get better, especially if you are looking to participate in a long marathon or have a running habit. Lots of good tips from there.

I liked his suggestions on researching the area of the run several weeks beforehand, as well as training for major marathons by going for smaller ones first (which were also quite tough)
 

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Where are all the Goggins lovers who voted for this book? Where's your review!? ;) I'm only 50% finished so I hope to have a review shortly.
Yeah, still waiting for the paperback. :mad: Listened to the audio but want the physical thing to double check some stuff and write a better review.
 

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This is one of my gripes with the book. Of course, it's personal, but if you're writing an autobiography, then it's pretty much the definition of this genre. While his accomplishments are inspiring, I've found it sad that his wives and kid (kids?) are almost like a footnote in his story. It shows how deeply concentrated he is on pushing his limits, but it also shows how much he still has to learn about balance in life.

In the conclusion of the book he talks about learning how to stretch. It would tie in nicely with the realization that life isn't only about suffering, pushing your limits, and being tough and perhaps discovering that he can still do these things without pushing everyone away. But I don't know David, so perhaps he actually has great relationships now but just wasn't willing to talk about them in the book.

Still, I think that it's a crucial lesson that's missing in the book. It's inspiring to talk about pushing yourself to the limits, but in the long term it's as unsustainable as entrepreneurs working 12 hours a day, seven days a week at the expense of everything else.
I agree. I think Goggins' neglect in addressing his personal relationships is core to his "pathology," if you can call it that. Goggins is so hyper-focused on being uncommon that he doesn't understand or doesn't care that a side effect is being alone. From what I've read I think it's part of the protection mechanism he's built. The other interesting thing is his inability to lead others in the military. He's a lone wolf, but I think he owns up to it and admits his shortcomings as the relate to his military experience.
 
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I didn't actually vote for the book, but when I saw that the Forum voted to read this book. I figured it's got to be good!
4 stars
Audible

About halfway through the book I was really excited for this thread to start, but then the book just became redundant. By the end I was like meh.

He talks about the struggles about growing up in a white community, and being black. Why doesn't he doesn't talk about his relationship struggles? Training that much has to be taxing on a relationship. What happened with him and his kid!?
I know it's probably personal, and he doesn't want to discuss it. At the same time I think it's a important thing he's missing from his book all these accomplishments had to cost him, but he doesn't talk about it. I struggle with this myself trying to be an ace at things I do has cost me several relationships. So I am not judging.

I don't have a kid, but feel like if I did being a dad would become my whole world! He had to run away from his dad. Did he literally run away from being a dad?
At the end of the day were all these things he accomplished worth not seeing his kid grow up, or did he?

The good things.
I really like the accountability mirror. Actually looking in that mirror and facing yourself makes my stomach twist sometimes!
The 40% rule already has me pushing harder! Well at least in the physical aspect.
I think if I can apply these two things to my Fastlane goals it will be a very beneficial book for me.

Right before this book I read What Doesn't Kill Us. Taking some of the principals from that book, and adding the drive this book gave me. I have lost a few lbs, and have a more energetic positive outlook on life.
"What Doesn't Kill Us" is on my list, but I'm reluctant to buy it because it seems the topic can be pretty well explained in a summary. Your thoughts?
 

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Probably struggling with their demons while reading....

Not kidding.

And I think the book does hit a personal note in many of us. Sensitive as well, to an extent. To share about the book would be to share about oneself...which not everyone is ready for, are they?
Yeah, maybe it's the sign of a good book, but I've been troubled since reading it. The undercurrent of dysfunction mixed with high performance leaves me a bit conflicted. I think all of us appreciate Goggins' drive. However, and maybe it's a rationalization, but I'd rather have "balanced success" in life than to be so machine-like in my focus that I neglect my relationships to such a degree that I end up divorced twice (and perhaps with no relationship with my children.) To each his own, though. C'est la vie.
 

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What Doesn't Kill Us" is on my list, but I'm reluctant to buy it because it seems the topic can be pretty well explained in a summary. Your thoughts?

Oh yea 30 minutes on YouTube and you've got the techniques.
I found the book to be informational and entertaining. It is more of a story about Scott CarneyJourney on researching the techniques then a how to book.
I really like how he visits people that are doing different variations on the techniques and talks about it.
My house also sits at 10,800 feet so when he are talking about breathing techniques at high elevation, and oxygen in your bloodstream. I find it interesting and helpful when trying to do athletic things at high elevation.
 
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Now at 60% finished (Kindle). If we didn't have this thread and I felt accountable for a review, I wouldn't finish it. IMO, there are so many things wrong with this book, with this mentality (others have graced on some of it) not sure what others see in it. That's my judgement thus far but I will continue on until I get to 100%... I'll detail more in my review. Hoping something changes in the final 40%.
 

ZF Lee

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Jul 27, 2016
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Now at 60% finished (Kindle). If we didn't have this thread and I felt accountable for a review, I wouldn't finish it. IMO, there are so many things wrong with this book, with this mentality (others have graced on some of it) not sure what others see in it. That's my judgement thus far but I will continue on until I get to 100%... I'll detail more in my review. Hoping something changes in the final 40%.
Oh no...this coming from you. Something tells me you aren't going to hold back in your review ( probably like the Star Wars rant).:rofl:

I've read the whole thing, and besides the final part, where he reflects a bit on his heavily unbalanced work ethic, the marathon and Guinness Records parts mirror the SEALS training chapters in terms of physical insanity. Not exactly a huge change though.
 

Andy Black

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I listened to a minute of the free sample on Audible before turning it off. Skimming the posts here tells me I probably saved myself a few hours.
 

GoranS

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Now at 60% finished (Kindle). If we didn't have this thread and I felt accountable for a review, I wouldn't finish it. IMO, there are so many things wrong with this book, with this mentality (others have graced on some of it) not sure what others see in it. That's my judgement thus far but I will continue on until I get to 100%... I'll detail more in my review. Hoping something changes in the final 40%.
I returned it after listening to maybe 30 % on Audible. After seeing so many positive reviews I expected a lot. Also, after reading Mud, sweat and tears by Bear Grylls, in which he talks about going through SAS bootcamp and climbing Everest I thought I would like this kind of book. It didn't deliver. I wonder what others see in it. Maybe I'm missing something...
 

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