In 2014, Admiral William H. McRaven delivered a
now-legendary commencement speech at the University of Texas at Austin. The
central message was deceptively simple: Make your bed every morning.
This advice later became the foundation for his bestselling book, “Make Your
Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life… and Maybe the World.”
At first glance, making your bed might seem trivial, but
McRaven’s point is profound: Small, consistent actions create discipline,
build momentum, and can lead to life-changing results.
Why “Make Your Bed” Matters
McRaven’s lesson comes from his Navy SEAL training, where
attention to detail and personal discipline were non-negotiable. By starting
the day with a small, completed task, you set the tone for productivity, pride,
and perseverance. Even if the rest of the day goes poorly, you’ll return to a
bed you made—a reminder that you accomplished something and that tomorrow is a
fresh opportunity.
Key Lessons to Live By from Make Your Bed
1. Start Your Day with a Task Completed
Making your bed each morning reinforces the power of
starting small. It’s a visible accomplishment that builds early momentum and
sets a productive tone for the rest of the day.
2. Don’t Go It Alone
McRaven emphasizes teamwork and the importance of having
people in your life who will support you. In SEAL training, no one succeeds
without a “swim buddy.” In life, we all need partners, friends, and colleagues
who will help us succeed.
3. Embrace the Suck
Life is hard, and some days will be miserable. McRaven’s
advice? Face hardship head-on. Embracing the tough moments builds resilience
and mental toughness.
4. Don’t Judge by Size or Appearance
In training, some of the best performers were the smallest
in stature but had the biggest hearts. Success is about grit, not appearances.
Respect people for their character, not their looks.
5. Take Risks and Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
Progress often comes from doing what scares you. McRaven
encourages calculated risks to grow beyond your limitations.
6. Stand Up to Bullies
Whether in the water facing a shark or in life facing a
threat, courage matters. Stand firm when confronted by intimidation or
injustice.
7. Accept That Life Isn’t Fair
Bad things happen to good people. Complaining won’t change
it—your response will. Take responsibility and keep moving forward.
8. Failure Can Make You Stronger
In SEAL training, those who failed a physical test had to
do “sugar cookies”—rolling in sand and staying wet all day. It was miserable,
but those who endured became tougher. Don’t fear failure; use it as fuel.
9. Give People Hope
Sometimes the smallest act of encouragement can change
someone’s outlook. Leaders inspire by showing others that a better future is
possible.
10. Never Quit
The most important rule of SEAL training—and life—is
persistence. When you want to ring the bell and give up, remember why you
started and push forward.
How This Can Change Your Life
The “Make Your Bed” philosophy works because it shifts
focus from the overwhelming to the achievable. You don’t have to transform your
life overnight. Instead, start with one small action—done with consistency and
pride. Those small wins compound into big changes.
In McRaven’s words:
“If you want to change the world, start off by
making your bed.”
Your bed may be the first step, but it’s the
mindset—discipline, perseverance, and hope—that can truly reshape your life.
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