Submitted By: Rehan Qureshi
Profession/Background: Former Call Center Rep Turned Marathon Runner.
Book Title: Can’t Hurt Me
Author: David Goggins
Before reading the Book:
A year ago, if you told me I’d be waking up at 4:30 a.m. to train for a marathon, I would’ve laughed in your face. I was the guy who hit snooze seven times before dragging myself to a job I hated. I worked in a call center—10 hours of robotic scripts, angry voices, and fluorescent lighting. I lived on energy drinks, fast food, and excuses.
Life was all about energy drinks, fast food, and excuses for me. Physically, I was exhausted, but mentally, I was even worse. Every day was monotonous. I’ve no goals, no inspiration, just survival. I would scroll through social media, see other people’s lives, and feel like a shadow, invisible, neglected.
I was overweight, anxious, and completely broken. I blamed everything, especially my parents, because they didn’t understand me and my job. After all, it was draining me; even my body—“I’m not cut out for fitness.”
I didn’t understand it then—I was avoiding the pain, running away from the discomfort, and comforting myself by saying I was “normal.”
Discovering the Book That Changed Everything:
One night, while scrolling randomly on YouTube, I came across a strange video—a guy saying he ran 100 miles with a broken leg. At first, I thought this must be some Navy SEAL exaggeration. But when he started talking about his childhood—physical abuse, poverty, racism, being fat—I got a jolt.
This guy is different. His life wasn’t easy, but he didn’t give up.
I Googled—David Goggins. I found the book “Can’t Hurt Me”. I started reading the sample on my Kindle at 1:30 am. I couldn’t sleep that night.
Every word he said felt like my own life. I couldn’t even begin to comprehend what he had endured. Yet he used his own pain as fuel to build himself.
After Reading the Book:
Reading “Can’t Hurt Me” was like a huge slap in the face. Each chapter forced me to see things I had been suppressing for so long. Goggins didn’t give me false comfort. He gave me hard truths, pain, and the power to control.
I started with small steps. I started writing in front of the mirror—my “Accountability Mirror.”
I wrote,
“You’re not tired; you’re undisciplined.”
“You’re not broken; you’re avoiding hard work.”
Then I started running. The first day, I finished 1.5 km with difficulty and came back panting. But I didn’t stop. The next day I ran again. Then again. Slowly, the fear of “you can’t” in my head changed to “if you can?”
I adjusted my diet. I reduced my screen time. I started taking cold showers. I even quit my old job and applied for a new, better one.
I started to change in some way, becoming a person who doesn’t run away from pain but seeks it out.
The Transformation:
I’ve lost 18 kg in the past six months. I finished my first 10 km run last month, and I’ve registered for my first full marathon this fall.
The biggest change? Now I run towards pain.
Whether it’s waking up in the morning, having a difficult conversation, or being physically and mentally exhausted—I don’t stop. I think that’s the power of a “calloused mind.”
The pain that once scared me now builds me up. Every pain, every fatigue, every moment I want to throw away—I tell myself, “This pain is your strength.”
I understand—behind the discomfort lies the ‘me’ I’ve been searching for all this time.
My favorite line:
“You are in danger of living a life so comfortable and soft that you will die without ever realizing your true potential.”
This line has been making me cry for days. I used to ask myself, what can I do?
Now whenever I want to take the easy way out, I feel like sitting down—this line comes to mind.
I know that comfort will kill me. But hardship, discipline, and consistency will build me.
These words are now written above my bed. I read them every morning before I get up and go for a run.
To Anyone Considering This Book:
This book is not for the weak. It will break every excuse you have. It will make you stand in front of a mirror where you won’t recognize yourself.
But if you dare to look in that mirror, if you want to break free from the slavery of your own head, if you want not just to survive but to take control of your life, then this book is for you.
David Goggins doesn’t inspire—he challenges. He wakes you up.
You’ll end this book a completely different person than when you started it.
Believe me—I was asleep to life.
Now I’m on the run.