In recent times, the need for physical and mental ability has evolved. But at the same time, we all go through some setbacks in life, which somehow impacts on our physical and mental appearance. Some people choose to moan with it, and some choose to become a better version of themselves. And perhaps the best case for this exists with the toughest man alive on Earth, and his name is David Goggins. A tough guy, a survivor of abuse and discrimination who overcame asthma, a learning disability, a stutter, fatness, low self-esteem and countless fears. A world-record-breaking endurance athlete!

As a young man, he had no confidence and self-value. Even though his youthful mind pleaded for help, no one arrived. No public justice, favourable action or some sacred hand gave him anything for free. He used to weigh 350 pounds (158 kilograms) and employed to spray for cockroaches in restaurants for $1000 a month. One day, he thought, this couldn’t be him, and he deserves a life way better than this. 

So, he left his spray in the restaurant and went back home. He turned on the television and stumbled on a documentary that displayed the United States Navy Seal training, and he determined to become one. This dynamic decision changed his entire life. But when Goggins expressed his interest, the Navy men laughed at him and didn’t take a fat man. But David was determined and worked hard to lose a whole lot of weight of 350 pounds within just 3 months. Many people don't know that all Navy Seals have to go through a program called ‘Hell Week’ in the U.S., which is a brutal physical and mental torture for 7 days and some candidate really die. David was moreover scared of water, but he taught himself how to swim. At the time of training, he had double pneumonia and broken limbs, but he didn’t care, because this man does what he wants to do, and no one can stop him. And he graduated from Hell Week and became a Navy Seal even though expectation were loaded up against him, he was the 36th African American to become a Navy Seal. Where most men who were more privileged than him, quit, David kept going. But more greatly, he came out of the other side as a stronger man.

David would go on to challenge himself in ways unusual to the normal human being. An accomplished strength athlete, David has completed over 60 ultra-marathons, triathlons, and ultra-triathlons, setting new course records and regularly placing in the top five. He once held the Guinness World Record for pull-ups completing 4,030 in 17 hours and tearing his hands apart in the process. His previous attempt fell just short, and after training for five months he came back and claimed the record. Infinitus 88k, one of the hardest and most brutal races in the world. David won this race in a clean 12 hours, almost twenty minutes ahead of the next finisher. Badwater Ultra Marathon, one of the hardest and most violent races in the world, Badwater brings out the toughest competitors. David placed 3rd in this test of strength in the middle of death valley. After all his achievements, he was popularly known as the toughest man on Earth.

All of the awards, medals, honours and magazine articles mean nothing to David. That’s not why he does what he does. Although, he has communicated his story with hundreds of thousands of students across the world, several professional sports teams, and the staff of some companies. Over the years, David has raised a lot of money and awareness for the ‘Special Operations Warrior Foundation’. He is not trying to be number one in the world. He doesn’t keep track of the miles he has gone. Instead, it’s all about fulfilling his personal best and tugging himself well past his comfort zone. “Can’t Hurt Me” is the book that David Goggins wrote, the idea is, no matter what happens to you, be patient and don’t let anything hurt you, ever. "Everybody has some bars to set," he says, whether they are work-related goals, like becoming the CEO, or personal goals, like losing 25 kgs. "You have these bars and, once you get there, you've made it. There's a big celebration. People are invited. There's a trophy. Who knows what it is, but it's a completion of something." But Goggins doesn't think in terms of completion. "There's a laundry list of things that we could still accomplish so that you can be a better CEO, so you can be a better person," he says, adding, "I feel guilty if I haven't achieved every day."

For David, physical and mental suffering are a journey of self-discovery, no other experience makes him feel more clear, focused and alive. Now, think of that boy who was against the wall his entire life, that boy who came from nothing and still worked like he was nothing, against all the odds, that little boy turned into a likeable man by all his hard work. This transforming journey of David enlightens us that, hard work does not care about your background or condition. It does not care about your crises. It is a common faith that blesses anyone who adopts it. And today is the perfect time in humanity because infinite chances exist to create health, wealth and happiness, and we all have the ability to not only survive but shine.

(Source- davidgoggins.com / Wikipedia)