Book Review: Never Finished by David Goggins
As a devoted admirer of David Goggins, I couldn’t resist diving into his latest work, Never Finished. The man is a force of nature—his relentless determination and no-nonsense approach to life have made him a beacon of motivation for many, including myself. With his reputation for pushing beyond human limits, I expected a gripping narrative filled with grit and resilience. Yet, I found myself wrestling with the book’s structure and messaging, only to have it illuminate a profound truth by the end.
At its core, Never Finished encapsulates Goggins’s journey through an unyielding cycle of setting grand goals, overcoming obstacles, and facing daunting setbacks—including life-threatening health issues. At first glance, this repetitive structure felt a bit like a victory lap for toughness—a parade of achievements that screamed, “Look at how hard I am!” While the tales of running 240 miles in a single stretch or facing down fears are undoubtedly inspiring, I found myself craving a deeper exploration of the application of these experiences.
One notable aspect was the sparse mention of Goggins’s “Mental Lab,” a concept that I hoped would offer more actionable insights. His “Evolutions” challenge often came off as vague, leaving me yearning for more specific guidance on how I might implement their essence in my own life. A phrase like, “It is time to level-up and seek out that blue-to-black line,” seems lofty without a tangible context.
However, just when I thought I had reached a plateau in my understanding, a powerful paragraph towards the end reshaped my entire perspective:
“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. …Your greatness is not tied to any outcome. It is found in the valiance of the attempt.”
This moment hit me like a ton of bricks. It shifted the book from a series of daunting acts to a manifesto about belief and perseverance. Goggins emphasized that it’s not about achieving some monumental feat but rather the courage to strive toward our personal best, regardless of where we land. As I navigate the pressures of university life, friendships, and physical health, I realized that my frantic search for balance had sidelined a crucial truth: pushing my limits is essential for growth in all areas.
Goggins’s raw honesty and transparent self-reflection make him an inspiring figure for anyone grappling with self-doubt or striving for personal improvement. His call to “Stay Hard” resonates deeply, reminding us that the journey of self-discovery is fraught with struggle, yet it is that very struggle that defines us.
In conclusion, Never Finished is a book that will resonate with those seeking motivation and a push to confront their limits. It might not deliver step-by-step instructions, but it offers something arguably more valuable: a belief in perpetual growth. If you’re ready to challenge yourself and redefine your boundaries—a journey I now realize is ongoing—I highly recommend picking up this book. Goggins’s influence is bound to impact you just as it did me.