Men Who Motivate: Lessons from Three Standup Dudes

Let me start by noting how indebted I am to the great role models in my family who instilled values, morals, and character which guide me on how to conduct myself as a man to this day. While I won’t go into detail, I hope they know how grateful I am for my upbringing. That said, this post is about three public figures who have also shaped my behavior from boyhood to proto-adulthood and continue to guide me as I take on life's challenges.

Courtesy of 20th Century Fox

This post was inspired by the death of Academy Award-winning actor Louis Gossett Jr., who passed in late March this year. I first saw Gossett Jr. in his role as Marine Gunnery Sergeant Foley in "An Officer and a Gentleman" when I was a tween. The film left a lasting impression on me with its life lessons on building character, perseverance, and the importance of teamwork. The tough, moral leadership shown by GySgt. Foley helped me navigate my own tough training; I would not quit. Rest in peace, Gunny Foley.

Photo courtesy of Jim Leatherman / Orlando Culture Shock

I first heard about Henry Rollins when he was the lead singer of the punk rock band Black Flag when I was in high school. (Even though I confess I was mostly listening to the Doors and the Bangles then—ugh.) Rollins truly claimed space in my brain in the 1990s when I saw his spoken word performance in Vancouver in 1994 with my bud Jun Kodanzinski. Rollins is the epitome of hard work, taking chances and trying new things, and just grinding until it works. He has been a beacon of creativity, staying true to his roots, and making peace with aging. Rollins has remained true to his principles while remaining culturally relevant for over four decades!

Credit: Outside Magazine

Then there's David Goggins, whom I discovered through podcasts. Goggins, a retired Navy SEAL who also served in the Air Force and completed Army Ranger School, came from a disadvantaged childhood to become a highly successful motivational speaker/entrepreneur. Often heard saying "you can't hurt me," he is a top endurance athlete, inspires millions with his relentless drive, self-discipline, and ability to vanquish extreme physical and mental barriers. His story of overcoming childhood abuse, racism, and poverty to achieve greatness is a powerful testament to human potential. He's a foul-mouthed force of nature.

These three men come from vastly different backgrounds but share a tenacious work ethic and a willingness to "embrace the grind." Louis Gossett Jr. overcame racism and poverty to become an acclaimed actor. Henry Rollins transformed from a shy, insecure youth into a punk rock icon and Renaissance man. David Goggins went from a bullied child to a decorated Navy SEAL and ultra-endurance athlete. Their stories taught me that success is earned through relentless hard work, perseverance, and a refusal to quit in the face of adversity. There's no luck or shortcuts involved.

I also discovered that Gossett Jr., Rollins, and Goggins found motivation in unexpected places. Gossett Jr. was inspired by the civil rights movement, Rollins by the punk scene, and Goggins by grueling military training and service. Their stories remind us that motivation can be found anywhere if we have the right mindset and push ourselves farther than we think we can go. Exploring how these men drew inspiration from unexpected sources has given me insights and inspiration to keep going when life's inevitable challenges and setbacks happen.

This trio have faced doubt, criticism, and their own insecurities and used them as fuel to overcome more than a few obstacles to achieve interesting and great things. I am writing about them now because they've motivated me at different stages in my life. And I reckon many other people, too.