Published in 2017, “Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life… And Maybe the World” by Admiral William H. McRaven, is a concise yet powerful guide to living a life of purpose and resilience.
Drawing from his experiences as a U.S. Navy four-star admiral and commander of U.S. Special Operations, McRaven distills life lessons into ten principles that can help anyone overcome challenges and make a positive impact on the world.
With its blend of military discipline and universal wisdom, this book offers readers a refreshing perspective on personal growth and success.
Core Concepts
At its heart, “Make Your Bed” is about the power of small actions to create significant change. McRaven presents ten life lessons, each rooted in his Navy SEAL training and career experiences:
- Start your day with a task completed (Make your bed)
- Find someone to help you paddle (You can’t go it alone)
- Measure a person by the size of their heart (Respect everyone)
- Get over being a sugar cookie and keep moving forward (Life isn’t fair)
- Don’t be afraid of the circus (You will fail often)
- Slide down the obstacle head first (Take risks)
- Don’t back down from the sharks (Stand up to bullies)
- Be your very best in the darkest moments (Rise to the occasion)
- Start singing when you’re up to your neck in mud (Give people hope)
- Don’t ever, ever ring the bell (Never, ever quit)
By embracing these principles, McRaven argues that individuals can develop the resilience and determination needed to overcome life’s challenges and make a positive difference in the world.
Chapter-by-Chapter Review
Chapter 1: Start Your Day with a Task Completed
McRaven begins with the titular lesson: make your bed. This simple act, he argues, sets the tone for the day and provides a small sense of pride that can motivate you to accomplish more. It serves as a metaphor for taking control of your life, one small step at a time.
Chapter 2: You Can’t Go It Alone
Drawing from his SEAL training experiences, McRaven emphasizes the importance of teamwork and mutual support. He illustrates how even the strongest individuals need help sometimes, encouraging readers to build and nurture supportive relationships.
Chapter 3: Only the Size of Your Heart Matters
This chapter focuses on looking beyond appearances and judging people by their character and actions. McRaven shares inspiring stories of seemingly unlikely heroes, reminding us that courage and determination can come from unexpected sources.
Chapter 4: Life’s Not Fair—Drive On!
Using the “sugar cookie” concept from SEAL training, McRaven teaches resilience in the face of unfairness. He encourages readers to accept that life isn’t always fair and to focus on moving forward despite setbacks.
Chapter 5: Failure Can Make You Stronger
McRaven reframes failure as an opportunity for growth. He shares personal stories of failure and how they ultimately led to greater success, inspiring readers to embrace challenges and learn from their mistakes.
Chapter 6: You Must Dare Greatly
This chapter highlights the value of taking risks and stepping outside your comfort zone. McRaven encourages boldness in pursuing goals, demonstrating that courage is essential for achieving meaningful accomplishments.
Chapter 7: Stand Up to the Bullies
McRaven explores the importance of confronting adversity and standing up against intimidation. He shares examples from SEAL training where perseverance and moral courage made all the difference.
Chapter 8: Rise to the Occasion
In this chapter, McRaven illustrates how moments of extreme challenge reveal character. He emphasizes preparation, resilience, and staying calm under pressure as keys to rising above obstacles.
Chapter 9: Give People Hope
McRaven shows the transformative power of inspiring and supporting others. Through stories of mentorship and encouragement, he emphasizes that even small acts of hope can have far-reaching effects.
Chapter 10: Never, Ever Quit
The final chapter underscores persistence and unwavering determination. McRaven shares stories of grit and endurance, leaving readers with the central message that perseverance is the ultimate key to overcoming adversity.
Key Strengths
- Concise, powerful lessons applicable to various life situations
- Engaging storytelling that brings each principle to life
- Balances military discipline with universal wisdom
- Emphasizes the power of small actions in creating significant change
- Inspires readers to develop resilience and determination
Potential Drawbacks
- Some readers might find the military-based examples less relatable
- The brevity of the book means some concepts aren’t explored in great depth
- The straightforward approach may not appeal to those seeking more complex psychological insights
Who This Book Is For
The book is particularly valuable for:
- Individuals seeking practical, actionable advice for personal growth
- Young adults starting their career or life journey
- Anyone facing challenges or setbacks who needs motivation
- Readers who appreciate straightforward, no-nonsense wisdom
Admiral William H. McRaven 2014 commencement speech
The book expands on McRaven’s viral commencement speech at the University of Texas.
Final Review
“Make Your Bed” offers a refreshing take on personal development, delivering profound wisdom in a concise, accessible format. McRaven’s military background provides a unique perspective, but the lessons he shares are universally applicable.
The book’s strength lies in its simplicity and practicality. Each principle is easy to understand and implement, making it an ideal guide for those who want to make immediate positive changes in their lives. It serves as a powerful reminder that small actions, consistent effort, and a resilient mindset can lead to significant personal growth and positive impact on the world.
Rating: 4.7/5
A concise, inspiring guide to building resilience and making a positive impact, “Make Your Bed” offers timeless wisdom that can help anyone navigate life’s challenges with greater confidence and purpose.
Alternative Books
If you are looking for more books on personal development and resilience, consider these:
“The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen R. Covey
Offers a comprehensive approach to personal and professional effectiveness.
Rating: 4.6/5
“Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance” by Angela Duckworth
Explores the importance of perseverance in achieving long-term goals.
Rating: 4.6/5
“Mindset: The New Psychology of Success” by Carol S. Dweck
Examines how our beliefs shape our personal growth and success.
Rating: 4.6/5
