David Goggins is an accomplished endurance athlete, motivational speaker, and author. Often referred to as the toughest man alive, Goggins is a strong example of what the human body can achieve when there’s enough willingness and motivation.
The now retired Navy SEAL, is proud to be the only member of the U.S. Armed Forces ever to complete training as a Navy SEAL, Army Ranger and Air Force Tactical Air Controller. Goggins has competed in more than 60 ultra-marathons, triathlons and ultra-triathlons. In 2013, the athlete broke the Guinness World Record as he managed to complete 4,030 pull-ups in 17 hours.
Each of David’s achievements seems like something only a super-human could do. However, before becoming famous for his incredible performances, Goggins worked as an exterminator who was out of shape and was living paycheck-to-paycheck. He credits his transformation to self-discipline, mental toughness, and hard work.
If you want to learn more about shutting
up the voice in your head that says “I can’t”, then you should definitely check
out his book Can't Hurt Me: Master Your
Mind and Defy the Odds.
Here are 25 David Goggins quotes to
inspire you to push your limits:
The only person who was going to turn my life around was me. The only way I could get turned around was to put myself through the worst things possible that a human being could ever endure.
You gotta start your journey. It may suck, but eventually you will come out the other side on top.
A lot of us don’t know about another world that exists for us because it’s on the other side of suffering. That’s the real growth in life.
The things that we decide to run from are the truth. When you make excuses, you’re running from the truth.
We all want to take this four-lane highway, but we always step over the shovel. All I did was pick up that shovel and made my own path.
Life is a battle between trying to find more of yourself knowing that the real you is afraid, likes comfort, likes to be patted on the back, and doing what you need to do to get better.
If you can see yourself doing something, you can do it. If you can’t see yourself doing something, usually you can’t achieve it.
The most important conversation is the one you have with yourself.
My happiness is my reflection on the suffering during my journey and knowing that I never quit nor was I guided by anybody on this earth.
If you can get through doing things that you hate to do, on the other side is greatness.
Everyday you’re trying to find more of what you’re capable of – and that’s the big question. What are you capable of? Stop doing the things that you do every day. If you run everyday, go swim.
The only way that you’re ever going to get to the other side of this journey is by suffering. You have to suffer in order to grow. Some people get it, some people don’t.
The only reason why I became successful was because I went towards the truth. As painful and as brutal as it is, it changed me. It allowed me, in my own right, to become the person who I am today.
People take classes on self-help, mental toughness, breathing control -- the only way to get tougher is to put yourself in hellacious situations.
As humans, we’re reading books everyday to try to figure out how to be someone else. What we don’t do is go inside, turn ourselves inside out, and read our own story. You have to look inside to find out what you really want.
We are all great. No matter if you think you’re dumb, fat, been bullied, we all have greatness. You gotta find the courage. It’s going to be hard work, discipline, and the non-cognitive skills -- hard work, dedication, sacrifice -- that will set you apart.
Suffering is a test. That’s all it is. Suffering is the true test of life.
If you’re not physically and mentally prepared for what life is going to throw at you, then you’re just going to crumble, And then, you’re no good to nobody.
We like to live our lives on social media with lies about ourselves about how great we are. Get to the source! Fix the problem.
Life is one big tug of war between mediocrity and trying to find your best self.
You have to build calluses on your brain just like how you build calluses on your hands. Callus your mind through pain and suffering.
The more things you can do to get outside of that zone that makes you feel good, the stronger your mind is going to get. It starts getting used to doing things like this. It’s not fun, but now my mind is used to it.
If you want to get better, do the things that no-one else wants to do. Do the things that no-one is even thinking about doing.
I don’t stop when I’m tired. I stop when I’m done.
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Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.