In Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life…And Maybe the World, Admiral William H. McRaven shares ten life lessons drawn from his experiences as a Navy SEAL. While his stories are rooted in military training, the principles apply universally—to anyone striving for personal growth, leadership excellence, or professional success.
The book’s core message is simple yet powerful: “If you want to change the world, start by making your bed.” Small, consistent actions help build discipline, resilience, and long-term success. Below, we dive into McRaven’s most impactful lessons and how they can transform your mindset and habits.
Small Wins Set the Tone for Success
Starting your day with a simple accomplishment—like making your bed—can provide an immediate sense of pride and structure. Even if the rest of the day doesn’t go as planned, this one small act reminds you that you’re capable of achieving something meaningful. Over time, these small wins accumulate, shaping a mindset of discipline and positivity.
“If you can’t do the little things right, you’ll never do the big things right.” – William H. McRaven
Life Isn’t Fair—And That’s Okay
One of the toughest lessons from SEAL training is that life doesn’t always reward effort fairly. McRaven shares the story of the “sugar cookie” punishment, where trainees were forced to roll in wet sand for no reason other than to learn that life can be unfair. The real lesson?
- Your response to challenges matters more than the challenges themselves.
- You build resilience by accepting unfairness and continuing to push forward regardless.
Embrace Failure as a Stepping Stone
Failure isn’t the end—it’s a lesson in disguise. SEAL trainees often dreaded The Circus, an additional two hours of grueling training assigned to underperformers. However, those who endured it came out stronger. McRaven teaches us to:
- See failure as a necessary part of growth.
- Use failure to build physical and mental toughness.
- Understand that persistence leads to mastery.
Take Risks to Achieve Greatness
McRaven highlights the importance of courage and risk-taking. Playing it safe rarely leads to breakthroughs. Whether it’s launching a new business, changing careers, or innovating within your field, taking calculated risks is often the key to:
- Unlocking new opportunities.
- Overcoming fear of the unknown.
- Achieving growth both personally and professionally.
Build a Strong Support System
The most successful people aren’t lone wolves—they’re supported by friends, family, and mentors. McRaven emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself with people who:
- Lift you up during difficult times.
- Hold you accountable for your actions.
- Celebrate your successes and push you to go further.
In tough times, your network becomes your source of strength and motivation.
Stand Up to Challenges (and Bullies)
McRaven recounts facing metaphorical and literal “bullies” during his training and missions. His lesson? Courage builds confidence. Standing your ground in the face of adversity not only garners respect but also reinforces your own sense of self-worth.
In real life, standing up to challenges means:
- Facing difficult conversations head-on.
- Addressing workplace conflicts constructively.
- Speaking up for yourself and others.
Never Give Up, No Matter What
Perhaps the most powerful lesson from Make Your Bed is the importance of perseverance. Life will test your limits, but giving up is never the answer. The most successful individuals are those who:
- Stay consistent, even when the odds are against them.
- Find solutions instead of focusing on obstacles.
- Push through failures and setbacks with resilience.
“If you want to change the world, don’t ever, ever ring the bell.” – William H. McRaven (Referring to the SEAL training bell, which symbolizes quitting)
How These Lessons Apply to Everyday Life
Though inspired by military discipline, McRaven’s lessons apply to all aspects of life—career, personal relationships, and self-development. Imagine the impact of applying just a few of these strategies daily:
- Starting small builds momentum.
- Accepting life’s unfair moments strengthens your resolve.
- Leaning on your support network helps you overcome personal and professional challenges.
Key Takeaways:
- Small daily habits, like making your bed, build discipline and confidence.
- Accept that life isn’t always fair—your attitude is what counts.
- Use failure as an opportunity for growth and resilience.
- Take calculated risks to push beyond your comfort zone.
- Foster teamwork and supportive relationships to stay motivated.
- Face challenges head-on and never quit on your goals.
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References: William H. McRaven (2017). Make Your Bed.
