Lessons from David Goggins
Yesterday, I learned about this guy named David Goggins from a great post by August Birch.
I was intrigued by his success story. A world record holder for the most number of pull-ups, an ultramarathon runner and a former US Navy SEALs who survived hell week, twice.
I’ve read a biography about Bear Grylls in his book Mud, Sweat, and Tears. His personal recount of the SAS selection and all the way to the grueling hell week sounds pretty badass to me.
For a man to complete SEALs’ hell week, twice, sounds too good to be true. And so I started a little digging, and found this wonderful interview hosted by Joe Rogan in The Joe Rogan Experience.
I recommend that you watch the interview. This podcast interview spurred me to go for a jog and do whatever that needs to be done for the day, stat. Plus, Joe Rogan does a great job in handling the interview.
Pointers to reflect on:
Alter ego
He created an alter-ego of himself. By creating one, he created a persona of a new self which allowed him to start everything from scratch without any past baggage. He believed in Goggins, an ideal persona that never gives up, and worked his way up until he succeeds.
Turn to your Heroes
David has to start from scratch. He always admired the feeling of never giving up and believes that as a fundamental definition of success. He admits that the first few runs were hard and he came back home feeling vulnerable and unmotivated. He turned to movies. Platoon and Rocky are among the movies which he found the strength to pick himself up.
Results are not permanent
Many of us seek results as a benchmark of success. In the podcast, he argues that seeking results are often short-lived. That is why suffering is an experience that imbues permanence into your self.
Becoming “civilized”
David Goggins was 43 years old at the time of the podcast. At this point in his life, he struggled with the growing concerns and the inner voices that surround him.
He states that this a period in his life that people start to get comfortable with the trappings of success. You are at the age where extreme exercises can affect your longevity and other stuff like that.
You start to believe this and lose your instinct to fight.
“The worst thing to happen to you is when you become ‘civilized’. Be uncommon amongst the uncommon people.” — David Goggins.
What do you think? Do let me know if there are any worthwhile takeaways that you would want to expand on.
