And how I’m applying them without burning out
After reading Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins, I found myself thinking deeply about how I approach discomfort, discipline, and personal growth.
While I don’t align with everything he did (especially pushing through major injuries), I was genuinely struck by his ability to command his mind, even in the most intense circumstances. He built mental strength like a muscle — through daily, uncomfortable reps.
Here are 3 of the mindset tools from his book that I’ve started applying — in a softer, more sustainable way — in my own life.
1. 🪞 The Accountability Mirror
Goggins talks about how he used his mirror to write notes to himself every day — raw, unfiltered, brutally honest truths about where he was falling short. He used these notes not to shame himself, but to spark change.
How I Apply It:
Instead of sticky notes with harsh truths, I check in with myself in the mirror or my journal with these questions:
- What’s one habit I’ve been avoiding but know I need?
- Am I showing up as the version of myself I say I want to be?
- What’s one small win I can celebrate today, even if the day wasn’t perfect?
This gives me accountability with grace — a balance Goggins doesn’t always emphasize, but one I personally need.
2. 🧱 Callusing the Mind
Goggins believes we become mentally tougher by doing things we don’t want to do — over and over. He trained his mind like most people train their muscles.
How I Apply It:
I’m not running ultra-marathons, but I am showing up for the hard things:
- Running when I don’t feel like it (even if it’s just 20 minutes)
- Waking up earlier to write before my day job
- Saying no to distractions when I know I owe it to myself to focus
Instead of going 0 to 100, I ask:
“What’s the 1 uncomfortable thing I can do today to build mental strength?”
3. 🎧 The Cookie Jar
This was one of my favorite Goggins tools: when you hit a wall, dig into your internal “cookie jar” of past wins, achievements, and breakthroughs — and remember what you’ve already overcome.
How I Apply It:
I keep a note in my phone titled “Proof I Can Do Hard Things.”
It has:
- Screenshots of feedback I’ve received
- Memories of goals I’ve hit
- Moments I almost quit, but didn’t
I turn to it when I doubt myself — and it always reminds me: you’ve done hard things before. You can do this too.
🍊 Bringing It Back to Balance
While Goggins’ methods are extreme, the core message is clear:
Your mind will quit long before your body ever needs to.
The solution? Train your mindset the same way you train a skill — daily, intentionally, and with heart.
For me, this means using Goggins’ tools not to punish myself — but to stay grounded in discipline, even on the softest days.
đź’ Final Note
You don’t have to be a Navy SEAL to build mental resilience.
You don’t need to go hard 24/7.
But you do owe it to yourself to grow — gently, honestly, and with intention.
That’s what I’m practicing now.
And that’s what Fruitfullyy is all about.
