10 Valuable Life Lessons from Admiral McRaven's 'Make Your Bed'
"Make Your Bed" is a concise yet insightful book written by Admiral William H. McRaven, a retired US Navy admiral and former commander of the US Special Operations Command. In this book, based on his 2014 commencement speech at the University of Texas at Austin, McRaven shares ten essential life lessons derived from his military experiences, guiding readers toward achieving personal and professional success.
Starting Your Day with a Task Completed
The book begins by emphasizing the importance of making your bed every morning as the first task of the day. Admiral McRaven argues that by completing this simple task, you can start the day with a sense of accomplishment and order, setting a positive tone for the rest of the day. This habit reflects the military's value of discipline and can be applied to life's larger challenges. Insight: Starting your day with a small, simple task can create momentum and set the tone for the day.
You Can't Go It Alone
Admiral McRaven stresses the importance of building strong relationships with others and relying on them for support and guidance. Drawing from his military experience, he explains that successful endeavors often require teamwork and collaboration toward a common goal. He emphasizes that trust and respect are essential, and that building these relationships takes time and effort. Insight: No one can achieve great things alone.
Only the Size of Your Heart Matters
McRaven underscores the importance of perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity. He argues that embracing failure as a necessary step toward success and learning from mistakes can lead to great achievements. He contends that true success is not measured by monetary wealth or power, but by the size of one's heart and the contributions made to society. Insight: Perseverance and resilience are critical components of success.
Life Isn't Fair—Drive On!
In this chapter, Admiral McRaven stresses the importance of taking responsibility for our actions and holding ourselves accountable for both successes and failures. He notes that while life is often unfair, we can choose how to respond to challenges. By owning our lives and decisions, we gain control over our destiny and achieve the success we desire. Insight: Taking responsibility for our actions is essential for achieving success.
Failure Can Make You Stronger
Admiral McRaven highlights the value of taking calculated risks and viewing failure as an opportunity for growth. Many successful people have faced significant setbacks, but it's how they responded to these failures that determined their ultimate success. Embracing failure as a learning opportunity can lead to greater success. Insight: Embracing failure as an opportunity for growth can significantly contribute to one's success.
You Must Dare Greatly
The book concludes with Admiral McRaven urging readers to embrace the challenges ahead with determination, grit, and a never-quit attitude. He encourages staying focused on goals, building strong relationships, and never giving up to achieve success. Insight: A never-quit attitude, staying focused, and building strong relationships are essential for reaching one's goals.
Overall, "Make Your Bed" is a powerful guide for anyone seeking to achieve personal and professional success. By applying the insights shared by Admiral McRaven, readers can cultivate discipline, resilience, and determination in their lives.