Book Review: Never Finished by David Goggins
As a book blogger, I often find myself enticed by the raw determination and grit embodied in the work of David Goggins. Anyone who has read his previous books knows he has a unique way of blending his personal struggles with practical lessons. When I picked up Never Finished, I was excited yet curious about how he would further explore his relentless pursuit of greatness. Could he possibly capture the truths and challenges of life in a way that would resonate even more deeply than before?
At its core, Never Finished is an ambitious chronicle of Goggins’ journey from adversity to achievement. The narrative structure unfolds like a relentless treadmill of goals, achievements, setbacks, and the grit it takes to push through life-threatening challenges. It comes across almost as a relentless cycle: Goal → Achievement → Goal → Life-threatening medical issue → Goal, and so forth. Initially, I found this format a bit repetitive, as if Goggins was showcasing how tough he is rather than offering a roadmap for the rest of us.
However, I quickly realized that David, with his signature blend of hyper-motivation and raw honesty, exists not just to tell his story but to challenge the reader to reflect on their own journey. As I turned the pages, I felt a familiar tug of inspiration; if he could run 240 miles under grueling conditions, maybe I could muster the courage to tackle my own 10K. The power of his determination is indeed contagious!
Yet, I was left wanting more depth in certain areas. For instance, Goggins’ "Mental Lab" and the "Evolutions," or challenges, felt underexplored and somewhat vague. Phrases like, "It’s time to level-up and seek out that blue-to-black line," sounded motivational yet lacked actionable advice for readers in varied situations. I wished Goggins had given us more tangible strategies to employ.
But then, a paragraph towards the end of the book struck a chord that changed everything for me. Goggins writes, “Whatever it takes for you to believe that you’re better than good enough to achieve your dreams is what you must do. And remember, your greatness is not tied to any outcome. It is found in the valiance of the attempt.” Suddenly, the purpose of the book became clear: it’s less about reaching the summit and more about the relentless spirit of the climb itself. This shift in perspective was eye-opening, especially for someone like me, who often finds myself juggling university, friendships, and health—chasing a delicate balance rather than daring to push for more.
Ultimately, Never Finished may have its structural quirks, but Goggins’ authenticity and relentless motivation make it a substantial read. It’s all about the pursuit of self-betterment, proving to ourselves that we are capable of more than we initially believe.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking to ignite their inner drive, particularly those grappling with self-doubt or navigating life’s hurdles. David Goggins stands as a living testament to the idea that you don’t have to achieve monumental feats to find your own greatness—what matters is that you keep striving, keep pushing, and above all, Stay Hard.
So if you’re ready to embark on a transformative journey, dive into Never Finished. Sometimes, a little push from someone like Goggins is just what we need to unlock our own potential. Happy reading!