Make Your Bed by Admiral William H. McRaven is a small but powerful book packed with several life lessons. The book is based on the commencement speech McRaven gave at the University of Texas in 2014, which went viral for its simplicity and profound advice. It shares lessons he learnt from his time as a Navy SEAL and how they can be applied to our daily lives. Here are the key takeaways I gathered from this inspiring book.
Start Your Day by Making Your Bed
The title of the book itself suggests the first lesson: start your day by making your bed. This simple act gives you a small sense of accomplishment at the very beginning of your day. It sets the tone for the rest of the day, reminding you that even small tasks matter. McRaven explains that making your bed is about discipline and order, two qualities that are essential for success.
I’ve found this practice to be incredibly effective. Making my bed every morning gives me a little boost of motivation, and it’s a reminder that the small things in life can build up to bigger successes. It also creates a sense of order in my space, which helps me stay focused throughout the day.
Life Is Not Fair – Get Over It
One of the most striking lessons from the book is McRaven’s blunt reminder that life is not fair. During his SEAL training, he and others were often punished for no apparent reason. This was referred to as being a “sugar cookie,” where they had to roll in sand and stay that way all day. The lesson was that sometimes, no matter how hard you try, things won’t go your way. Complaining about it won’t help; you just have to move forward.
Failure Can Make You Stronger
In one of the chapters, McRaven discusses the importance of failure. He recalls how he and his fellow trainees often failed physical tests and were sent to a gruelling extra workout session known as the “circus.” While this punishment was tough, it also made them physically and mentally stronger over time.
McRaven suggests that failure should not be feared but embraced as a chance to learn and grow. Each failure is a stepping stone to success, as long as we learn from it.
Don’t Go It Alone
Teamwork is a recurring theme in Make Your Bed. McRaven stresses the importance of working together and supporting one another. During SEAL training, no one could complete the tough tasks on their own. Success depended on everyone contributing and having each other’s back.
This lesson is applicable in so many areas of life. Whether it’s in your workplace, your family, or your community, no one can achieve everything alone. Teamwork doesn’t just make tasks easier; it also builds trust and camaraderie.
Embrace the Power of Hope
One of the most touching parts of the book is when McRaven talks about the power of hope. He shares a story of how his SEAL team, during a difficult night, found solace in one member starting to sing. The simple act of singing lifted everyone’s spirits and gave them hope to push through the challenge.
Hope is a powerful force that can keep us going even in the darkest times. McRaven reminds us to find that spark of hope, whether it’s through laughter, music, or encouraging words. It’s incredible how much difference a little hope can make.
Perseverance is Key
McRaven emphasises the importance of perseverance and determination. SEAL training is designed to push people to their limits, both physically and mentally. Many people quit because the challenges seem insurmountable. Those who succeed are the ones who refuse to give up, no matter how tough it gets.
This lesson inspires us to adopt a never-give-up attitude. Life will always throw challenges our way, but quitting should never be the first option. Pushing through difficulties, even when the odds are against us, helps us build character and strength.
Take Risks
Another valuable lesson from the book is to take risks. McRaven recounts moments when he had to step outside his comfort zone and face dangerous situations during his SEAL career. Success often required courage and the willingness to take calculated risks.
This lesson encourages us to be more courageous in our own life.
Face Your Fears
Fear is a natural part of life, but it should never control us. McRaven explains how SEAL training taught him to confront his fears head-on, whether it was swimming in shark-infested waters or navigating dangerous missions. Facing fears builds confidence and helps us grow stronger. Most fears are exaggerated in our minds, and overcoming them is incredibly rewarding.
Stand Tall in the Face of Adversity
McRaven shares a poignant story of how his SEAL team stood firm during a physically demanding and demoralising drill. Despite the harsh conditions, they refused to give up and stood together as a unit. This story is a reminder that we must remain steadfast in the face of adversity.
Life will always test us, but how we respond matters the most. We shoud learn to stand tall during tough times, keeping our values and principles intact. It’s not easy, but it’s always worth it.
Leave a Legacy
Finally, McRaven encourages us to leave the world a better place than we found it. Whether it’s through small acts of kindness or significant achievements, we all have the power to make a difference. He reminds us that our actions can inspire others and create ripples of positive change.
This motivates us to think beyond ourselves and consider how our actions impact others. Whether it’s helping a friend, volunteering, or sharing knowledge, we should contribute to something bigger than ourselves.
Final Thoughts
Make Your Bed is a short book, but it’s filled with timeless wisdom. The lessons McRaven shares are simple yet profound, and they apply to everyone, no matter their background or circumstances. What I love most about the book is its practicality. It’s not just about lofty ideals but about actions we can take every day to improve our lives and the lives of others. If you’re looking for inspiration and practical advice to navigate life’s challenges, I highly recommend Make Your Bed. It’s a book that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page, and its lessons will continue to guide you towards a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
Favourite quote
“If you want to change the world, be your very best in the darkest moments.”
Click here to buy ‘Make Your Bed‘ on Amazon.