Make Your Bed

Little Things That Can Change Your Life… And Maybe The World

by William H. McRaven

4.7(46,757 ratings)

9 min read

Brief overview

This book shows how small, deliberate habits can shape a resilient mindset and positively impact your entire day. It highlights ways to tackle setbacks, choose positivity when things go wrong, and foster inner strength to push through challenges. Ultimately, it drives home the power of consistent discipline, teamwork, and courage in overcoming life's harshest obstacles.

Introduction

Have you ever wondered how a single small action could transform your day? This opening insight forms the bedrock of a perspective drawn from intense Navy SEAL training and universal life challenges. From early morning tasks to unshakeable camaraderie, you’ll see how harnessing discipline and courage can set you up for success.

In these pages, you’ll discover stories and principles that underline what it means to continue forward even when the tide is against you. Whether it’s dealing with a personal setback or educating yourself on how not to fold under pressure, the lessons spill into all areas of life.

In essence, you’ll see real examples of when resilience triumphs. Each chapter encourages you to apply these takeaways in your own world, no matter your background or experience.

Small routines can be powerful catalysts for major change.

Small Steps Matter

One of the book’s cornerstone lessons is to start your day by completing a simple task, like making your bed. It might seem trivial, but this small win sets the stage for more achievements throughout the day.

When everything else gets complicated, you’ll at least come home to one thing done right. This sense of order sparks confidence, showing you that you can achieve something tangible even in chaos.

Over time, this habit grows into a mindset of excellence and readiness. You’re more inclined to tackle bigger challenges if you’ve already proven to yourself that discipline yields success.

"If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed."

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What is Make Your Bed about?

Small, deliberate choices can shape a determined mindset, and in “Make Your Bed,” Navy SEAL Admiral William H. McRaven underscores how a simple morning routine can lead to major life improvements. From forging a disciplined start to facing unexpected adversities, the book delves into actionable principles that prove success can be cultivated one small step at a time.

These pages paint a picture of resilience, encouraging readers to turn setbacks into breakthroughs. McRaven leverages his military background to show that leadership, courage, and collaboration are not just for the battlefield—they can transform everyday life. The lessons resonate with anyone seeking a sharper focus and a renewed sense of purpose.

Review of Make Your Bed

One of the book’s standout qualities is its balance between straightforward wisdom and real-life Navy SEAL anecdotes. Each chapter highlights an essential habit or mindset, offering readers concrete ways to stay motivated under pressure and strengthen bonds with their peers. The result is both practical and invigorating, demonstrating that discipline and positivity can coexist in even the toughest circumstances.

McRaven’s style is approachable and concise, ensuring the material stays engaging for a broad audience. Whether you’re looking for personal development insights or seeking fresh perspectives on teamwork, the content feels relevant and honest. In the end, “Make Your Bed” is recommended for readers eager to apply military-grade resilience to everyday challenges.

Who should read Make Your Bed?

Busy professionals wanting a daily discipline boost
Students or career changers who crave a sense of structure and motivation
Anyone facing personal hurdles looking for tangible strategies to stay focused

About the author

William H. McRaven is a retired United States Navy four-star admiral with over 37 years of military service. He holds a master's degree from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, where he helped create the Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict curriculum and became the program's first graduate. His extensive experience includes commanding U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), and Special Operations Command Europe (SOCEUR). He is also the author of "Spec Ops: Case Studies in Special Operations Warfare: Theory and Practice" and has received numerous awards, including the Defense Distinguished Service Medal.