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Make Your Bed
Little Things That Can Change Your Life...And Maybe the World by Admiral William H. McRaven
Andrew Levine
February 20, 2025
If you want to change the world, start by making your bed.
Success doesn’t come from luck—it comes from grit, guts, and maybe even a neatly made bed.
In Make Your Bed, Admiral William H. McRaven shares Navy SEAL lessons on discipline, resilience, and overcoming obstacles. He proves that success isn’t about talent or luck—it’s built through small daily habits and unwavering effort.
Did you know? The term Navy SEAL was officially adopted in 1962 when President John F. Kennedy established the SEAL teams as an elite maritime special operations force, with "SEAL" representing their ability to operate in Sea, Air, and Land environments.
SMARTEST TAKEAWAYS
Navy SEAL Rules for Success
1️⃣ Start Strong: Making your bed each morning isn’t about the sheets—it’s about starting your day with a win. Small victories build momentum and set the tone for bigger achievements.
2️⃣ Embrace the Tough Times: Life will knock you down, but success comes from how you get back up. The most resilient people push through discomfort, failure, and setbacks with unwavering determination.
3️⃣ Lift Others Up: Success isn’t a solo mission. Great leaders build strong teams, support those around them, and create a culture of resilience and trust.
Admiral William H. McRaven is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Make Your Bed and the New York Times bestseller Sea Stories: My Life in Special Operations.
INSIGHTFUL EXAMPLE
How a Simple Act Builds Discipline
McRaven recalls a brutal SEAL training exercise—cold, exhausted, and ready to quit—when a simple act of camaraderie kept his team going. They linked arms in the freezing water, refusing to let anyone fall behind.
The lesson? True strength isn’t just about pushing yourself—it’s about lifting others up, staying committed, and understanding that resilience is built one small choice at a time.
BOOK FACTS
Make Your Bed
First Published: April 4, 2017
Print length: 144 pages
Listening length: 1:53
Ratings: 4.7 Amazon, 4.0 Goodreads
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WORTH WATCHING
Admiral McRaven’s Unforgettable Commencement Address
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