Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life…And Maybe the World

Make Your Bed is Admiral William H. McRaven’s inspiring guide to personal development and success, based on his viral 2014 commencement speech at the University of Texas at Austin. The speech, which received millions of views online, offered ten simple but powerful lessons learned from his time as a Navy SEAL that can help anyone achieve their goals and make a positive impact on the world.

The Origin Story

McRaven’s commencement speech began with a simple observation: the first thing he learned in SEAL training was to make his bed every morning. This seemingly small act, he explained, provides a sense of accomplishment and control that sets the tone for the rest of the day. The speech went viral because it resonated with people from all walks of life who were looking for practical advice on how to improve themselves and overcome challenges.

The Ten Lessons

Lesson 1: Make Your Bed

The book expands on the central metaphor of the commencement speech. Making your bed each morning is about starting the day with a small victory that creates momentum for bigger accomplishments. It’s about taking control of what you can control and setting a positive tone for the day ahead.

Lesson 2: Find Someone to Help You Paddle

Success is rarely achieved alone. McRaven emphasizes the importance of having people in your life who can help you through difficult times. Just as SEALs work in pairs to navigate challenging waters, we all need someone to help us paddle through life’s obstacles.

Lesson 3: Measure a Person by the Size of Their Heart, Not the Size of Their Flippers

Character matters more than credentials or physical abilities. McRaven shares stories of individuals who overcame significant challenges through determination, courage, and heart rather than natural talent or advantages.

SEAL training includes a punishment called “sugar cookie” where trainees are covered in sand and must roll in it. The lesson is about getting over setbacks and failures quickly and moving forward. Resilience and the ability to bounce back from adversity are essential for success.

Lesson 5: Don’t Be Afraid of the Circus

The “circus” in SEAL training is extra physical training given as punishment. McRaven’s lesson is about not being afraid to take on additional challenges or responsibilities. Sometimes the extra effort leads to unexpected opportunities and growth.

Lesson 6: Sometimes You Have to Slither Through the Mud

Life will sometimes require you to do things that are unpleasant or beneath your dignity. McRaven emphasizes the importance of humility and being willing to do whatever it takes to accomplish your mission.

Lesson 7: There’s No Crocodiles in the Pool

This lesson is about facing your fears. In SEAL training, instructors would tell trainees there were no crocodiles in the pool to help them overcome their fear of the water. McRaven explains that most of our fears are imaginary and that we must push through them to achieve our goals.

Lesson 8: Ring the Bell

SEAL training has a bell that trainees can ring to quit. McRaven’s lesson is about perseverance and not giving up when things get difficult. Everyone has a bell in their life - the key is to never ring it.

Lesson 9: Give Your Best Effort to the Mission and Trust Your Teammates

Success requires giving your absolute best effort while trusting others to do the same. McRaven emphasizes the importance of teamwork, mutual trust, and shared responsibility in achieving any mission.

Lesson 10: You Can’t Bring a Pig to a Party

This final lesson is about surrounding yourself with positive people and avoiding those who bring negativity into your life. Just as you wouldn’t bring a pig to a party, you shouldn’t let negative people spoil your day or derail your goals.

Key Themes

The Power of Small Actions

The central theme of the book is that small, consistent actions can lead to significant changes in our lives. Making your bed each morning is a metaphor for taking control through small victories that build momentum for bigger accomplishments.

Discipline and Standards

McRaven emphasizes the importance of maintaining high standards and discipline in all aspects of life. The habits and standards we maintain in small things translate to how we approach bigger challenges.

Resilience and Perseverance

Life will inevitably present challenges and setbacks. The ability to bounce back from adversity and keep moving forward is essential for success and personal growth.

Teamwork and Mutual Support

No one succeeds alone. Building strong relationships and supporting others while accepting support in return is crucial for achieving our goals.

Character and Integrity

Character is revealed in how we handle difficult situations and treat others. McRaven emphasizes that true success comes from maintaining one’s integrity and treating others with respect.

Facing Fears

Fear is a natural response to challenges, but it can also be a barrier to success. Learning to recognize and overcome our fears is essential for personal growth and achievement.

Practical Applications

Personal Development

The lessons provide a framework for self-improvement through:

Establishing positive daily habits
Building resilience and mental toughness
Developing a growth mindset
Taking responsibility for outcomes

Professional Success

The principles apply to career advancement through:

Maintaining high standards in all tasks
Building strong professional relationships
Demonstrating perseverance through challenges
Leading by example and taking initiative

Leadership Development

For those in leadership positions, the lessons offer guidance on:

Inspiring and motivating others
Building trust and accountability within teams
Making difficult decisions under pressure
Maintaining standards while supporting team members

Overcoming Adversity

The book provides strategies for dealing with setbacks and challenges:

Reframing failures as learning opportunities
Maintaining perspective during difficult times
Seeking support from others when needed
Focusing on what you can control

The Military Perspective on Civilian Life

McRaven’s unique perspective comes from applying military principles to civilian challenges. The discipline, standards, and teamwork that are essential in special operations can be equally valuable in personal and professional life.

Mission Focus

In the military, every action is directed toward mission success. McRaven encourages readers to approach their personal and professional goals with the same clarity of purpose and commitment.

Preparation and Planning

Special operations require meticulous preparation and planning. McRaven emphasizes the importance of being thoroughly prepared for any challenge while remaining flexible enough to adapt to changing circumstances.

Attention to Detail

In high-stakes situations, small details can determine success or failure. This attention to detail and commitment to excellence translates to all areas of life.

The Ripple Effect

One of the book’s key messages is that individual actions can have far-reaching consequences. By improving ourselves and our immediate environment, we can create positive changes that extend to our families, communities, and ultimately the world.

Personal Responsibility

McRaven emphasizes that we are all responsible for our own lives and the impact we have on others. Taking ownership of our actions and their consequences is the first step toward making a positive difference.

Leading by Example

The best way to influence others is through our own actions. By embodying the principles we want to see in the world, we can inspire others to do the same.

Service to Others

True success involves using our abilities and achievements to help others. McRaven encourages readers to look for opportunities to serve their communities and make a positive impact.

Criticisms and Limitations

While widely praised, the book has faced some criticism:

Some argue that military metaphors may not apply to all civilian situations
Others question whether the emphasis on individual responsibility adequately addresses systemic barriers
The book’s brevity means that some concepts are not explored in great depth

Conclusion

Make Your Bed offers a practical and inspiring framework for personal development based on lessons learned in one of the most demanding environments imaginable. McRaven’s ten principles provide actionable guidance for:

Starting each day with purpose and intention
Building resilience in the face of challenges
Developing strong relationships and support networks
Maintaining high standards and personal integrity
Persevering through difficulties and setbacks
Making a positive impact on the world around us

The book’s popularity reflects a widespread desire for practical advice on personal development that is grounded in real-world experience. While simple in concept, the principles McRaven shares are profound in their implications and can serve as a foundation for meaningful personal and professional growth.

By implementing these lessons, readers can develop the discipline, resilience, and character needed to overcome life’s challenges and achieve their goals. More importantly, they can contribute to creating a better world by embodying the values of service, integrity, and perseverance that McRaven learned through his distinguished military career.

Whether you’re just starting your career, facing significant challenges, or simply looking to improve your daily habits, Make Your Bed provides a roadmap for success that is both accessible and inspiring.

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