Anyone who knows AMSG CEO Jim O’Farrell knows that he is a voracious reader and looks for leadership inspiration in a variety of places. Several months ago, we introduced The Learning Leader where Jim shares books, podcasts, or other thought-provoking media to develop leadership styles.
Here’s what Jim had to say about Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins:
At a recent monthly Java with Jim call at AMSG, I shared one of my favorite quotes from Franklin D. Roosevelt: “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” This simple yet profound statement speaks to the power that fear and worry can hold over us, not because of any real obstacle, but because of the limitations we allow it to create in our minds. That theme resonated deeply when I read Can’t Hurt Me, a book given to me by one of AMSG’s outstanding Team Members. David Goggins’ story is a powerful testament to resilience, mental toughness, and the relentless pursuit of excellence – qualities that define great leadership.
One of the book’s most impactful leadership lessons is the “40% Rule,” which suggests that when we think we’ve reached our limit, we’ve actually only tapped into 40% of our potential. This mindset challenges leaders to push beyond comfort zones, inspiring both themselves and their teams to achieve more than they thought possible. Goggins’ personal journey, from overcoming adversity to becoming a Navy SEAL, and ultra-endurance athlete, demonstrates that true leadership is forged through discipline, accountability, and an unyielding commitment to personal growth.
Another vital lesson from Can’t Hurt Me is the importance of callousing the mind, training ourselves to embrace discomfort and transform obstacles into opportunities for growth. As leaders, we often face high-pressure situations and challenges that test our resolve. Goggins teaches that by willingly stepping into adversity and pushing through pain, we build the mental fortitude necessary to navigate uncertainty with confidence. At AMSG, this lesson resonates deeply. Success in our government contractor industry requires a resilient mindset, a commitment to continuous improvement, and the courage to lead by example, even when the path ahead is tough. What I loved most about this book is its raw honesty and the relentless message that we are capable of so much more than we realize. It reinforced for me that the greatest limits we face are often the ones we impose on ourselves, limits fueled by fear, self-doubt, or the comfort of the status quo. But as FDR reminded us, fear itself is often our biggest enemy. By confronting it head-on, we don’t just break through our own barriers, we inspire those around us to do the same.
Check out Can’t Hurt Me and stay tuned for Jim’s next recommendation.