The Unyielding Spirit of David Goggins

Recently, I had the privilege of performing at the Aspire event in Dallas, TX, where I witnessed the formidable David Goggins speak. Prior to this experience, my familiarity with Goggins was limited to his social media persona—intense, relentless, and unapologetically in your face. It is the positive and negative of social media: what we read on the internet is rarely the full picture, the full truth of what is being painted. As Goggins talk unfolded, it became evident that there was much more to this man than the snippets I had seen online.

From the moment Goggins began speaking, his powerful presence was undeniable. But what struck me most was the depth of compassion and determination that underpinned his tough exterior. There's an unwavering belief in Goggins that, despite the inevitable struggles we face, the only way out is through. This message resonated deeply with me, reinforcing a lesson I've always known but never truly grasped until that moment.

He talked about completing a 100 mile ruck. It wasn’t a race and no one else was running. He just did it because he wanted to do it. He said that about 3 miles in he was feeling like crap. He put down his ruck, sat on the side of the road and asked himself WHY he was doing this. He asked himself how could he motivate people at a high level if he couldn’t motivate himself.

He pushed himself because he was asking others to push themselves beyond what they think is possible. He got up, put on his ruck and completed the 100 miles.

One of the most memorable parts of his talk was his response to a question about dealing with naysayers and those who wish for his failure. With a simplicity that belied the profoundness of his words, Goggins stated, "I work at a different level." He illustrated this by raising his hand above his head, indicating that he operates in a realm far beyond the reach of his detractors. He shared his ambition to set world records and be a pioneer in his endeavors, such as attempting to achieve 4,000 consecutive pull-ups—a feat unimaginable to most, let alone achievable. Goggins pointed out that those who criticize are often doing so from the comfort of their couch, afraid or incapable of even attempting what he does.

His message was clear: don't let the fear or skepticism of others hold you back from pursuing your own greatness.

This encounter with David Goggins was a powerful reminder to view life from a different perspective. It brought to mind the wise words of a dear friend, "Be the top of the mountain." Goggins' message echoed this sentiment, urging us not to let the "heel biters" deter us from our path. His unyielding spirit and relentless pursuit of excellence have left an indelible mark on me, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have been there to hear him change the lives of 4000 people.

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