Make Your Bed

About the Author

Admiral William H. McRaven is a retired Navy SEAL with a distinguished 37-year military career. Born on November 6, 1955, in Pinehurst, North Carolina, McRaven graduated from the University of Texas at Austin and later received his master's degree from the Naval Postgraduate School. Throughout his career, McRaven was known for his leadership, discipline, and resilience, qualities that he honed during his time in the SEALs. He gained widespread recognition for his role in overseeing Operation Neptune Spear, which led to the death of Osama bin Laden. After retiring from the Navy, McRaven shared his life lessons in a 2014 commencement speech at his alma mater, which later inspired his bestselling book, Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life... And Maybe the World.

Main Idea

Make Your Bed distills Admiral McRaven’s life experiences into ten practical lessons that emphasize the importance of discipline, resilience, and perseverance. Drawing from his time in the Navy SEALs, McRaven argues that small actions, such as making your bed every morning, can lead to significant improvements in life. These lessons are not just for military personnel but for anyone seeking to overcome challenges, achieve success, and lead a meaningful life. McRaven’s message is clear: no matter how difficult life becomes, persistence and the right mindset can help you navigate any obstacle.

Table of Contents

1. Start Each Day with an Accomplishment
2. Success in Life Requires Teamwork
3. It’s What’s Inside that Counts
4. A Setback Is Only Permanent if You Let It Be
5. Use Failure to Your Advantage
6. Be Daring in Life
7. Keep Courage Close
8. Stand Tall in the Midst of Darkness
9. Inspire Others with Hope
10. No Matter What, Never Give Up

Start Each Day with an Accomplishment

Admiral McRaven’s first lesson is about the power of small accomplishments. He explains that starting your day with a task as simple as making your bed can set the tone for the rest of the day. This small act instills a sense of discipline and pride, which can motivate you to complete more challenging tasks. "If you want to change the world, start by making your bed," McRaven states, emphasizing that even the smallest victories can create momentum for larger successes.

Making your bed is not just about tidiness; it’s about setting a standard of excellence for yourself, beginning with the first task of the day. McRaven learned this during his SEAL training, where attention to detail and discipline were paramount. The simple act of making his bed each morning became a ritual that grounded him, giving him a sense of control and accomplishment that carried through to the rest of his day.

• McRaven recalls how, during his SEAL training, making his bed each morning provided a sense of control and achievement, even amidst the chaos of training.
• Later in life, after suffering a severe injury, making his bed symbolized his determination to recover and continue leading a productive life.

This lesson is universally applicable; whether you're in the military or living a civilian life, starting your day with a simple, completed task can set a positive tone. It builds discipline and sets you up for success, creating a ripple effect that can influence the rest of your day and, ultimately, your life.

Success in Life Requires Teamwork

McRaven’s second lesson focuses on the importance of teamwork. He describes how, as a SEAL-in-training, he and his fellow cadets relied on each other to get through the grueling exercises. The inflatable raft they carried everywhere became a symbol of their collective strength and unity. "You can’t paddle the boat alone," McRaven writes, underscoring that in life, just as in SEAL training, the support of others is crucial to overcoming challenges and achieving success.

Teamwork is the cornerstone of success in any field. McRaven learned this firsthand during his training, where the bond between team members was not just a matter of camaraderie, but a necessity for survival and success. Each member of the team had a role to play, and the success of one depended on the efforts of all. This principle applies beyond the military; in any endeavor, having a supportive team can make the difference between success and failure.

• McRaven’s team carried the raft together, each person contributing to the group’s overall success, teaching him the value of collaboration and mutual support.
• After his injury, McRaven leaned on his team to help him recover, showing how teamwork is essential not just in the military but in all aspects of life.

This lesson highlights the importance of building and nurturing relationships with others. Whether in a professional setting, a personal project, or any aspect of life, having a network of support can provide the strength and resilience needed to face challenges and achieve goals. No one succeeds alone, and understanding this is key to leading a fulfilling and successful life.