Arguably one of the most successful and well-known endurance athletes of his day, it’s David Goggins’ mindset that truly sets him apart from most people. There’s nothing ordinary about Goggins, who is a firm believer in the power of visualization and self-talk. He’s accomplished some amazing feats in his lifetime, and as a motivational speaker, he’s constantly inspiring others to do the same and push themselves further. The retired Navy SEAL credits his work ethic to finding his purpose in life.
The only person to have completed Navy SEAL training, Army Ranger School, and Air Force Tactical Air Controller training, Goggins has completed not one but two Navy SEAL Hell Weeks. He’s also placed in the top five of numerous ultramarathons, finished an Ironman World Championship event in 11 hours, and held a Guinness World Record for doing 4,030 pulls-ups in 17 hours as part of a 24-hour challenge. And that’s not even the most incredible part of his journey. Before he was writing a motivational book, giving speeches around the world, and breaking records, Goggins used to weigh nearly 300 lbs.
It wasn’t until 2005, when Goggins decided to enter an ultramarathon in San Diego to raise money for a non-profit organization called Special Operations Warrior Foundation, that his transformation truly began. He made the decision to join the race after hearing about a mission gone wrong in Afghanistan that left several of his colleagues dead. At that moment, Goggins made a vow to do whatever it took to help their families and has since raised over $250,000 for the cause. At 280 lbs., Goggins ran the entire 24-hour race alone, while simultaneously experiencing some serious medical issues, including dual stress fractures in his lower legs, shin splints, and even kidney failure. But he endured and finished the race.
It was also at this event that an entrepreneur by the name of Jesse Itzler took notice of Goggins and asked him if he would come stay with him and his family for a month. Goggins agreed, but on one condition: Itzler had to do whatever he said. Itzler went on to write the book Living with a SEAL: 31 Days Training with the Toughest Man on the Planet, and although he never actually named Goggins in the book, he was indeed the Navy SEAL of the title.
Today, Goggins is one of the most sought-after public speakers in the world. He’s a part of the Patriot Tour and often speaks about topics like The 40% Rule, which is the idea that when you think you’re done, you’ve only reached 40% of your capabilities. It’s a concept that has also proven to be popular and effective in the business world. It’s a reminder to entrepreneurs and business leaders that they need to dig a little deeper if they want to see results. Success in business requires an incredible amount of mental toughness and the understanding that even when you’re faced with hardship and rejection, you can’t give up.
Goggins’ debut book Can’t Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds, is set to be released in December of 2018. After overcoming a tough childhood that included poverty, physical abuse, and prejudice, as well as struggles with obesity, asthma, and a congenital heart defect known as ASD, Goggins has literally turned his pain into strength and wisdom. He doesn’t believe in living inside your comfort zone, ever, as stagnation doesn’t produce results.
Rhea Braganza | Staff Writer
Photo Credit: Medium
