On May 17, 2014, the now-retired Admiral William H. McRaven delivered a powerful commencement speech for the graduating class at the University of Texas at Austin.
The speech quickly went viral, racking up over 10 million views, which you can check out at the end of this post.
“Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life… And Maybe the World” is an expanded version of that inspiring speech.
It’s a concise book with just over 100 pages, so you can easily read the entire thing in one sitting—I know I did!
I borrowed the book from my local library, and it was a lovely hardcover edition.
The book is packed with 10 life lessons, each accompanied by a heartfelt and patriotic short story drawn from real-life experiences, including the gruelling training McRaven underwent as a former Navy SEAL.
Book Overview: Make Your Bed – A Journey to Life-Changing Habits
Category | Details |
---|---|
Book Type | Non-fiction, Self-help, Motivational |
Main Focus | Life lessons and wisdom from a Navy SEAL |
Key Takeaway | Small daily habits can lead to significant life changes |
Reading Difficulty | Easy and engaging read |
The Greatest Gift You Can Give to Your Loved Ones: Make Your Bed
Honestly, I can’t think of a better gift to give to people of all ages, both kids and adults alike.
The messages within the book are clear, concise, and free of fluff.
These invaluable lessons will undoubtedly help anyone facing life’s challenges—let’s face it, that’s everyone!—to live their best life, even in the face of adversity.
The Lessons That Resonated with Me from Make Your Bed
What really struck a chord with me from some of the lessons were:
Life can be tough. Despite giving it your all, failures are bound to happen. Even when you do everything right, life’s unfairness can still knock you down.
The key is to rise above it and never give up.
I also discovered that the concept of making your bed as a Navy SEAL is entirely different from the simple morning routine I had been proud of ever since I first heard McRaven’s Make Your Bed Speech.
A SEAL’s bed-making process is the real deal, complete with inspections!
After reading the book, I felt inspired to incorporate a whole bunch of flutter kicks into my daily exercise routine.
You see, the positive impact was almost immediate!
Highlights from the Book: Make Your Bed’s Impactful Moments
(Credit: Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life… And Maybe the World by William H. McRaven)
… determination and grit were always more important than talent.
… outwork, outhustle, and outperform…
I sometimes fell short of being the best, but I never fell short of giving it my best.
… no one is immune from mistakes.
Life is a struggle and the potential for failure is ever present, but those who live in fear of failure, or hardship, or embarrassment will never achieve their potential. Without pushing your limits, without occasionally sliding down the rope headfirst, without daring greatly, you will never know what is truly possible in your life.
… we both wanted to be SEALs so badly that nothing in the water that night was going to stop us. If we had to fight off the sharks, then we were both prepared to do so. Our goal, which we believed to be honorable and noble, gave us courage, and courage is a remarkable quality. Nothing and nobody can stand in your way. Without it, you are at the mercy of life’s temptations. Without courage, men will be ruled by tyrants and despots. Without courage, no great society can flourish. Without courage, the bullies of the world rise up. With it, you can accomplish any goal. With it, you can defy and defeat evil.
Life is full of difficult times. But someone out there always has it worse than you do. If you fill your days with pity, sorrowful for the way you have been treated, bemoaning your lot in life, blaming your circumstances on someone or something else, then life will be long and hard. If, on the other hand, you refuse to give up on your dreams, stand tall and strong against the odds – then life will be what you make of it – and you can make it great. Never, ever, right the bell!
(Credit: Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life… And Maybe the World by William H. McRaven)
Where to Buy “Make Your Bed” by Admiral William H. McRaven: Unleash the Power of Small Habits
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Watch the Inspirational Make Your Bed Speech by Admiral McRaven
Final Thoughts: Transform Your Life with Small Habits through Make Your Bed
“Make Your Bed” by Admiral William H. McRaven is a compelling and motivational book that demonstrates the incredible impact small daily habits can have on your life.
Drawing from his time as a Navy SEAL, Admiral McRaven imparts valuable life lessons and insights that resonate with readers from all walks of life.
If you’re seeking self-improvement or searching for a thoughtful gift for someone you care about, this book is a fantastic option.
So, take the first step and make your bed – you might be surprised by how it transforms your life!
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