"Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life...And Maybe the World" by Admiral William H. McRaven

A Summary

In his book, "Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life...And Maybe the World", retired Admiral William H. McRaven shares valuable life lessons derived from his experience as a Navy SEAL. Published in 2017, the book is based on McRaven’s widely popular commencement speech delivered at the University of Texas at Austin in 2014, where he outlined ten principles that could help people overcome life's challenges and influence positive change in the world. These principles are grounded in the lessons McRaven learned during his rigorous SEAL training and his 37-year military career.

1. The Power of Making Your Bed

The title of the book comes from the first lesson: start each day by making your bed. McRaven emphasizes that accomplishing this small task at the beginning of the day sets a positive tone for everything that follows. This simple act instills a sense of pride and accomplishment, reinforcing the importance of attention to detail and discipline. It’s a metaphor for tackling more significant challenges that may come later. As McRaven notes, “If you make your bed every morning, you will have accomplished the first task of the day.”

2. Embrace the Suck

Another key lesson McRaven shares is the need to embrace adversity. Using the phrase "embrace the suck," often used by the SEALs during their grueling training, he stresses that hardship is inevitable in life, but resilience is key to overcoming it. McRaven recounts the infamous SEAL "Hell Week," where trainees are pushed to their physical and mental limits. He learned that sometimes, you can't avoid discomfort or pain, but by enduring it with a positive attitude and teamwork, you can come out stronger.

3. Don’t Go It Alone

McRaven highlights the importance of teamwork and the support of others. The lesson is particularly relevant in the SEALs, where success in any mission is reliant on the collaboration of every team member. He argues that this applies universally—whether in personal or professional life, it’s crucial to surround yourself with people who will help you through challenges. As he states, “None of us are immune from life’s tragedies. But if we seek help from others and rely on our team, we will overcome even the toughest times.”

4. Get Over Being a Sugar Cookie

The "sugar cookie" concept refers to a part of SEAL training where instructors make trainees roll in sand and stay that way all day, regardless of their efforts to follow orders. This lesson teaches resilience in the face of unfairness and challenges that come without reason. McRaven explains that life isn’t always fair, but instead of getting frustrated, we need to push forward. The point is to learn to persevere without wasting time feeling sorry for ourselves.

5. Failure Can Make You Stronger

One of the critical takeaways from the book is that failure is part of the path to success. McRaven shares the story of the "circus," a punishment during SEAL training for those who didn’t meet performance standards. Instead of letting the failure break them, the best trainees used it as a motivation to improve. He explains that failure is an opportunity for growth, and resilience in the face of setbacks is essential for achieving greatness.

6. Dare Greatly

McRaven encourages readers to take risks and pursue their goals with boldness, even in the face of uncertainty. Drawing from his own experience leading dangerous missions, he emphasizes that playing it safe doesn’t lead to great accomplishments. Risk is inherent in growth, whether it's in relationships, careers, or personal endeavors. To change your world, you must be willing to take that leap.

7. Stand Your Ground

In one of the more harrowing lessons, McRaven recalls a moment during his SEAL training where he had to swim through shark-infested waters. The lesson? Don’t back down from challenges, even when they seem insurmountable. In both literal and metaphorical terms, standing your ground against fear and adversity is crucial to achieving your objectives.

8. Lift Others Up

A recurring theme in McRaven’s book is the importance of helping others. He emphasizes that true success and leadership come from making a positive impact on those around you. Whether in the SEALs or civilian life, lifting others up and fostering a spirit of community can lead to greater personal fulfillment and collective progress.

9. Never Quit

Perhaps the most vital lesson McRaven shares is the SEAL motto: never, ever quit. Success in any aspect of life requires persistence. Quitting when faced with difficulty ensures failure, but continuing to push through the pain, exhaustion, or doubt often leads to success in the long run. McRaven notes that the most successful SEALs were not necessarily the strongest or fastest but those who refused to give up.

10. Hope for the Best but Prepare for the Worst

McRaven concludes by stressing the importance of having hope but also preparing for the worst. In his experience, hope was the driving force that kept him and his fellow SEALs moving forward, but preparedness was what allowed them to succeed in the face of great danger. Balancing optimism with a practical approach to obstacles is essential for thriving in tough times.

Impact and Reception

"Make Your Bed" became a bestseller, resonating with readers due to its practical life advice, motivational tone, and universal appeal. Although it’s rooted in McRaven’s military experience, the principles he shares can be applied in everyday life. The book has been praised for its simplicity and directness, offering readers a roadmap for building resilience and achieving their goals.

Conclusion

In "Make Your Bed", Admiral William McRaven distills his military experience into ten simple yet profound lessons that can guide anyone to overcome adversity and achieve success. From making your bed every morning to never giving up in the face of hardship, McRaven's advice emphasizes discipline, teamwork, and resilience. The book serves as a reminder that small actions can lead to big changes, both in personal life and in the world.

References:

• McRaven, W. H. (2017). Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life...And Maybe the World. Grand Central Publishing.
• University of Texas at Austin. (2014). Admiral McRaven’s Commencement Address. UT News.

This article captures the essence of the book and its life lessons based on McRaven’s experiences and wisdom gained through his years as a Navy SEAL.