“Make Your Bed” had been on my reading list for a while, but this year I finally picked it up. I’m usually not a big fan of self-help books because many of them tell people what to do, but the authors haven’t actually lived through those experiences. A lot of times, these books feel like they’re based on made up ideas instead of real life lessons. So, I wasn’t sure if I’d like it.
But since Make Your Bed is a short book, only about 144 pages, I decided to give it a try. And let me tell you, it’s awesome! It’s not like other self-help books. The author, Admiral William McRaven, talks about his real experiences during Navy SEAL training and the important lessons he learned. What’s cool is that these lessons can be used in everyday life, not just in the military. It’s a simple, no-nonsense book that gives you real advice you can use.
Who is Admiral William McRaven?
Admiral William McRaven is a retired Navy SEAL who served for 37 years in the U.S. Navy, leading special operations around the world. One of his most important missions was in 2011, when he commanded the operation in Afghanistan that brought down Osama bin Laden, the leader of the terrorist group behind the 9/11 attacks.
McRaven likes to tell a funny story from that mission. After the military recovered Bin Laden’s body, McRaven needed to confirm it was really him. While they had facial recognition technology, McRaven knew Bin Laden was very tall, about six-foot-four. So, he found a six-foot-two soldier and had him lay down next to the body to compare their heights. Sure enough, Bin Laden’s body was two inches taller. McRaven reported to President Obama, saying DNA tests were still needed, but he was confident they had the right man.
In that moment, the president lightened the tension by joking, “Wait, we had $65 million for a helicopter, but not $10 for a tape measure?” Later, when McRaven visited the White House, President Obama gave him a plaque with a tape measure on it as a gift, something McRaven will never forget.
In 2014, McRaven gave a commencement speech at the University of Texas that quickly went viral. In the speech, he shared 10 life lessons from his Navy SEAL training, showing how simple actions, like making your bed every morning, can lead to success in life. Inspired by the impact of his speech, McRaven wrote Make Your Bed in 2017 to share his experiences and practical advice with a wider audience. His real-life stories make his advice trustworthy and easy to apply to everyday life.
“Make Your Bed” is divided into 10 chapters, each focusing on a life lesson McRaven learned during his tough Navy SEAL training. These lessons are simple but powerful, showing how small actions can lead to big changes in life.
1. Start Your Day with a Task Completed
In this chapter, McRaven emphasizes the importance of making your bed every morning. He explains that starting the day with a simple task gives you a sense of accomplishment and sets a positive tone for the rest of the day. It teaches discipline and encourages you to tackle bigger challenges ahead.
2. You Can’t Go It Alone
Here, McRaven discusses the value of teamwork. He shares stories from his training that show how working together with others can help you achieve great things. Relying on friends and teammates is crucial, whether in the military or in everyday life, because no one can succeed alone.
3. Only the Size of Your Heart Matters
In this chapter, McRaven talks about how true success isn’t determined by physical strength or size, but by your heart and determination. He tells inspiring stories of smaller or weaker candidates who succeeded in Navy SEAL training through grit and perseverance, showing that attitude matters more than appearance.
4. Life’s not fair – Drive On: Get Over Being a Sugar Cookie
McRaven uses the term “sugar cookie” to describe those who face unfair situations. He explains that sometimes you’ll work hard, but things won’t go your way. The key is to accept it, learn from the experience, and keep moving forward without dwelling on it.
5. Failure Can Make You Stronger: Don’t Be Afraid of the Circus
This chapter is about embracing failure. McRaven talks about the “circus,” a grueling training program for those who struggled. Instead of fearing failure, he encourages readers to face challenges head on and learn from mistakes, as they are opportunities for growth.
6. You Must Dare Greatly: Slide Down the Obstacle Head First
McRaven stresses the importance of taking risks. He tells a story about sliding down an obstacle course head first, which symbolizes facing fears and not always playing it safe. Taking chances can lead to exciting opportunities and personal growth.
7. Stand Up to the Bullies: Don’t Back Down from the Sharks
In this chapter, McRaven talks about facing fears and standing up to challenges. He uses the metaphor of sharks to represent the tough situations or bullies in life. He encourages readers to confront these fears directly rather than backing down, emphasizing the strength it takes to do so.
8. Rise to the Occasion: Be Your Very Best in the Darkest Moments
Here, McRaven highlights the importance of resilience during tough times. He shares stories from his training that illustrate how staying strong and focused during hardships is crucial. This chapter teaches that your true character shows when things get difficult.
9. Give People Hope: Start Singing When You’re Up to Your Neck in Mud
In this chapter, McRaven encourages maintaining a positive attitude, even in the worst situations. He shares an experience from training where soldiers sang to lift their spirits while stuck in tough conditions. Staying positive can inspire others and help you persevere through challenges.
10. Never, Ever Quit: Don’t Ever, Ever Ring the Bell
The final chapter focuses on the theme of perseverance. McRaven reminds readers that quitting is never an option. He shares stories of candidates who chose to push through despite wanting to give up. The message is clear: true success comes from determination and never giving in, no matter how hard things get.
Make Your Bed is a great book, and I recommend it to anyone who wants to improve their life. It’s a very short read, so you can finish it in just a day. Despite its length, the lessons inside are powerful and can really make a difference in how you approach everyday challenges.
This book is a must-read for self-improvement because it offers simple, yet practical advice based on Admiral McRaven’s real life experiences as a Navy SEAL. He teaches that small actions, like making your bed in the morning, can lead to big changes in your life. This idea shows that you don’t need to make huge changes all at once; starting with little habits can help you build momentum and make progress toward your goals.
Another reason this book is so valuable is that it encourages resilience and teamwork. McRaven shares stories about facing tough challenges and learning to rely on others for support. His message is clear: life will have its difficulties, but by pushing through and working together with friends or family, you can overcome obstacles and grow stronger. Reading this book can inspire you to take control of your life and become the best version of yourself.
In conclusion, Make Your Bed is a powerful and inspiring book that offers valuable life lessons in a simple and relatable way. Admiral McRaven’s experiences remind us that small actions can lead to significant improvements in our lives, and that resilience and teamwork are essential for overcoming challenges. Whether you’re looking to build better habits or simply seeking motivation, this book is a great starting point.
