What do you think?
Rate this book
Never Finished: Unshackle Your Mind and Win the War Within
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Nonfiction (2023)This is not a self-help book. It's a wake-up call!
Can't Hurt Me, David Goggins' smash hit memoir, demonstrated how much untapped ability we all have but was merely an introduction to the power of the mind. In Never Finished, Goggins takes you inside his Mental Lab, where he developed the philosophy, psychology, and strategies that enabled him to learn that what he thought was his limit was only his beginning and that the quest for greatness is unending.
The stories and lessons in this raw, revealing, unflinching memoir offer the reader a blueprint they can use to climb from the bottom of the barrel into a whole new stratosphere that once seemed unattainable. Whether you feel off-course in life, are looking to maximize your potential or drain your soul to break through your so-called glass ceiling, this is the only book you will ever need.
Can't Hurt Me, David Goggins' smash hit memoir, demonstrated how much untapped ability we all have but was merely an introduction to the power of the mind. In Never Finished, Goggins takes you inside his Mental Lab, where he developed the philosophy, psychology, and strategies that enabled him to learn that what he thought was his limit was only his beginning and that the quest for greatness is unending.
The stories and lessons in this raw, revealing, unflinching memoir offer the reader a blueprint they can use to climb from the bottom of the barrel into a whole new stratosphere that once seemed unattainable. Whether you feel off-course in life, are looking to maximize your potential or drain your soul to break through your so-called glass ceiling, this is the only book you will ever need.
312 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 6, 2022
7020 people are currently reading
66935 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,857 reviews
December 27, 2022
Dear David, you speak truth to many things: resilience, self-doubt, and fulfilling one’s potential. Yours is the grit of, as you term it, “a savage”, and I deeply admire and respect you for it.
But David, I do get the sense that you’ve not yet conquered your final enemy. You cast him in the shadows and believe that he can be banished for good with more physical pain, with another 100-miler. But his isn’t the language of lactic acid torture or intense dehydration. It’s the memory of emotional trauma, ingrained in you through no fault of your own, from critical childhood years that should have been spent under the tender lovingness and psychological safety provided by a parental figure.
Your enemy rejoices in his exile because he thrives in barren isolation; that is the only way he has learned how to cope and survive. I hope that one day you can find the courage to say a few words to him. Perhaps you might even lift your gaze upwards to look him in the eye. Maybe even grow to understand him. Then finally — I pray you embrace and love him as your own, for veritably he is you: your inner abused child.
Above all, I hope you know that beyond worldly recognition, accomplishment, and accolades, you are also very much worthy and capable of loving and being loved.
But David, I do get the sense that you’ve not yet conquered your final enemy. You cast him in the shadows and believe that he can be banished for good with more physical pain, with another 100-miler. But his isn’t the language of lactic acid torture or intense dehydration. It’s the memory of emotional trauma, ingrained in you through no fault of your own, from critical childhood years that should have been spent under the tender lovingness and psychological safety provided by a parental figure.
Your enemy rejoices in his exile because he thrives in barren isolation; that is the only way he has learned how to cope and survive. I hope that one day you can find the courage to say a few words to him. Perhaps you might even lift your gaze upwards to look him in the eye. Maybe even grow to understand him. Then finally — I pray you embrace and love him as your own, for veritably he is you: your inner abused child.
Above all, I hope you know that beyond worldly recognition, accomplishment, and accolades, you are also very much worthy and capable of loving and being loved.
December 29, 2022
A lot of people are not rating this book high because Goggins still clearly has emotional trauma that isn't addressed by his physical approach.
I kind of agree, but that's why you don't get all your wisdom from one source. In terms of what he is advocating for and what he aims to inspire people to do, this book is another banger.
Also, I'm sure he's done more work and self-reflection over his emotional trauma than most people.
Great book, not for everyone (just like the last one).
I kind of agree, but that's why you don't get all your wisdom from one source. In terms of what he is advocating for and what he aims to inspire people to do, this book is another banger.
Also, I'm sure he's done more work and self-reflection over his emotional trauma than most people.
Great book, not for everyone (just like the last one).
December 6, 2022
David Goggins delivers what is one of my favourite books of the year. ‘Can’t Hurt Me’ was a gem so I was curious to see what further value ‘Never Finished’ could provide. The answer was an abundance.
I highly recommend getting both the physical and Audible version of the book because as David Goggins did with his first book, the Audible comes with podcast bites at the end of each chapter and those are golden. David Goggins had his mother feature in the recordings where there was a conversation at the end of one of the chapters and that was one of the most heartbreaking yet enlightening and inspiring conversations I’ve ever heard whilst listening to an Audible book. I hope it’s released on YouTube one day so it can reach a large audience as that conversation alone could help millions of people heal.
In general, ‘Never Finished’ had plenty of stories of David and his personal life, the obstacles and how he overcame them with a number of pearls of wisdom. It’s a very motivating and uplifting book that is rooted in truth and no sugar coating. This is a cut above the majority of self-help books, there’s no pretentious advice, no fluff and no BS. It’s insight and guidance from a man who has lived an incredible and difficult life but most definitely has his house in order. People who speak from real life experiences are the ones worth listening to, especially those who embody everything they preach.
Overall, a book I highly recommend if you want to read an inspirational story about a man who has faced many difficulties in life and has come out of it with determination and grit to tell his story. You’ll no doubt be motivated and inspired by David’s story and you’ll definitely have a spring in your step going forwards. David Goggins, you’ve done it again. Bravo.
PS: The world is in a scary place right now, plenty of people are losing hope and are down in the doldrums. If you know of anyone in such a position, this is the ideal book to help them. It has advice that is realistic and applicable. I don’t want to exaggerate the importance of this book but I do feel it’s one of those books that could improve and even save lives. I will most certainly be gifting this book to friends this holiday season.
I highly recommend getting both the physical and Audible version of the book because as David Goggins did with his first book, the Audible comes with podcast bites at the end of each chapter and those are golden. David Goggins had his mother feature in the recordings where there was a conversation at the end of one of the chapters and that was one of the most heartbreaking yet enlightening and inspiring conversations I’ve ever heard whilst listening to an Audible book. I hope it’s released on YouTube one day so it can reach a large audience as that conversation alone could help millions of people heal.
In general, ‘Never Finished’ had plenty of stories of David and his personal life, the obstacles and how he overcame them with a number of pearls of wisdom. It’s a very motivating and uplifting book that is rooted in truth and no sugar coating. This is a cut above the majority of self-help books, there’s no pretentious advice, no fluff and no BS. It’s insight and guidance from a man who has lived an incredible and difficult life but most definitely has his house in order. People who speak from real life experiences are the ones worth listening to, especially those who embody everything they preach.
Overall, a book I highly recommend if you want to read an inspirational story about a man who has faced many difficulties in life and has come out of it with determination and grit to tell his story. You’ll no doubt be motivated and inspired by David’s story and you’ll definitely have a spring in your step going forwards. David Goggins, you’ve done it again. Bravo.
PS: The world is in a scary place right now, plenty of people are losing hope and are down in the doldrums. If you know of anyone in such a position, this is the ideal book to help them. It has advice that is realistic and applicable. I don’t want to exaggerate the importance of this book but I do feel it’s one of those books that could improve and even save lives. I will most certainly be gifting this book to friends this holiday season.
July 14, 2024
idk wth I was thinking when I first read this
March 6, 2023
David Goggins is a badass! A word I personally feel is too frequently and too casual offered as a descriptor but incredibly fitting here, talking about him.
David Goggins is a retired Navy SEAL. He completed additional armed forces training and has completed numerous! ultra distance races. David now works as an ER EMT and during summers, as a wildfire firefighter. David has accomplished a lot! However, his path was anything but smooth and he’s faced countless challenges along the way, beginning back in childhood.
Never Finished is about mental grit, becoming dedicated to discipline, and giving your all, to all things you commit to.
Never Finished is David’s second book. I loved his first book, Can’t Hurt Me, and highly recommend both. The audiobooks are read by Adam Skolnick, followed by conversations with David after each chapter. At first, I wasn’t sure I liked this format but it quickly grew on me and is the same style used in both audiobooks. While I like the audio, I own copies of both books as they’re definitely ones worth referring back to. You don’t need to be into ultra distance racing to gain motivation and inspiration from David Goggins and his story.
David Goggins is a retired Navy SEAL. He completed additional armed forces training and has completed numerous! ultra distance races. David now works as an ER EMT and during summers, as a wildfire firefighter. David has accomplished a lot! However, his path was anything but smooth and he’s faced countless challenges along the way, beginning back in childhood.
Never Finished is about mental grit, becoming dedicated to discipline, and giving your all, to all things you commit to.
Never Finished is David’s second book. I loved his first book, Can’t Hurt Me, and highly recommend both. The audiobooks are read by Adam Skolnick, followed by conversations with David after each chapter. At first, I wasn’t sure I liked this format but it quickly grew on me and is the same style used in both audiobooks. While I like the audio, I own copies of both books as they’re definitely ones worth referring back to. You don’t need to be into ultra distance racing to gain motivation and inspiration from David Goggins and his story.
February 14, 2023
A self-help book about how to be the biggest badass in the world. Written by someone who is obsessed with being the biggest badass in the world. He's a Navy Seal, ultrarunner, etc.
This is not my goal, nor most people's goals. I question anyone who is this obsessed with badassery at the expense of everything else in life.
It might be a good read for someone with a big goal, such as running their first marathon, to get you psyched up. But, it was so over-the-top that I couldn't take it seriously. In fact, I started to enjoy it more when I read it as a satire, which I know is not its intention.
Having said that, I thought there were a few good nuggets of wisdom in here:
1) Don't give up when it's hard. Give up when it's easy. In other words, it may be valid for you to give up on something, but wait and sleep on it.
2) Using pity for solace is not a good tactic. People who take comfort in other people pitying them are relying on external sources for comfort and reassurance. It's ultimately weakness.
3) Everyone should a demeaning job as some point in their life. If you don't start out scrubbing toilets or sweeping floors, you'll never really learn humility or appreciate later improvements in your situation.
This is not my goal, nor most people's goals. I question anyone who is this obsessed with badassery at the expense of everything else in life.
It might be a good read for someone with a big goal, such as running their first marathon, to get you psyched up. But, it was so over-the-top that I couldn't take it seriously. In fact, I started to enjoy it more when I read it as a satire, which I know is not its intention.
Having said that, I thought there were a few good nuggets of wisdom in here:
1) Don't give up when it's hard. Give up when it's easy. In other words, it may be valid for you to give up on something, but wait and sleep on it.
2) Using pity for solace is not a good tactic. People who take comfort in other people pitying them are relying on external sources for comfort and reassurance. It's ultimately weakness.
3) Everyone should a demeaning job as some point in their life. If you don't start out scrubbing toilets or sweeping floors, you'll never really learn humility or appreciate later improvements in your situation.
December 9, 2022
Utterly disappointed by this book. I loved “Can’t Hurt Me” and was looking forward to David Goggins’s sequel. However, this book seemed to just be Goggins sharing story after story of accomplishing amazing feats without training and with major health problems.
March 22, 2023
This book, like Goggins himself, is FULL of huge contradictions.
"I'm not crazy, I'm just not like you!" proceeds to write an ENTIRE BOOK of "look at this crazy shit I did that no one else can ever do, I'm the baddest motherfucker around"
"I don't do this for recognition" except I wrote 2 books, have made more money than anyone ever on speaking engagements
"I only race myself" followed by story after story of a race that he refused to stop because other people were ahead of him or the race he pushed harder because some guy passed him and commented on passing him. (which is super annoying, but you can't say you are racing for yourself and then dedicate 10 pages to that story)
"This is not a self-help book"....except that's exactly what it's billed as and how people read it and HE KNEW THAT. It's also a bit of a pity party disguised as self-help. I mean...err..."a wake up call".
Even the hype around is riddled with contradictions. The fact that he "has overcome so many obstacles" yet HE MADE THOSE OBSTACLES (other than the ones from childhood, which he needs to deal with)
And speaking of not dealing with childhood trauma, he claims he has...by punishing his body. And look, I'm not here to armchair psychologize the guy, but it doesn't take a PhD in psych to see this man has some seriously fucked up coping mechanisms.
Now on to the positives, and there are actually a few.
So why did I even give it 2 stars? Because I LOVE reading about races and adventures that's basically all this book is if you take out all the "I'm the baddest motherfucker/a savage/weak-ass-bitch/whatever other names he has to call himself to make himself do these stupid things" Shit, this was supposed to be the positive section....
His messages, at their most basic, are good: don't give up when you're down, you can do more than you think you can, don't let your past define you. But those are messages that would be better delivered without all the douchebag bravado. And then I wouldn't have gotten so ragey reading this.
"I'm not crazy, I'm just not like you!" proceeds to write an ENTIRE BOOK of "look at this crazy shit I did that no one else can ever do, I'm the baddest motherfucker around"
"I don't do this for recognition" except I wrote 2 books, have made more money than anyone ever on speaking engagements
"I only race myself" followed by story after story of a race that he refused to stop because other people were ahead of him or the race he pushed harder because some guy passed him and commented on passing him. (which is super annoying, but you can't say you are racing for yourself and then dedicate 10 pages to that story)
"This is not a self-help book"....except that's exactly what it's billed as and how people read it and HE KNEW THAT. It's also a bit of a pity party disguised as self-help. I mean...err..."a wake up call".
Even the hype around is riddled with contradictions. The fact that he "has overcome so many obstacles" yet HE MADE THOSE OBSTACLES (other than the ones from childhood, which he needs to deal with)
And speaking of not dealing with childhood trauma, he claims he has...by punishing his body. And look, I'm not here to armchair psychologize the guy, but it doesn't take a PhD in psych to see this man has some seriously fucked up coping mechanisms.
Now on to the positives, and there are actually a few.
So why did I even give it 2 stars? Because I LOVE reading about races and adventures that's basically all this book is if you take out all the "I'm the baddest motherfucker/a savage/weak-ass-bitch/whatever other names he has to call himself to make himself do these stupid things" Shit, this was supposed to be the positive section....
His messages, at their most basic, are good: don't give up when you're down, you can do more than you think you can, don't let your past define you. But those are messages that would be better delivered without all the douchebag bravado. And then I wouldn't have gotten so ragey reading this.
December 8, 2022
Merry F*****g Christmas
December 13, 2022
How to be a savage 101
Say no to pity parties
Whatever your circumstances, whatever cards you were dealt know that it’s not your fault but it’s your responsibility. Complaining won't change anything, so accept your situation and get moving to improve it.
Don’t give people power
Confront the devil in his human form and take your soul back. We often hold on to sour feelings waiting for an apology that will never come. We make decisions based on how we feel about certain people and we let that negativity guide our steps. You have to detach emotions from negative experiences, move on and take your soul back.
Build your mental lab
Get in your mind and transform your thinking. Create an alter ego if you need to, then play the part. Every time you look in the mirror you should see that lion that you wish to become. If required, allow your insecurities to push you and drive you to be better. They’re an energy source that you should tap into to conquer your demons.
Exercise and running in particular is an under-utilised tool for steel plating your mind. I'm a marathon runner myself and until you cover that distance you will never understand the kind of mental beast you need to become to do that. There's pulled muscles, sore joints, a burning chest and an overwhelming desire to quit but you just keep going until you finish the mission. That experience evolves you into a mental savage that can overcome anything in life.
Remind yourself
Learn to lean in on previous triumphs to restore confidence and remind yourself of what you’re capable of. This is an incredible mental hack that helps anybody that's plagued by doubt that they can overcome whatever obstacle is in front of them. Whenever you're struggling, think back to a time when you struggled and still won in the end. That kind of thinking will fuel your efforts.
Say no to pity parties
Whatever your circumstances, whatever cards you were dealt know that it’s not your fault but it’s your responsibility. Complaining won't change anything, so accept your situation and get moving to improve it.
Don’t give people power
Confront the devil in his human form and take your soul back. We often hold on to sour feelings waiting for an apology that will never come. We make decisions based on how we feel about certain people and we let that negativity guide our steps. You have to detach emotions from negative experiences, move on and take your soul back.
Build your mental lab
Get in your mind and transform your thinking. Create an alter ego if you need to, then play the part. Every time you look in the mirror you should see that lion that you wish to become. If required, allow your insecurities to push you and drive you to be better. They’re an energy source that you should tap into to conquer your demons.
Exercise and running in particular is an under-utilised tool for steel plating your mind. I'm a marathon runner myself and until you cover that distance you will never understand the kind of mental beast you need to become to do that. There's pulled muscles, sore joints, a burning chest and an overwhelming desire to quit but you just keep going until you finish the mission. That experience evolves you into a mental savage that can overcome anything in life.
Remind yourself
Learn to lean in on previous triumphs to restore confidence and remind yourself of what you’re capable of. This is an incredible mental hack that helps anybody that's plagued by doubt that they can overcome whatever obstacle is in front of them. Whenever you're struggling, think back to a time when you struggled and still won in the end. That kind of thinking will fuel your efforts.
May 4, 2025
I listened to the audiobook, which also included short podcasts after each chapter. They were quite interesting, although half the time all they were saying was: “you know man, like, fuck that son of a bitch, right? Like, you know what I’m talking about, right? Motherfucker!”
The book is basically an autobiography in the style of a self-help book. I haven’t read his other one, but I guess they’re pretty similar. It felt a bit over the top and had a somewhat masochistic approach. I think it reflects the American mindset—go hard or go home—all focused on pushing yourself to the extreme and overcoming limits through suffering. It probably works better for people who’ve gone through serious trauma or are in a tough spot and don’t know where to start.
Personally, I don’t really feel like I belong in that world. I’d probably be seen as a “loser” by people like him. I see physical activity more as a way to live a bit longer and feel good, not to nearly destroy myself or turn everything into an extreme challenge.
Still, I liked some of the metaphors he used, and I can see how they could have broader meaning. Some were genuinely interesting and motivating. All in all, Goggins is definitely a unique character, and I give him credit for that.
The book is basically an autobiography in the style of a self-help book. I haven’t read his other one, but I guess they’re pretty similar. It felt a bit over the top and had a somewhat masochistic approach. I think it reflects the American mindset—go hard or go home—all focused on pushing yourself to the extreme and overcoming limits through suffering. It probably works better for people who’ve gone through serious trauma or are in a tough spot and don’t know where to start.
Personally, I don’t really feel like I belong in that world. I’d probably be seen as a “loser” by people like him. I see physical activity more as a way to live a bit longer and feel good, not to nearly destroy myself or turn everything into an extreme challenge.
Still, I liked some of the metaphors he used, and I can see how they could have broader meaning. Some were genuinely interesting and motivating. All in all, Goggins is definitely a unique character, and I give him credit for that.
January 7, 2023
I bought this book intentionally to help lift me out of a dark time in my life. I've admired Goggins for quite some time now and wanted this book to give me wisdom for overcoming adversity. It certainly does that but it's hard to relate to any of his experiences. It's like I wanted a campfire and he delivered a volcano -- or maybe the Sun. It's important to note that Goggins doesn't expect anyone to idolize or mimic his lifestyle. He's only describing what the human condition is capable of. Rodger that. But some of the things he exemplifies border on straight lunacy. Dude has had a dozen surgeries in his life from the physical demands he puts on his body, and after going through one that could've completely ended all physical pursuits in his life, he signs up for a 444 mile cycling race??? His body has been trying to tell him something but he never allows his mind to cave to the message. I think that's foolish. He is indeed a savage but he puts himself through unnecessary hells to claim that title every day of his life. And I agree with the other reviews that David Goggins has not yet conquered his most inner demon... the lack of emotional connection he had during his childhood. He seems like a genuine, honest, and humble dude... but I think there's many components that make up the human existence and he has triple-downed on just the physical. But! That's why we as readers should derive our inspiration from many different sources.
If all you do is take a morsel (which is all I would suggest) of what he talks about in this book you will realize a better version of you. And that is ultimately a good thing.
If all you do is take a morsel (which is all I would suggest) of what he talks about in this book you will realize a better version of you. And that is ultimately a good thing.
January 23, 2024
Book #1 of 75 hard challenge complete. I read Goggins’ first book during my last challenge and really enjoyed it. However, unlike ‘Can’t hurt me’, this book felt like a chore to read. It felt so repetitive and no where near as inspiring as the first. Here is a summary: David gets an injury, then he continues to push through the pain to further that injury, *repeat*. He is still such an incredible human being, but just should have stopped after one book.
July 18, 2023
I'm going to be honest and no one is going to like this.
And I'm going to be honest because I think David Goggin's mentality can take it.
I loved his first book 'Can't Hurt Me.'
I've recommended that book to several people, personally responsible for at least 3 sales of it.
The insights in 'Can't Hurt Me' and everything David Goggins has said online in podcasts & interviews helped me get through Shaun T's gruelling 60 day exercise program - Insanity.
So when 'Never Finished' was first announced on Goggin's Instagram, I pre-ordered it.
And now, I've read it.
It's crap.
The book goes into some of the struggles that David Goggins has recently been going through due to the wear & tear of his aging knees.
But in actuality,
this book reads terribly disjointed.
It jumps from subject to subject without purpose.
There was almost nothing in it
- except for reaching for the blue-dark horizon section -
that felt interesting or valuable.
I hate to say it but,
it read like Goggins genuinely had nothing to say but wanted to make some more money from book sales.
I hate saying that.
David Goggins has inspired me.
But that was honestly my experience of reading this book.
I felt disappointed and angry.
Please don't write books if it's just for money.
TL;DR:- 'Never Finished' reads like a cash grab.
'Can't Hurt Me' is better.
And I'm going to be honest because I think David Goggin's mentality can take it.
I loved his first book 'Can't Hurt Me.'
I've recommended that book to several people, personally responsible for at least 3 sales of it.
The insights in 'Can't Hurt Me' and everything David Goggins has said online in podcasts & interviews helped me get through Shaun T's gruelling 60 day exercise program - Insanity.
So when 'Never Finished' was first announced on Goggin's Instagram, I pre-ordered it.
And now, I've read it.
It's crap.
The book goes into some of the struggles that David Goggins has recently been going through due to the wear & tear of his aging knees.
But in actuality,
this book reads terribly disjointed.
It jumps from subject to subject without purpose.
There was almost nothing in it
- except for reaching for the blue-dark horizon section -
that felt interesting or valuable.
I hate to say it but,
it read like Goggins genuinely had nothing to say but wanted to make some more money from book sales.
I hate saying that.
David Goggins has inspired me.
But that was honestly my experience of reading this book.
I felt disappointed and angry.
Please don't write books if it's just for money.
TL;DR:- 'Never Finished' reads like a cash grab.
'Can't Hurt Me' is better.
May 11, 2023
I’ve needed this book for awhile now. His first book was and has been significant to me. This one has reaffirmed and recharged me. Grateful for it. And, feels apt that this is my 150th book for 2022, a number that never even crossed my mind. I laughed off 125 when someone suggested it in January. Pretty much in alignment with everything he says here—that we have so much more potential than we know, that we limit ourselves in so many ways, but when we get out our our way, we can do things we never even thought possible.
Second reading (audiobook): Took my last steps of this morning’s run to the close of this. I’m a big fan of reading his print books and his audiobooks. The audiobooks have interviews between each chapter with him and his reader Adam. You just get a deeper, fuller dive. Plus, I always get something new when I reread his words. It was reading this book that made me start running again, making peace with why I was. So, it made sense that I listened to this book on my runs too. Hard to know what I’ll listen to on my runs next bc this was so impactful.
Second reading (audiobook): Took my last steps of this morning’s run to the close of this. I’m a big fan of reading his print books and his audiobooks. The audiobooks have interviews between each chapter with him and his reader Adam. You just get a deeper, fuller dive. Plus, I always get something new when I reread his words. It was reading this book that made me start running again, making peace with why I was. So, it made sense that I listened to this book on my runs too. Hard to know what I’ll listen to on my runs next bc this was so impactful.
March 23, 2023
“Every minute you spend feeling sorry for yourself is another minute not getting better, another morning you miss at the gym, another evening wasted without studying. Another day burned when you didn’t make any progress toward your dreams, ambitions, and deepest desires. The ones you’ve had in your head and heart your entire life.”
I LOVED this book. David is a former Navy SEAL and Ultramarathon runner. He's also been described as "the toughest man alive" by the US military.
Never Finished is a deep dive into David's mindset. He discusses resilience, self-doubt and the importance of making progress toward your goals. But he also explains all of those traits by putting them in the context of being a Navy SEAL.
Listen to the audiobook as it contains exclusive interviews with David Goggins at the end of each chapter.
It's a fascinating book!
I LOVED this book. David is a former Navy SEAL and Ultramarathon runner. He's also been described as "the toughest man alive" by the US military.
Never Finished is a deep dive into David's mindset. He discusses resilience, self-doubt and the importance of making progress toward your goals. But he also explains all of those traits by putting them in the context of being a Navy SEAL.
Listen to the audiobook as it contains exclusive interviews with David Goggins at the end of each chapter.
It's a fascinating book!
February 10, 2023
Still the baddest motherfucker around.
August 5, 2023
Една од најнајдобрите мотивациски книги кои сум ги читала во животот. Оваа е една посебна, крвничка и брутална мотивација. Книга која навистина МНОГУ мнооогу ме погоди. 🥹
Секоја препорака!!! ❤️
Омилени цитати:
“We all owe it ourselves to stand for something. Principles give us a foundation — solid ground we can trust and build on as we continue to redefine what's possible in our own lives. Sure, some will be put off by your dedication and level of effort. Others will call you obsessed or think that you've gone crazy. When they do, smile and say, "I'm not crazy. I'm just not you.”
“Some people might be put off by the term, but to me, calling someone a “savage” is the highest compliment. A savage is an individual who defies odds, who has a will that cannot be tamed, and who, when knocked down, will always get back up!”
Секоја препорака!!! ❤️
Омилени цитати:
“We all owe it ourselves to stand for something. Principles give us a foundation — solid ground we can trust and build on as we continue to redefine what's possible in our own lives. Sure, some will be put off by your dedication and level of effort. Others will call you obsessed or think that you've gone crazy. When they do, smile and say, "I'm not crazy. I'm just not you.”
“Some people might be put off by the term, but to me, calling someone a “savage” is the highest compliment. A savage is an individual who defies odds, who has a will that cannot be tamed, and who, when knocked down, will always get back up!”
January 19, 2023
Though I’m continuously in awe of what this man has accomplished, along with his grit, determination, and energy… I thought this book fell a little flat. In my opinion, it read as a repetitive series of ‘stay hard’ semantics. Still a book worth reading, but I enjoyed ‘Can’t Hurt Me’ much more.
March 24, 2024
Even without the novelty factor of his badass origin story, Goggins is an inspiring individual (depending on how you get inspired). Highly recommend the audible version that is basically a podcast on top of the book with Adam Skolnick. Definitely will relisten soon back-to-back with Can’t Hurt Me for even better digestion.
January 13, 2023
It should be a nationwide requirement that before you graduate high school you must read this book and “Can’t Hurt Me”
STAY HARD!!!!!
STAY HARD!!!!!
September 4, 2024
De câteva luni am recitit cartea (reascultat), și sunt atâtea lucruri pe care le-aș menționa încât n-am știut cum să încep review-ul. Așa că o să pun accent pe partea care m-a marcat cel mai mult.
Multe din următoarele gânduri sunt ori din carte, ori din podcast-ul cu Joe Rogan, unde cei doi vorbeau despre carte.
Unul din efectele primei cărți a fost de a împinge și pe alții să-și spună povestea, la fel ca Goggins. Și din fericire, una din aceste persoane este chiar mama lui. Din prima carte, privind copilăria lui și suferința prin care a trecut, vedem și din greutățile cu care s-a înfruntat mama lui, însă acum avem un capitol dedicat poveștii ei.
Aici intervin și menționez că versiunea audio se merita de 100 de ori mai mult decât cea fizică, prin simplul fapt că aceasta conține în plus o conversație destul de lungă între David și mama lui, care te lasă fără cuvinte.
Dacă ar fi să rezum toată conversația, pot spune că aici învățăm că un luptător nu e definit de câte maratoane aleargă, câte flotări face, sau cât poate ridică la bench press. Ci adevăratul luptător este cel care indiferent de situația în care se află, caută să facă doar bine, luptând cu ce are la dispoziție, iar când se ivește ocazia, nu ezită să sufere pentru cei dragi. Și ce exemplu mai bun, decât o mamă care e pusă în cele mai grele situații, dar totuși găsește speranță în a continua să lupte. Și totul, pentru băieții ei.
"I thought a lot about suicide, but if I died, the two of you would've remained with that monster".
Încă un gând cu care am rămas este cat de importantă este iertarea, însă și cât de grea este prin faptul că, să ierți nu înseamnă neapărat și să uiți.
"In 18 years, I remember the first time he slapped me, the last slap, and every slap in between"
În alt capitol Goggins povestește cum a ajuns să se împace cu tatăl lui, înțelegând că și acesta fusese torturat de tatăl său și demonii acestuia. Astfel, el oprește demonii tatălui și bunicului să pună stăpânire și pe el. Acum că mă gândesc, era ușor să ajungă și el ca cei doi, însă prezența mamei și exemplul pe care ea i l-a dat încă de mic l-au transformat in cine este el acum. Chiar că n-ar mai fi Goggins fără mama Goggins.
Acum, ce altceva să mai zic? Cartea e plină de întâmplări extraordinare că în prima carte, dar de data aceasta apar și efectele înaintării în vârstă. Sunt destule momente care te fac sa te întrebi dacă omul ăsta e normal. Apoi te intrebi dacă tu, care îl urmărești, ești normal. Desigur, raspunsul e nu la ambele:)
Hai, citiți-o că e ce trebuie.
Multe din următoarele gânduri sunt ori din carte, ori din podcast-ul cu Joe Rogan, unde cei doi vorbeau despre carte.
Unul din efectele primei cărți a fost de a împinge și pe alții să-și spună povestea, la fel ca Goggins. Și din fericire, una din aceste persoane este chiar mama lui. Din prima carte, privind copilăria lui și suferința prin care a trecut, vedem și din greutățile cu care s-a înfruntat mama lui, însă acum avem un capitol dedicat poveștii ei.
Aici intervin și menționez că versiunea audio se merita de 100 de ori mai mult decât cea fizică, prin simplul fapt că aceasta conține în plus o conversație destul de lungă între David și mama lui, care te lasă fără cuvinte.
Dacă ar fi să rezum toată conversația, pot spune că aici învățăm că un luptător nu e definit de câte maratoane aleargă, câte flotări face, sau cât poate ridică la bench press. Ci adevăratul luptător este cel care indiferent de situația în care se află, caută să facă doar bine, luptând cu ce are la dispoziție, iar când se ivește ocazia, nu ezită să sufere pentru cei dragi. Și ce exemplu mai bun, decât o mamă care e pusă în cele mai grele situații, dar totuși găsește speranță în a continua să lupte. Și totul, pentru băieții ei.
"I thought a lot about suicide, but if I died, the two of you would've remained with that monster".
Încă un gând cu care am rămas este cat de importantă este iertarea, însă și cât de grea este prin faptul că, să ierți nu înseamnă neapărat și să uiți.
"In 18 years, I remember the first time he slapped me, the last slap, and every slap in between"
În alt capitol Goggins povestește cum a ajuns să se împace cu tatăl lui, înțelegând că și acesta fusese torturat de tatăl său și demonii acestuia. Astfel, el oprește demonii tatălui și bunicului să pună stăpânire și pe el. Acum că mă gândesc, era ușor să ajungă și el ca cei doi, însă prezența mamei și exemplul pe care ea i l-a dat încă de mic l-au transformat in cine este el acum. Chiar că n-ar mai fi Goggins fără mama Goggins.
Acum, ce altceva să mai zic? Cartea e plină de întâmplări extraordinare că în prima carte, dar de data aceasta apar și efectele înaintării în vârstă. Sunt destule momente care te fac sa te întrebi dacă omul ăsta e normal. Apoi te intrebi dacă tu, care îl urmărești, ești normal. Desigur, raspunsul e nu la ambele:)
Hai, citiți-o că e ce trebuie.
December 14, 2022
“GOGGINS Man..”
Wow. This man is the living, breathing, running—embodiment of self motivation. I honestly didn’t think anything could follow up ‘Can’t Hurt Me’, and I was pleasantly surprised to be proven wrong.
Aside from this book being a never ending bible of quotable one liners strong enough to give a fish the courage to climb a tree, it was a beautiful story. David Goggins continues to push the upper limit of what was before seemingly impossible and use his experience to inspire.
I will forever respect this man and take in all content he is willing to put out. He has an energy that is palpable just from words on paper and even deeper in an audiobook format.
I instantly know this is a book I will read again, and again—and that is a truly rare thing to find. Thank you David Goggins for being willing and able to share your life and put so much effort into its final format. #NeverFinished
A few of my favorite quotes:
“Forward progress gives our life momentum.”
“When demons are chasing you and challenges are hitting you, if you feel like you can’t handle them, you have to invent someone who can.”
“You’re either getting better or you’re getting worse, you certainly aren’t staying the same.”
“Every experience on earth is finite, it will end someday, and that makes it doable.”
“It will always be up to you to find the lesson in every shitty endeavor.”
“Grow all the way to the grave.”
“Bad circumstances go away, but a bad attitude always lingers.”
“Life is the greatest competitor of all time.”
Wow. This man is the living, breathing, running—embodiment of self motivation. I honestly didn’t think anything could follow up ‘Can’t Hurt Me’, and I was pleasantly surprised to be proven wrong.
Aside from this book being a never ending bible of quotable one liners strong enough to give a fish the courage to climb a tree, it was a beautiful story. David Goggins continues to push the upper limit of what was before seemingly impossible and use his experience to inspire.
I will forever respect this man and take in all content he is willing to put out. He has an energy that is palpable just from words on paper and even deeper in an audiobook format.
I instantly know this is a book I will read again, and again—and that is a truly rare thing to find. Thank you David Goggins for being willing and able to share your life and put so much effort into its final format. #NeverFinished
A few of my favorite quotes:
“Forward progress gives our life momentum.”
“When demons are chasing you and challenges are hitting you, if you feel like you can’t handle them, you have to invent someone who can.”
“You’re either getting better or you’re getting worse, you certainly aren’t staying the same.”
“Every experience on earth is finite, it will end someday, and that makes it doable.”
“It will always be up to you to find the lesson in every shitty endeavor.”
“Grow all the way to the grave.”
“Bad circumstances go away, but a bad attitude always lingers.”
“Life is the greatest competitor of all time.”
December 7, 2022
Another great book by Goggins!
No bullshit, real action to take control. Great motivator and speaker
No bullshit, real action to take control. Great motivator and speaker
December 8, 2022
Another awesome book by the savage himself, David Goggins.
Pure inspiration and motivation from one hard warrior. Worth 10x rereads along with "Cant Hurt Me"
Pure inspiration and motivation from one hard warrior. Worth 10x rereads along with "Cant Hurt Me"
January 25, 2023
This man really is the hardest motherf*cker in the world. Brilliant.
February 9, 2023
I will always be willing to listen to goggins barely survive to prove a point.
But really very inspiring and ended very appropriately with him jumping out of an airplane.
But really very inspiring and ended very appropriately with him jumping out of an airplane.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2023
I will read anything this man writes.
David Goggins is determined, ambitious, and his motivation is contagious. His story is nothing short of inspiring. At first, however, I didn't really get the purpose of this book. It basically follows this structure: Goal -> Achievement -> Goal -> Life-threatening medical issue -> Goal -> Achievement -> Goal, etc. It seems like it's just David telling the reader how tough he is, which is still incredibly inspiring, because I can't help but think that if this bad-ass mf is running 240 miles, then maybe I can run a 1ok...
Also, his "Mental Lab" is barely ever mentioned, and the "Evolutions", or challenges, are not very explained and/or applicable for people in different situations. One of them literally reads: "It's time to level-up and seek out that blue-to-black line. The line that separates good from great. It is within each one of us.". This is vague and unsubstantial.
Still, a paragraph at the very end of the book totally changed the way I saw this book, for the better.
“I don’t mean to suggest that you must run one hundred or two hundred miles to believe you have what it takes to get where you want to go. That’s what I had to do based on the depth of the darkness I came from and the scale of my ambitions. But if you’ve lost it, you do need to find your way back to belief. Whatever it takes for you to believe that you’re better than good enough to achieve your dreams is what you must do. And remember, your greatness is not tied to any outcome. It is found in the valiance of the attempt.”.
When I read this, everything clicked.
If you want to achieve success, Goggins says, you have to challenge yourself, and prove your own greatness to yourself through those challenges. Even if you don't succeed. What matters is that you are constantly in the pursuit of bettering yourself.
I don't know why, but, as of late, this hasn't been obvious to me. The permanent quest for balance (university - friends - physical health) that we are so often told to relish made me worry too much about the zero-sum juggling between things that I think are important in my life. I neglected the possibility of increasing the pie and improving on all fronts. Pushing myself is the only way to achieve that.
David Goggins is a true inspiration.
Stay Hard.
David Goggins is determined, ambitious, and his motivation is contagious. His story is nothing short of inspiring. At first, however, I didn't really get the purpose of this book. It basically follows this structure: Goal -> Achievement -> Goal -> Life-threatening medical issue -> Goal -> Achievement -> Goal, etc. It seems like it's just David telling the reader how tough he is, which is still incredibly inspiring, because I can't help but think that if this bad-ass mf is running 240 miles, then maybe I can run a 1ok...
Also, his "Mental Lab" is barely ever mentioned, and the "Evolutions", or challenges, are not very explained and/or applicable for people in different situations. One of them literally reads: "It's time to level-up and seek out that blue-to-black line. The line that separates good from great. It is within each one of us.". This is vague and unsubstantial.
Still, a paragraph at the very end of the book totally changed the way I saw this book, for the better.
“I don’t mean to suggest that you must run one hundred or two hundred miles to believe you have what it takes to get where you want to go. That’s what I had to do based on the depth of the darkness I came from and the scale of my ambitions. But if you’ve lost it, you do need to find your way back to belief. Whatever it takes for you to believe that you’re better than good enough to achieve your dreams is what you must do. And remember, your greatness is not tied to any outcome. It is found in the valiance of the attempt.”.
When I read this, everything clicked.
If you want to achieve success, Goggins says, you have to challenge yourself, and prove your own greatness to yourself through those challenges. Even if you don't succeed. What matters is that you are constantly in the pursuit of bettering yourself.
I don't know why, but, as of late, this hasn't been obvious to me. The permanent quest for balance (university - friends - physical health) that we are so often told to relish made me worry too much about the zero-sum juggling between things that I think are important in my life. I neglected the possibility of increasing the pie and improving on all fronts. Pushing myself is the only way to achieve that.
David Goggins is a true inspiration.
Stay Hard.
August 6, 2025
This man is a machine, I swear…
It’s very uplifting and humbling to read about someone else’s life, low and highs and especially someone who is such a determined and ambitious person. Actually, he takes ambition to a different level..
It’s very uplifting and humbling to read about someone else’s life, low and highs and especially someone who is such a determined and ambitious person. Actually, he takes ambition to a different level..
January 28, 2023
Never Finished by David Goggins
⭐️⭐️⭐️
📚Overview: Memoir and guidance of how to push yourself beyond your limits.
📖 Genre: Non- Fiction | Biography | Self-Help | Leadership
👍Likes: Motivating, upbeat, energising, fascinating stories and attitude to life, loved how the audio was structured with the podcast discussions throughout.
👎Dislikes: Very similar to his first book (which I preferred), many aspects to his mindset are not relatable, repetitive, difficult listening at times as he seems to be an individual who enjoys punishing himself rather through working with and through his issues.
🎧Format: Audio via Audible, which I’d highly recommend. There are 3 hours additional podcast time in between chapters between Goggins and the audio narrator: Adam Skolnick. There is also an interview between Goggins and his mother in the audio version.
🤓Recommend For: Instead of this book, I would recommend ‘Can’t Hurt Me’ which is the first book written by the same author. ‘CHM’ explores how each of us have untapped potential which we haven’t explored; while I found Never Finished more aggressive and negative as a whole.
💬 Favourite Quotes:
“Discipline is the only thing which will change your DNA.”
“Mental toughness and resilience fade if they aren’t used consistently. I say it all the time: you are either getting better, or you’re getting worse. You’re not staying the same.”
“I’d learned long ago that no matter what type of event or challenge I engage in, the only competition that ever matters is me against me.”
“Life is not pass/fail. It’s about impact and effort.”
“We can make any obstacle as big or small as we like. It’s all in the way we frame it.”
“It is attitude and action that determine the future.”
“I’m haunted by my future goals, not my past failures. I’m haunted by what I may still become. I’m haunted by my own continued thirst for evolution.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️
📚Overview: Memoir and guidance of how to push yourself beyond your limits.
📖 Genre: Non- Fiction | Biography | Self-Help | Leadership
👍Likes: Motivating, upbeat, energising, fascinating stories and attitude to life, loved how the audio was structured with the podcast discussions throughout.
👎Dislikes: Very similar to his first book (which I preferred), many aspects to his mindset are not relatable, repetitive, difficult listening at times as he seems to be an individual who enjoys punishing himself rather through working with and through his issues.
🎧Format: Audio via Audible, which I’d highly recommend. There are 3 hours additional podcast time in between chapters between Goggins and the audio narrator: Adam Skolnick. There is also an interview between Goggins and his mother in the audio version.
🤓Recommend For: Instead of this book, I would recommend ‘Can’t Hurt Me’ which is the first book written by the same author. ‘CHM’ explores how each of us have untapped potential which we haven’t explored; while I found Never Finished more aggressive and negative as a whole.
💬 Favourite Quotes:
“Discipline is the only thing which will change your DNA.”
“Mental toughness and resilience fade if they aren’t used consistently. I say it all the time: you are either getting better, or you’re getting worse. You’re not staying the same.”
“I’d learned long ago that no matter what type of event or challenge I engage in, the only competition that ever matters is me against me.”
“Life is not pass/fail. It’s about impact and effort.”
“We can make any obstacle as big or small as we like. It’s all in the way we frame it.”
“It is attitude and action that determine the future.”
“I’m haunted by my future goals, not my past failures. I’m haunted by what I may still become. I’m haunted by my own continued thirst for evolution.”
Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,857 reviews