Make Your Bed Book Review

I found this book to be a nice reminder of some good life values. I later learned that this book came to be after McRaven gave a speech at a college commencement.

The nice thing about this book is that it is very quick to read and doesn’t belabor the main points. I read this book in a morning while drinking coffee.

Each chapter shares a story about McRaven’s time as a Navy SEAL and how you can apply the lesson to your life.

Overall the book has a very positive, can-do attitude about it that is good if you need a pick me up.

I only gave this book a 4-star rating because although it was a good reminder it didn’t go as deep as I like on books that I strongly recommend.

There wasn’t a lot of the nerdy science and other stuff that I like in this book but it still is a worthwhile read for those looking to change their lives and find positive ways to think about change.

Summary of Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life… and Maybe the World by Admiral William H. McRaven

Make Your Bed by Admiral William H. McRaven is a short, motivational book based on the principles he learned during his Navy SEAL training. The book is an expansion of a famous commencement speech McRaven delivered at the University of Texas at Austin in 2014, where he shared 10 life lessons learned from the military that apply to everyday life. These lessons are simple yet powerful, focusing on how small, disciplined actions can lead to significant life improvements.

Key Concepts:

1. Start Your Day by Making Your Bed:
   The book’s central metaphor and first lesson is to start each day by making your bed. This simple task creates a sense of accomplishment, setting a positive tone for the day. It also teaches discipline and reminds readers that even small tasks, when done well, contribute to larger success.
2. You Can’t Go It Alone:
   McRaven emphasizes the importance of teamwork and relying on others. He learned in SEAL training that no one can complete difficult tasks alone—whether it’s getting through a military mission or facing life’s challenges. Supporting others and allowing them to help you builds resilience and strengthens relationships.
3. Only the Size of Your Heart Matters:
   During training, McRaven observed that the physically toughest candidates didn’t always succeed. Instead, it was those with the biggest hearts—those with determination, courage, and perseverance—who pushed through adversity. This lesson encourages readers not to judge by appearances but by grit and character.
4. Get Over Being a Sugar Cookie:
   In SEAL training, a “sugar cookie” is someone who is required to roll in the sand and remain covered in it for the rest of the day as punishment. McRaven uses this as a metaphor for accepting that life isn’t fair. Instead of resenting unfair situations, we should focus on how we respond to them, building mental toughness in the face of adversity.
5. Failure Can Make You Stronger:
   McRaven explains that failure is inevitable, but it can also be a powerful teacher. When faced with failure, the key is to learn from it, adjust, and keep going. Persistence in the face of setbacks builds resilience and helps turn failure into future success.
6. Take Risks and Dare Greatly:
   One of the core lessons from McRaven’s Navy SEAL experience is the importance of taking calculated risks. Great accomplishments often come from stepping outside of your comfort zone, daring to fail, and pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
7. Stand Up to the Bullies:
   McRaven recounts moments from his training where he had to confront challenges head-on. He encourages readers to stand up to life’s figurative bullies—whether that be people, fear, or obstacles—rather than retreating. Facing adversity with courage builds confidence and integrity.
8. Rise to the Occasion:
   In tough situations, it is important to step up and give your best effort, no matter how difficult it may be. McRaven shares examples from SEAL missions where doing the best job possible, even under pressure, was critical. He teaches that meeting challenges with determination can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
9. Give People Hope:
   In both military and civilian life, McRaven emphasizes the importance of inspiring others. Even small acts of kindness or leadership can give hope to those in difficult situations. By helping others find strength in themselves, you can have a positive impact on the world around you.
10. Never, Ever Quit:
    The final lesson is to persevere no matter what. McRaven stresses that success is often a matter of simply not giving up. Quitting is easy, but those who keep going, even when it’s hard, are the ones who make a difference.

Conclusion:

Make Your Bed is a motivational book that distills Admiral McRaven’s military experiences into 10 actionable life lessons. These lessons emphasize discipline, perseverance, courage, and the importance of helping others. By mastering small, everyday tasks, facing challenges head-on, and embracing teamwork, McRaven believes anyone can improve their life and create a positive impact on the world. The book’s straightforward advice is designed to inspire readers to take control of their lives and make meaningful change through small, consistent actions.