Goggins’ ‘Taking Souls’ Tactic: The Bizarre Strategy That Got Him Through 100-Mile Races

David Goggins—synonymous with pushing boundaries and conquering seemingly insurmountable obstacles—has become an icon of mental toughness and resilience.

He embodies the idea that we are all capable of far more than we imagine. From a troubled childhood marked by poverty and abuse to becoming a Navy SEAL, ultramarathon runner, and motivational speaker, his journey has captivated audiences worldwide.

While much of his story is well-known, there are hidden depths and lesser-known anecdotes that further illuminate the man behind the legend. This deep dive explores those uncommon truths and untold stories, verified for accuracy, to provide a richer understanding of David Goggins.

A Troubled Past Forged an Unbreakable Spirit

Goggins’ childhood was far from idyllic. He endured poverty, racism, and relentless abuse from his father. Ironically, these early adversities laid the foundation for his extraordinary resilience:

• Self-Reliance: He learned to confront fear head-on, refusing to let his circumstances define him.
• Trauma in Brazil, Indiana: After relocating with his mother, he faced racially motivated threats and witnessed a horrific accident when a school bus tragically killed a young student.
• Learning Disabilities: Struggling with academics, he spent countless hours studying to compensate for his challenges—developing the incredible work ethic that defines his approach to life.

These harrowing experiences ignited a determination to overcome any obstacle, forging an unbreakable spirit that would carry him through future challenges.

From Cockroach Exterminator to Navy SEAL

Goggins’ path to becoming a Navy SEAL was anything but straightforward:

• Early Air Force Career: He initially aimed to become a pararescueman but quit due to his fear of water.
• Cockroach Exterminator: After leaving the Air Force, he found himself weighing nearly 300 pounds and working as a cockroach exterminator.
• Confronting Fear of Water: Determined to conquer this fear, he practiced in the pool with his hands and feet tied, demonstrating his commitment to facing fears head-on.

A documentary about Navy SEALs reawakened his dormant ambition. With the help of a recruiter named Stephen Sal Joe—who believed in his potential—Goggins lost over 100 pounds in just three months to qualify for training. His journey through SEAL training was marked by:

• Multiple Setbacks: Stress fractures, pneumonia, and a fractured kneecap.
• Hell Week Three Times: Despite these injuries, he endured Hell Week three separate times, refusing to quit.
• Graduation in 2001: He ultimately graduated with BUD/S class 235, cementing his place among the elite.

Ultra-Endurance: Testing the Limits of Human Potential

Goggins’ entry into ultra-endurance events began with a desire to raise money for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, following the tragic loss of his fellow SEALs in Afghanistan. Despite minimal running experience, he signed up for the Badwater 135—a grueling 135-mile race through Death Valley.

• Overcoming Extreme Conditions: He battled dehydration, kidney failure, and broken bones, yet still finished in 24 hours and 48 minutes, earning second place.
• Legendary Ultra-Running Career: He went on to complete over 60 ultramarathons, pushing the boundaries of human endurance.
• Guinness World Record for Pull-Ups: He completed 4,030 pull-ups in 17 hours.
• Conquering the World’s Toughest Mudder: A 24-hour obstacle course race.
• The San Diego One Day 100-Mile Race: With little preparation, he endured hallucinations and physical breakdowns, using a tactic he calls “taking souls” to draw inspiration from the struggles of others.

Goggins also believes in “frontloading” his life—maximizing achievements early on because the future is never guaranteed. This philosophy drives him to push his limits at every opportunity.

Taking Souls: Turning Adversity into Fuel

Goggins’ concept of “taking souls” is a unique and somewhat controversial aspect of his mental toughness philosophy. It’s about harnessing the energy of those around you, particularly in competitive situations, to fuel your own performance and push beyond your perceived limits .  

Here’s how it works:

• Recognize your opponent: Identify those who doubt you, challenge you, or stand in the way of your goals. This could be a rival in a race, a demanding instructor, or even your own internal doubts and fears .  
• Use their negativity as fuel: Instead of letting their doubts or negativity discourage you, use it as motivation to prove them wrong and exceed their expectations .  
• Draw strength from their weakness: When you see others faltering or giving in to fatigue, use their struggles as a reminder of your own resilience and determination .  
• Make a statement: By pushing harder when others are breaking down, you demonstrate your mental toughness and make a statement about your unwavering commitment to your goals .  

Goggins developed this tactic during his grueling Navy SEAL training, where he observed that instructors often seemed to derive satisfaction from breaking down recruits . He decided to turn the tables, using their negativity as fuel to push himself harder and ultimately earn their respect .  

He describes “taking souls” as a way to “steal someone’s energy” and use it to elevate your own performance . It’s about finding strength in the midst of adversity and using the challenges around you to your advantage.  

While some may view this tactic as aggressive or even disrespectful, Goggins maintains that it’s about pushing yourself to be your best and refusing to let the doubts or negativity of others hold you back . It’s about tapping into a primal drive to compete and conquer, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles.  

The 40% Rule and the Power of the Mind

At the core of Goggins’ philosophy is the 40% Rule: when your mind says you’re done, you’ve only reached about 40% of your potential. This principle, forged through his own experiences of enduring pain and hardship, underscores his belief in the power of the mind to conquer any obstacle. Key elements of his mental approach include:

• Calloused Mind: Goggins advocates for repeatedly exposing yourself to discomfort and adversity to develop mental toughness.
• Accountability Mirror: He places Post-it notes with honest self-assessments and specific goals on his mirror to confront his shortcomings daily.
• “No Excuses” Mentality: Rejecting self-pity and embracing constant self-improvement. Failure is viewed not as a dead end but as an attempt—a chance to refine and try again.
• Mental Aid Stations: Allowing brief periods of mental rest throughout the day, while maintaining high intensity.
• Using Music as Motivation: He acknowledges music’s ability to push boundaries and enhance performance.

Goggins’ Philosophy on Mental Toughness and Resilience

Goggins’ overarching philosophy is rooted in:

• Self-Mastery and Discipline: Continually pushing beyond perceived limitations.
• Embracing Adversity: True strength arises from confronting and conquering hardship.
• Proactive Mindset: Taking control of one’s mindset and actions rather than succumbing to negativity.
• Opportunities for Growth: Viewing challenges as tools for self-discovery and self-improvement.

Criticisms and Controversies

Goggins’ intense approach to self-improvement has sparked several criticisms:

1. Recklessness: Some argue his “do whatever it takes” mentality can lead to insufficient preparation for ultramarathons and potential injury.
2. Sustainability and Mental Health: Critics question whether his methods are sustainable or if they may negatively affect mental health and relationships.
3. Aggressive Self-Talk: Concerns exist that his style might border on self-abuse rather than healthy self-improvement.
4. Exaggerated Claims: He has faced accusations of overstating his military accomplishments and promoting a harmful “tough love” approach.

In response, Goggins emphasizes individual responsibility and self-awareness, acknowledging that his methods are not for everyone. He encourages people to find what works best for them while maintaining a “no excuses” approach to personal growth.

Conclusion: The Legacy of David Goggins

David Goggins’ life story is a powerful testament to the indomitable human spirit. He proves that resilience, mental toughness, and relentless self-belief can carry us beyond what we thought possible. While his methods may be extreme, his core message—pushing beyond perceived limits and welcoming discomfort as a catalyst for growth—has inspired countless individuals to unlock their full potential.

His legacy transcends athletic achievements and military service. Goggins has authored two best-selling books, “Can’t Hurt Me” and “Never Finished,” sharing his experiences and philosophy with a global audience. His 40% Rule, accountability mirror, and commitment to a “calloused mind” provide a practical framework for those seeking self-improvement. Though not for everyone, his unwavering emphasis on resilience and self-belief resonates with anyone aiming to overcome adversity and live a life of purpose.

He challenges us to confront our fears, question our limits, and strive for greatness, reminding us that the only true limits are the ones we set upon ourselves.

David Goggins’ Most Impactful Quotes

• “Motivation is crap.”
• “We all have a lot more than we think we have.”
• “The biggest disability you can have is a bad mindset.”

These succinct yet potent quotes encapsulate Goggins’ belief in the transformative power of the human mind when coupled with unwavering determination and self-discipline.