——Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins & Late Bloomers by Rich Karlgaard
In an ever-evolving world that often glorifies youth, success, and early achievement, the recognition and celebration of late bloomers seems to be a rarity. It is a narrative that clashes with societal norms, challenging the notion that there is a designated path towards accomplishments. Two books that delve deeper into this exceptional realm are “Can’t Hurt Me” by David Goggins and “Late Bloomers” by Rich Karlgaard.
David Goggins, a former Navy SEAL and ultra-endurance athlete, offers a gripping memoir that portrays his remarkable transformation from a troubled youth to one of the world’s toughest men. In stark contrast, Rich Karlgaard, the publisher of Forbes magazine, presents a compelling exploration of individuals who have achieved their greatest successes later in life, refusing to conform to conventional timelines and expectations. Though seemingly distinct in their subject matter, both works share a common theme of triumph over adversity, resilience, and the potential to redefine personal limitations.
Can’t Hurt Me” intrinsically illustrates the indomitable spirit and capacity for growth. David Goggins pens a candid account of his journey, recounting his harrowing experiences as a victim of abuse, his battle with obesity, and his struggle with poverty, racism, and self-doubt. Despite these seemingly insurmountable obstacles, Goggins emerged as an elite athlete, completing over 60 ultra-marathons, earning the title of “world’s toughest man,” and setting records that seemed impossible to break. Through sheer determination and an unyielding mindset, he epitomizes the philosophy that pain and suffering are means to personal transformation and growth.
In “Late Bloomers,” Rich Karlgaard turns his attention to individuals who defy societal expectations by achieving greatness later in life. Contrary to the idolization of young prodigies, Karlgaard explores the lives of influential figures like Charles Darwin, Julia Child, and Ray Kroc, who successfully pursued their passions and made groundbreaking contributions after years of setbacks and late career starts. This thought-provoking examination delves into the reasons behind delayed success, from the advantages gained through accumulated wisdom and experience, to the societal pressure that propels late bloomers to embrace their true potential.
As we delve into the pages of these two captivating books, we embark on a journey that challenges our preconceived notions of achievement, success, and the individual’s capacity to overcome obstacles. From Goggins’ raw and unfiltered experiences to Karlgaard’s illuminating insights into late bloomers, we are compelled to explore the multifaceted nature of human achievement and the power of perseverance. Through the comparison of these two works, we aim to uncover the inherent qualities that contribute to triumph, regardless of age, while navigating the complex interplay of personal narratives, societal expectations, and the transformative potential hidden within us all.
Brief Summary of Two Books
Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins
“Can’t Hurt Me” is an autobiography by David Goggins, a retired Navy SEAL, endurance athlete, and motivational speaker. The book chronicles Goggins’ journey from a childhood filled with poverty, racial prejudice, and physical abuse to becoming one of the most mentally and physically resilient individuals. Goggins shares how he transformed from being overweight and unmotivated to becoming an ultramarathon runner, powerlifter, and record-holder for the most pull-ups in 24 hours.
The book is divided into two parts: Goggins’ life story and his “teaching moments.” In the first part, Goggins recounts the challenges he faced growing up, including the death of his father, and how those struggles shaped his determination to overcome adversity. He joins the military, becomes a Navy SEAL, and endures intense physical and mental training. Goggins shares the brutal and rigorous nature of SEAL training and the mindset required to push through extreme pain and hardship.
In the second part, Goggins delves into his philosophical approach towards success and self-improvement. He emphasizes the importance of embracing suffering, mastering one’s mind, and consistently pushing beyond perceived limits. Goggins demonstrates his philosophy by sharing personal anecdotes and methodically breaking down the mentality needed to achieve greatness. He discusses the concept of the “cookie jar,” where one draws strength from past victories during difficult times, and the need to be the best version of oneself.
Throughout the book, Goggins discusses the impact of childhood trauma, shares the experiences that forged his resilience, and provides practical strategies for overcoming mental barriers. He encourages readers to reject the limitations society imposes and to take responsibility for their lives.
“Can’t Hurt Me” is an inspiring and brutally honest account of determination, resilience, and the pursuit of self-mastery. It serves as a guide for those seeking personal growth, mental fortitude, and the ability to overcome any obstacle standing in their way.
Late Bloomers by Rich Karlgaard
Late Bloomers” by Rich Karlgaard explores the idea that a person’s inherent talents and capabilities may take longer to manifest and develop, resulting in success later in life. Drawing from personal stories and scientific research, the book challenges the societal emphasis on early achievement and the perception that success is reserved for those who reach their goals in their youth.
Karlgaard argues that individuals who bloom later in life often possess traits such as curiosity, resilience, and adaptability, which ultimately contribute to their late success. He discusses how cultural, educational, and professional systems are often biased towards early achievers, neglecting the potential of late bloomers. Karlgaard interviews a variety of individuals who have achieved remarkable success later in life, including artists, entrepreneurs, athletes, and scientists.
The book also delves into the science behind human development and the factors that influence the pace at which talents unfold. From brain research to historical examples, Karlgaard provides evidence that challenges the notion that early bloomers are more likely to succeed. He highlights the importance of nurturing and supporting late bloomers, as well as the potential benefits they can bring to society.
“Late Bloomers” ultimately offers a fresh perspective on success and encourages readers to embrace their individual journey, regardless of age or societal expectations. It aims to inspire and empower those who may feel discouraged or left behind due to their late-blooming nature, emphasizing that achievement and personal growth can occur at any stage of life.
Comparison between Two Books
Similarities in Positive Thinking
In both “Can’t Hurt Me” by David Goggins and “Late Bloomers” by Rich Karlgaard, the concept of positive thinking is emphasized as a crucial element in achieving personal growth and overcoming challenges.
1. Resilience and perseverance: Both authors emphasize the importance of developing a positive mindset that allows individuals to bounce back from setbacks and push beyond their limits. Goggins and Karlgaard highlight their personal stories of enduring physical and mental hardships, showcasing the power of positive thinking in overcoming adversity.
2. Self-belief as a driver for success: Both books stress the role of positive thinking in fostering self-belief and confidence. Goggins and Karlgaard emphasize that developing a positive mindset enables individuals to recognize their own potential, leading to enhanced self-esteem and a greater willingness to take risks and pursue ambitious goals.
3. The power of reframing: Both authors encourage readers to reframe challenges and failures as opportunities for growth. They emphasize that by adopting a positive perspective, individuals can view setbacks as stepping stones rather than roadblocks. This shift in mindset allows for a more optimistic and solution-oriented approach to life’s challenges.
4. Embracing discomfort and embracing the unknown: Goggins and Karlgaard both advocate for the importance of stepping outside of one’s comfort zone in order to achieve personal growth. They argue that positive thinking helps individuals embrace discomfort and face new challenges with optimism, knowing that these experiences are catalysts for self-improvement.
5. Developing a growth mindset: Both books stress the significance of adopting a growth mindset in which individuals view failures or shortcomings as opportunities for learning and development. Goggins and Karlgaard emphasize the role of positive thinking in cultivating this perspective, as it allows individuals to approach obstacles with a mindset of curiosity and perseverance.
In summary, both “Can’t Hurt Me” and “Late Bloomers” offer a similar perspective on positive thinking, underscoring its role in resilience, self-belief, reframing challenges, embracing discomfort, and developing a growth mindset. These parallels highlight the importance of maintaining a positive mindset in order to achieve personal growth and triumph over obstacles.
Divergences in Positive Thinking
Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins and Late Bloomers by Rich Karlgaard are two distinct books that explore personal development and growth, but they differ significantly in their approach to positive thinking.
In Can’t Hurt Me, David Goggins shares his extraordinary journey from a broken childhood to becoming one of the toughest men on the planet. Goggins emphasizes the power of a relentless mindset, extreme self-discipline, and embracing pain in order to achieve greatness. He challenges the notion of positive thinking in traditional terms, arguing that relentless self-criticism and holding oneself accountable for failures are crucial for growth. Goggins believes that constantly pushing through mental barriers and facing uncomfortable situations is what leads to true strength and progress. Instead of relying on positive thoughts, Goggins urges readers to embrace adversity, harness their inner pain, and develop self-discipline as the key to unlocking their full potential.
On the other hand, Late Bloomers by Rich Karlgaard takes a different perspective on positive thinking. Karlgaard explores the concept of late bloomers, individuals who find their true potential and achieve success later in life. He suggests that society’s obsession with early achievement and speed can sometimes overshadow and undervalue the qualities and accomplishments of late bloomers. Karlgaard argues that cultivating a positive mindset, a sense of purpose, and a belief in one’s abilities are critical for late bloomers to overcome discouragement and societal expectations. He advocates for the power of positive thinking as a means to embrace one’s unique journey and potential, and to foster resilience and perseverance when faced with setbacks and disappointments.
The divergence in approach to positive thinking in these books lies in the balance between embracing hardship and pain, versus cultivating a positive mindset to overcome obstacles. While Goggins believes in pushing through difficulties and self-criticism as the path to greatness, Karlgaard’s perspective is more focused on embracing positivity, purpose, and belief in oneself. Goggins’ approach is rooted in relentless determination, while Karlgaard’s emphasizes the psychological aspect of personal development.
In summary, Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins and Late Bloomers by Rich Karlgaard differ in their approach to positive thinking. Goggins advocates for relentless self-discipline and embracing pain, whereas Karlgaard promotes a positive mindset and self-belief. Both perspectives offer valuable insights into personal development, allowing readers to choose the approach that aligns with their own journey and goals.
Conclusion
Both “Can’t Hurt Me” by David Goggins and “Late Bloomers” by Rich Karlgaard are highly regarded books in their respective genres. The choice between the two really depends on your personal interests and preferences.
If you are interested in personal growth, mental toughness, and overcoming adversity, “Can’t Hurt Me” is an excellent choice. It is an inspirational memoir of David Goggins, a former Navy SEAL who went through immense physical and mental challenges while achieving remarkable feats. The book provides practical advice on pushing past your limits and achieving your goals.
On the other hand, if you are interested in the concept of late bloomers, success achieved later in life, and the value of diverse paths to success, “Late Bloomers” is more suitable. Rich Karlgaard explores the idea that success can happen at any age and shares stories of individuals who found their true calling later in life. This book offers a different perspective on achievement and may be particularly relevant for individuals who feel they are behind in their career or life goals.
Ultimately, both books have valuable insights and can be a source of inspiration and motivation. Consider your current interests and goals when choosing which one to read first.
