How David Goggins’ Challenge Can Challenge Ourselves

In David Goggins’ latest crazy challenge, can you look at courage in a different way?

Goggins, the ex-Navy Seal, ultramarathoner, and “The Toughest Man Alive,” gets a lot of praise on his social media platforms from his exploits and attitude. He also gets a lot of hate for them as well. Walking through the comments, you’d need a hazmat suit to survive. And Goggins sees and notes it all.

He’s even bold (crazy?) enough to confront his challengers in person. He’s devising a camp for his most ardent detractors—putting them through a series of physical challenges to see if they can keep up with him. (Warning: The video below contains curse words.)

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7F8A4NLphH/?igsh=MWFzN2h5eTJicXMzaw==

This is a major move, and to be expected from Goggins. He’s saying: “You don’t believe that I do all the things I do? Let me bring you in, and let me show you first-hand.” He knows who is, and doesn’t allow those detractors to slow his progress or his journey.

This challenge gives us the chance to zoom out for a moment. No one is saying you need to challenge your boss to a pull-up challenge, or in the extreme, channel Johnny Paycheck’s song, “Take This Job and Shove It.”

Rather than confronting others first, the question is—can we confront ourselves? Even in a gentle manner?

Calling Up Courage

The challenge is having difficult conversations—first with yourself. Let’s look at careers, for example: Are you in the role you want to be in? Are you in the department you want to be in? What other avenues can you pursue here?

If the answers don’t feel satisfying for you, then what can you do? Here is your opportunity to be courageous and reach out for support. Who is on your team who you can network with, talk with and can be your sounding board? And ask, should you engage with a coach, someone ready to guide you through your process?

Then, you can have courage and purpose when it’s time to sit down with your boss or manager. You will come into the meeting, or the coffee chat, with the clarity of what next steps you want to take, and how you want the path to unfold.

David Goggins’ latest challenge gives us a pathway to see courage a little differently. And first, that courage begins within ourselves.

What courageous conversations are you having with yourself, with your career? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.

I’m Richard Taliaferro. I’m a certified career and health coach, trained in habit change, specializing in helping mid-stage professionals gain clarity on their career and health journeys. I invite you to click on the link, and let’s talk about how I can support you.