Can’t Hurt My Habits

I would not ordinarily recommend books in pairs, but, on this occasion, I am compelled. Book #1 is ‘Can’t Hurt Me’ by David Goggins, a truly awe inspiring book by an awe inspiring man. His childhood story makes you want to give him a long, empathetic hug. His adulthood story makes you want to bow your head in reverence. That being said, if you transcend the Hero’s Journey in his life story and take stock in the imbalanced life he has embraced in service of stripping away every comfort and convenience to get to the raw person underneath, you will recognize the necessity of his ways for him, and, perhaps, for 99.9% of you, the impracticality of his ways for you. That is where Book #2 comes in: ‘Atomic Habits’ by James Clear. One of the most succinct, plainly worded and insightful treatments of the art of forming positive habits. To the extent that our foundation is the sum total of our habits, on top of which we operate with discretion, I can think of no better companion to ‘Can’t Hurt Me’, because it will give you a ladder and a step by step path towards something ‘bigger and badder’ in your life, without asking you to hurl yourself with a catapult. What’s more, because ladders are more accessible, and more accommodating to more people, this practical guide also, I think, leaves more room to take others with you as you go. It is not as Romantic as the lone man taking down a grizzly bear, but have you seen the Revenant?