Matthew's Reading Room

The Author

Admiral William H. McRaven is a retired U.S. Navy Admiral and former Navy SEAL who served as the commander of U.S. Special Operations Command. Throughout his 37-year military tenure, he held command positions at every level within the special operations community. He was responsible for some of the nation’s most significant military operations, such as the mission that led to the killing of Osama bin Laden. McRaven is also a bestselling author, recognized for his motivational and leadership books, such as “Make Your Bed,” which builds upon his viral 2014 University of Texas commencement speech.

Summary of “Make Your Bed”

Admiral William H. McRaven’s “Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life…And Maybe the World” is a motivational book that teaches life principles based on his experiences in Navy SEAL training. The book underscores the importance of modest actions in effecting significant change and instills values essential for personal and professional success. The fundamental principles include:

• Begin your day by completing a task.
  Making your bed each morning establishes a positive atmosphere for the remainder of the day and provides a sense of accomplishment.
• Locate an individual to assist you in paddling.
  Success in life is seldom accomplished independently. It is imperative to prioritize collaboration and establish a support system.
• Measure an individual by the size of their heart.
  Genuine value emanates from within. Physical appearance or heritage is less significant than determination and resilience.
• Rise Above Your Sugar Cookie Status.
  It is essential to acknowledge that life is not equitable. Character and resilience are fostered by perseverance in the face of adversity.
• Do not be intimidated by the circus.
  Failure is an inevitable aspect of existence, and confronting it directly can result in personal development and enhancement.
• Slide the obstacle down with your head first.
  Be daring and take risks. Occasionally, success can be achieved through unconventional methods.
• Refrain from retreating from the sharks.
  Confront your apprehensions and maintain your composure in the presence of intimidation.
• Embrace the Darkest Moments with Your Best Self.
  Adversity can be surmounted by maintaining composure and striving for excellence during difficult periods.
• Begin singing when you are submerged in mud to the neck.
  Retain optimism, regardless of the most difficult circumstances.
• Refrain from quitting at all costs.
  Persistence is essential for attaining success. Refrain from abandoning your objectives, regardless of the obstacles that may arise.

My Thoughts on “Make Your Bed”

Admiral William H. McRaven’s “Make Your Bed” confirmed what I was taught growing up. The book’s straightforward approach to imparting profound life lessons is in perfect harmony with my philosophies as a psychotherapist and coach. Here are a few important points to consider and reflections:

The book’s emphasis on the importance of commencing each day with a modest, positive action, such as making one’s bed, is one of its most profound teachings. This straightforward assignment can establish the tone for a productive day and offer a sense of accomplishment. In my professional experience, I frequently advise clients to integrate small, manageable tasks into their daily regimens to establish momentum and cultivate a sense of accomplishment and control.

The significance of having a robust support system is underscored by McRaven’s instruction on where to locate someone to assist with paddling. A significant distinction can be made by having someone to rely on during challenging times, whether in personal development or therapy. I have personally observed the advantages that clients derive from having supportive relationships and networks.

The book’s perspective on failure as a necessary and beneficial aspect of life is profoundly resonant with me. McRaven’s experiences serve as a reminder that failure is not the conclusion but rather a chance for personal development. I frequently teach this valuable lesson to clients who are apprehensive about failure and its potential consequences. Accepting failure can result in resilience and personal growth.

Another essential lesson from McRaven’s book is the encouragement to confront anxieties and take risks. In therapy, I assist clients in facing their fears and abandoning their comfort zones. This lesson serves to reaffirm the notion that taking calculated risks is imperative to advance and realize one’s potential.

The most significant impact is the overarching motif of not giving up and persistence. Persistence and resilience are essential for surmounting life’s obstacles. This lesson is especially pertinent in my work with clients who are confronted with long-term obstacles and require motivation to persist.

I encourage clients and colleagues to incorporate the teachings from “Make Your Bed”:

• Begin with Small Wins
  To establish a positive perspective and generate momentum, begin each day with a small task.
• Establish a Support Network
  Develop relationships and support systems that offer resilience during difficult periods.
• Embrace and Learn from Failure
  View failures as opportunities for personal development and education. Encourage individuals to confront their fears and take risks for personal and professional development.
• Practice Persistence
  Cultivate resilience and persistence in adversity, ensuring that significant objectives are not abandoned.

In summary, Admiral William H. McRaven’s “Make Your Bed” provides practical advice and timeless wisdom for leading a successful and fulfilling existence. These teachings are invaluable for promoting personal development and mental fitness. This book is essential for anyone who aspires to enhance their life, one small step at a time, due to the profundity and simplicity of McRaven’s insights.