The Stoic Edge in 30 Days: Day 5
Ken Davenport
Co-Founder & CEO @ Mission Edge | Author of “The Stoic Transition” & “The Stoic Edge” | Serial Entrepreneur | Veteran Transition Coach & Advocate | Mentor to Startups | Dad
Day #5: Make your Bed
When Admiral William McRaven gave his commencement speech at the University of Texas in 2014 (here is the YouTube link and it's well worth watching), he gave the world a single, simple and very Stoic tip:
Start every day by getting up and making your bed.
Why? As McRaven said:*
If you make your bed every morning, you will have accomplished the first task of the day. It will give you a small sense of pride and it will encourage you to do another task and another and another.
Making your bed will also reinforce the fact that little things in life matter. If you can’t do the little things right, you will never do the big things right. And, if by chance you have a miserable day, you will come home to a bed that is made—that you made—and a made bed gives you encouragement that tomorrow will be better.
Making your bed seems like a a small thing, but if you do it consistently, it adds up. James Clear, the author of the book Atomic Habits, argues that the most important factor in successfully ingraining a habit into your life is being consistent, which is far more important than being intense about it; do something every day for a month -- even in small quantities -- and the results are generally better than if you do it intensely but only once-per-week.
The Stoics were big fans of forming habits, for they understood the value of consistency and the impact it has on your life. As Epictetus said:
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“Every habit and capability is confirmed and grows in its corresponding actions, walking by walking, and running by running. Therefore, if you want to do something make a habit of it."
So start off strong with a nicely made bed. It's a great way to begin to the day, will make you feel good about yourself, and puts you on a path to accomplish bigger tasks. As Zeno said:
"Well-being is realized by small steps, but it is truly no small thing."
And after your bed is made, step outside and get some sunlight in your eyes. It will help with sleep and make you even more productive!
*(Admiral McRaven later wrote a book entitled Make Your Bed: Little Things that can Change Your Life (and Maybe the World).
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Ken Davenport is author of The Stoic Transition and The Stoic Edge.