Make Your Bed
It may seem like a small and insignificant detail but a made bed can get your day started on the right foot.
"Make Your Bed" by Admiral William H. McRaven is a book that distills life lessons learned from Navy SEAL training into practical advice for everyday life.
Here are the main lessons from the book:
1. Start Your Day with a Task Completed
McRaven emphasizes the importance of starting your day by making your bed. This small task sets a positive tone for the day, giving you a sense of accomplishment and encouraging you to complete more tasks throughout the day.
It demonstrates discipline, attention to detail, and a commitment to excellence, which are crucial for success in any endeavor.
2. You Can’t Go It Alone
The value of teamwork and building strong relationships is a recurring theme in McRaven's book. He stresses that you need a buddy who has your back, and you should be prepared to support others as well.
This mutual support is essential for overcoming challenges and achieving success.
3. Only the Size of Your Heart Matters
McRaven highlights that true strength comes from within. Empathy, compassion, and treating others with dignity and respect are more important than physical attributes.
This lesson encourages readers to value inner qualities over outward appearances.
4. Get Over Being a Sugar Cookie
In SEAL training, a "sugar cookie" is someone who has to roll in the sand and stay that way for the rest of the day as a form of punishment.
McRaven uses this as a metaphor for embracing failure and learning from it. He encourages readers to accept that life is not always fair and to use setbacks as opportunities for growth.
5. Don’t Be Afraid of the Circus
The "Circus" refers to extra training sessions for those who fail to meet standards.
McRaven advises facing challenges head-on and maintaining a positive attitude, even in difficult circumstances. This lesson is about resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity.
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6. Slide Down the Obstacle Head First
McRaven uses the analogy of sliding down a high tower obstacle head first to illustrate the importance of taking calculated risks and stepping out of your comfort zone to achieve success.
This lesson encourages boldness and courage in pursuing your goals.
7. Don’t Back Down from the Sharks
During SEAL training, trainees must swim in shark-infested waters. McRaven uses this as a metaphor for facing and overcoming fears.
He encourages readers to confront their anxieties and take bold action, rather than avoiding challenges.
8. Be Your Very Best in Your Darkest Moments
McRaven shares stories of perseverance and resilience during combat situations, emphasizing the importance of maintaining composure and making critical decisions under pressure.
This lesson is about rising to the occasion and performing at your best when it matters most.
9. Start Singing When You’re Up to Your Neck in Mud
This lesson underscores the significance of maintaining a positive attitude and finding joy even in difficult circumstances. McRaven recounts how singing helped his team endure tough times, illustrating the power of optimism and morale.
10. Don’t Ever, Ever Ring the Bell
In SEAL training, ringing the bell signifies quitting. McRaven's final lesson is about perseverance and never giving up on your dreams and goals, no matter how tough the journey gets. This lesson is a call to maintain focus and determination.
Conclusion
"Make Your Bed" offers valuable insights and practical advice on how to develop the habits and mindset needed for personal growth and success.
By starting your day with a small accomplishment, embracing teamwork, facing challenges head-on, and never giving up, you can make a positive impact on your life and the lives of those around you
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Joe Calasan