Never Finished: Unshackle Your Mind and Win the War Within, by David Goggins

Today, I’m diving into the gritty world of David Goggins with his latest offering, “Never Finished: Unshackle Your Mind and Win the War Within”. If you thought his first book, “Can’t Hurt Me”, was a rollercoaster, brace yourselves. “Never Finished” is like the sequel that ramps everything up to eleven — think of it as the action movie sequel where the stunts get more outrageous.

Let’s rewind a bit for context. “Can’t Hurt Me” was a tough act to follow, wasn’t it? It was like sitting down for a heart-to-heart with a man who’s been through the wringer, come out the other side, and built a gym there. Goggins’ journey from a childhood marred by abuse and poverty to becoming a Navy SEAL and ultra-endurance athlete was nothing short of jaw-dropping. Check out my [Can’t Hurt Me Review](https://medium.com/@kr.hollingsworth/cant-hurt-me-by-david-goggins-af7f54d8e659?source=user_profile---------35----------------------------) if you haven’t already.

Now, enter “Never Finished”. It’s like Goggins took the raw, unfiltered essence of his first book and distilled it into something even more intense. The theme? We’re all works in progress, and the battle against our inner demons is never really over. There’s a relentless drive in Goggins that’s almost superhuman. Yet, as I turned the pages, I couldn’t help but feel that this constant pursuit of physical extremes is more than just determination; it’s a man wrestling with his past, using pain and endurance as his arena.

“The only person who was going to turn my life around was me. The only way I could get turned around was to put myself through the worst things possible that a human being could ever endure.” David Goggins

What struck me most was the underlying sense of trauma that seems to fuel Goggins’ relentless push. His physical feats are undeniably impressive — the man’s got more grit in his little finger than most have in their entire body. But, there’s a thin line between conquering your demons and being chased by them, and I sometimes wondered which side of that line Goggins is on.

“Never Finished” isn’t just a sequel; it’s a deep dive into the psyche of a man who refuses to stop running — sometimes quite literally. It’s inspiring and a bit harrowing, like watching someone walk a tightrope without a net. You’re in awe of their bravery but also a bit worried for them.

In a way, this book is Goggins’ raw, unapologetic message to the world: we’re never done. We keep fighting, we keep pushing, and we never, ever give up. It’s powerful stuff, but it also leaves you pondering the cost of such an unyielding approach to life.

For fans of Goggins’ first book, “Never Finished” is a must-read. It’s like catching up with an old friend who’s been through even more since you last spoke. For newcomers, brace yourselves for a ride that’s as much about mental battles as physical ones.

Happy reading, fellow bookworms! Looking forward to our next bookish adventure.