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Make Your Bed Summary

1-Sentence-Summary: Make Your Bed encourages you to pursue your goals and change the lives of others for the better by showing that success is a combination of individual willpower and mutual support.

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In 2014 Admiral William H. McRaven gave the commencement address at the University of Texas at Austin. While encouraging the students to improve the world , he gave many life lessons that could be of help. He had learned most of them during his Navy SEAL training – 6 months of runs in the sand, obstacles courses, unending calisthenics and continuous harassment by veterans, who wanted only the strongest to get to the end of it. 

As a cadet, McRaven learned that success doesn’t depend on social status, race or religion. It’s not how good your parents were to you or which school you went to that determines your future. It’s a combination of the little actions and help from others that makes people successful.

The admiral’s speech went viral on Youtube and later became a book .

In Make Your Bed: Small things that can change your life… and maybe the world , McRaven stresses that life is unfair, as everybody knows. In fact, what defines great men and women is how they deal with life’s unfairness. People like Helen Keller, Nelson Mandela, Stephen Hawking are just a few examples.

Here are my 3 favorite lessons about leveraging self-discipline and teaming up for a meaningful life:

• Making your bed first thing in the morning can lead to many tasks completed by the end of the day.
• If you want to change the world, never ever ring the bell.
• Find someone to help you paddle if you want to make a real difference in the world.

Do you want to be prepared for life challenges? Let’s see what we can learn from a Navy veteran who has held impressive key roles inside and outside the military!

If you want to save this summary for later, download the free PDF and read it whenever you want.

Lesson 1: Making the bed can boost your productivity and even give you hope in the bad days.

As a US SEAL cadet, McRaven had to make his bed to perfection first thing after waking up.

If he failed to follow the bed-making code, he had to perform the sugar cookie ritual, which has nothing to do with treats, as you can imagine. It’s more about diving into the cold waters of the Pacific Ocean and then rolling around on the beach until you are covered with sand head to toe. But why is making your bed so important?

While it may seem trivial when big assignments are waiting for you outside, starting off with this small task makes you feel a little proud and ready to deal with the rest of your tasks. And if you have a miserable day, coming back to a bed made – by you – will make you feel tomorrow will be better.

After a serious injury, McRaven spent many months lying on a hospital bed that had been wheeled into his government quarters. When he was finally able to stand up unaided, the first thing he did was adjusting the bed. 

It was his way of showing that he was recovering and moving forward.

Lesson 2: If you want to make a difference in life, never give up, learn from failures and keep improving yourself.

During the SEAL training , McRaven and his fellows had to withstand uncountable challenges of strength and courage . Giving up at any time was very easy: they just had to ring a bell hanging in the center of the compound and they would be free, immediately.

Never ring the bell if you want to achieve big goals in life.

You may have heard of the Circus, another legendary punishment known to make many cadets quit the SEAL training. It’s two hours of additional calisthenics, paired with non-stop harassment by SEAL combat veterans.

During the training, McRaven was part of a swim team that constantly came in last place and had to face the Circus many times a week. At the moment of the graduation test though, they came in first: all those hours of calisthenics had made them stronger. 

Life is full of Circuses. You fail, you keep training yourself, you get stronger .

Once McRaven’s team had to swim 4 miles in the dark. Scary enough in itself, but that night there were even reports of big white sharks near the coast. Since it was the only way to complete the SEAL training, they swam anyway.

If you want to achieve your full potential in life, don’t let fear stops you.

Lesson 3: Life is a struggle. To accomplish great things you need to fight. But you can’t do it alone: you need teammates.

SEAL cadets also have to overcome Hell Week, 7 days of endurance tests when many of them call it quits.

During their Hell Week, McRaven and his fellows had to spend a whole night sitting, covered in cold mud. In the middle of the test, some of them seemed ready to give up . Then one man began to sing. One by one the others followed him. Suddenly the mud felt less cold and the dawn closer.

Sometimes life gets very hard: the loss of someone you love, a disease or something you are not prepared for may crush your spirit. These are the moments when you need to dig inside yourself and bring out all your strength . But you also need the help of your friends and family.

Years ago the author was badly wounded in a parachute accident and he had to go through months of recovery and rehabilitation. He’s sure he would have surrendered to self-pity and depression if his wife hadn’t been there to support him.

In McRaven’s view, life is like a small rubber boat: you cannot paddle it alone. It takes a team of good people to get you where you want to go. So, as he says,

“Find someone to share your life with. Never forget that your success depends on others.”

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The 17-year-old discouraged about what he can do in life since he lives in a poor neighborhood, the 36-year-old who doesn’t like his life and blames it on his parents, and anyone who feels unlucky, demotivated or just lazy.

Last Updated on December 5, 2022

Clara Lobina

Clara is a SEO content strategist, writer, and proofreader from Sardinia, Italy. She is a cofounder, head of content, and COO of Botteega, a delivery service for local goods from high-quality shops and farmers. Clara wrote a total of 16 summaries for us. When she's not working on her own or her client's blogs, she teaches and does yoga. My favorite project of hers is Come L'Acqua — "Like Water" — a personal growth and mindfulness blog (in Italian).

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Make Your Bed by William McRaven | Book Summary

On May 17, 2014, Admiral William H. McRaven gave the “Make Your Bed” commencement speech at his alma mater, the University of Texas at Austin. He discussed the ten significant lessons he learned from his difficult Navy SEAL training.

Since then, he has encountered many people who wanted to know more. Thus, Admiral William McRaven was inspired to write the book, Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life…And Maybe the World , to detail the ten vital lessons:

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Make Your Bed by William McRaven

Small Things That Can Change Your Life… And Maybe the World

Just like in other habit books , these lessons about consistency in actions helped Admiral William McRaven overcome SEAL training and life’s challenges. Each chapter of Make Your Bed provides more context and stories for each lesson from the original speech.

Download the PDF Book Summary for Make Your Bed

Chapter 1 – start your day with a task completed.

“If you want to change the world…start off by making your bed.”

Every day during basic SEAL training, William McRaven would wake up and make his bed properly. It was not an opportunity for praise but was expected by the training instructors. Making the bed right was important as this habit showed discipline and attention to detail. Throughout his Naval career, William McRaven could count on making his bed consistently every day.

When you make your bed first thing correctly, you eat that frog and start your day off right with a small task completed. It shows you that the small wins matter and will encourage you to endure the work that you have ahead of you throughout the day. By the end of the day, you will have accomplished many tasks. And when you return to the made bed, you will be reminded of the importance of this small task.

Chapter 2 – You Can’t Go It Alone

“If you want to change the world…find someone to help you paddle.”

During SEAL training, the sailors are divided into boat crews of seven. The trainees have to work together to carry their raft on land or paddle it in the water to their destination. When someone often becomes sick or injured, the other teammates take on a greater share of the task. Like training, combat is so challenging that no one can endure it alone.

Later, William McRaven shares his story of a horrible parachute accident, which leaves him hospitalized for months. His boss helps him keep his career by finding a way to sidestep the required medical readiness evaluation. Throughout his career, William McRaven discusses the help received from those who had faith in him, saw his potential, and put their reputation on the line.

In life, you will deal with many obstacles and will need help to get over them. Thus, you build many strong relationships with friends, family, coworkers, mentors, etc. And always remember that your success depends on the help and guidance received from others along the way.

Chapter 3 – Only the Size of Your Heart Matters

“If you want to change the world…measure a person by the size of their heart.”

In Make Your Bed, William McRaven discussed that Navy “SEAL training was always about proving something. Proving that size didn’t matter. Proving that the color of your skin wasn’t important. Proving that money didn’t make you better. Proving that determination and grit were always more important than talent.”

A year before his training, William McRaven recounts visiting the basic SEAL training facility in Coronado. While talking with someone about SEAL training, he saw a thin, quiet, reserved man looking at photos. This sight clouded McRaven with judgment of feeling better, stronger, and more prepared for SEAL training than this man. However, he found out that the man was Tommy Norris, who was one of the most decorated and toughest SEALs ever.

Your will to succeed depends on how much heart you have. Nothing else matters, including your size, race, ethnicity, educational level, or social status.

Chapter 4 – Life’s Not Fair—Drive On!

“If you want to change the world…get over being a sugar cookie and keep moving forward.”

In SEAL training, one of the most painful punishments is being a sugar cookie. Instructors would punish trainees at whim, and they would have to get wet and then roll around in the sand. As many trainees strived for excellence, being punished was tough to accept, especially with no specific reason.

In Make Your Bed, William McRaven shares a story about Moki Martin, a SEAL instructor from his training days. Martin enjoyed long bike rides, but one day, he accidentally collided with another biker and was paralyzed from the waist down. Afterward, he did not complain and let his disability stop him. He drove on to live a full life.

“It is easy to blame your lot in life on some outside force, to stop trying because you believe fate is against you.” Sometimes, life’s not fair, and you will be a sugar cookie despite how much work you have done. Define yourself by how you overcome life’s unfairness. Do not complain or blame someone and move forward.

Chapter 5 – Failure Can Make You Stronger

“If you want to change the world… don’t be afraid of The Circus.”

One day during SEAL training, McRaven and his swim buddy finished last in a swim. Their punishment was enduring the Circus, which is an additional two hours of exercise that day. A Circus would cause more fatigue, making the next day harder with more Circuses likely to follow. Reoccurring Circuses forced many trainees to quit; however, McRaven and his buddy became much better swimmers and placed first in their final swim.

In July of 1983, William McRaven got fired from his squadron, leaving with a tarnished reputation. Fortunately, he was given another opportunity as the Officer in Charge of a SEAL platoon. McRaven used his previous failure as fuel to work hard and earn the respect of his men, which led him to succeed in the successive roles in his SEAL career.

In life, you will have failures and face Circuses. You will have to deal with the consequences, but you can overcome the failures. Your failures can educate, motivate, and strengthen you to be able to handle the difficult decisions to come.

Chapter 6 – You Must Dare Greatly

“If you want to change the world…slide down the obstacle headfirst.”

During SEAL training, the students had to run the obstacle course twice a week, with the most challenging obstacle being the “Slide for Life.” This step rope slide could be done either controllably slow by swinging underneath the rope or riskily fast by going headfirst on top. One day, William McRaven took the risk and went headfirst, finishing with a personal best time.

In Make Your Bed, William McRaven realized that risks were necessary to be a successful special operator. In 2004, William McRaven approved a risky hostage rescue mission that occurred during the day. The special forces team rescued the hostages, and the mission resulted in success.

Life will be difficult, and if you take risks, you may fail and deal with obstacles. You have to trust your abilities and overcome your fears to complete your work. Without daring greatly and getting out of your comfort zone, you will never achieve your full potential.

Chapter 7 – Stand Up to the Bullies

“If you want to change the world… don’t back down from the sharks.”

In SEAL training, students have to complete a four-mile night swim with the threat of many species of sharks. The instructors brief the trainees to deal with sharks by standing their grand and fighting them off if they try to attack. Since he wanted to be a SEAL so severely, William McRaven recalls that he gathered the courage to fight if necessary.

In Make Your Bed, William McRaven recounts his interactions with Saddam Hussein, the former Iraqi president that was now a U.S. prisoner. Even as a prisoner, Hussein would instill fear in and intimidate. Iraqis that came to the room. However, McRaven felt that he had to stand up to Saddam and show him that he did not have power anymore.

Without clarity, other people will dictate your choices and path forward. Without courage, the bullies will take over and prey on the victims. Thus, you need to have a clear vision or goal for what you want to accomplish. Your vision will give you the courage to be a leader , overcome the obstacles, and stand up to the people in your way.

Chapter 8 – Rise to the Occasion

 “If you want to change the world…be your very best in the darkest moments.”

Towards the end of SEAL training, students have to swim underwater to a ship, plant a practice mine, and return to the beach without being detected. William McRaven recalls the instructors seeming as nervous as the trainees, because the dark, deafening sea significantly increased the risk of injury or death. In the darkest hour, the SEALs are trained to remain calm and maintain composure to complete their mission.

In Make Your Bed, William McRaven recounts the many sad moments of loss: “There is no darker moment in life than losing someone you love, and yet I watched time and again as families, as military units, as towns, as cities, and as a nation, how we came together to be our best during those tragic times.”

You will have dark moments in life, whether it is the death of a loved one or an intense tragedy. When these moments occur, you need to look deep within yourself and bring out your best. “You must rise above your fears, your doubts, and your fatigue. No matter how dark it gets, you must complete the mission. This is what separates you from everyone else.”

Chapter 9 – Give People Hope

“If you want to change the world…start singing when you’re up to your neck in mud.”

The most challenging week of SEAL training or Hell Week is six days of no sleep, physical exercise, and harassment. On Wednesday of Hell Week, trainees spend all day in the freezing cold mudflats, being pressured by the instructors to quit.

During McRaven’s Hell Week, the class sang together to inspire and give each other hope. Later, he recalls a story of General John Kelley, who comforted and gave hope to the families of the fallen troops in a horrific helicopter firefight.

Hope is very powerful as it can inspire people and nations to greatness. In life, you will deal with loss and tragedy. And you can be the one to give hope that tomorrow will be better to ease the pain to lift yourself and those around you.

Chapter 10 – Never, Ever Quit!

“If you want to change the world… don’t ever, ever ring the bell.”

SEAL training ends when you either complete it or quit by ringing the bell in the middle of the training compound. If you cannot endure the pain, harassment, and exercise, you can ring the bell, and it’s over. However, William McRaven never rang the bell and graduated.

In Make Your Bed, he states that this lesson of never quitting was the most important. Throughout his career, William McRaven would be inspired by individuals who would not give up. One story involves a severely injured soldier from a bomb blast who did not complain and eventually overcame the injuries.

You will have difficult moments in life; however, do not give up and trust the process . You can choose to fall prey to pity, discrimination, or sorrow. Or you can never give up on your dreams and yourself and overcome the obstacles.

“Remember… start each day with a task completed. Find someone to help you through life. Respect everyone. Know that life is not fair and that you will fail often. But if you take some risks, step up when times are toughest, face down the bullies, lift up the downtrodden, and never, ever give up—if you do these things, then you can change your life for the better… and maybe the world!

In his book, Make Your Bed , Admiral William McRaven provides ten powerful lessons from his SEAL training that will help you change the world. It encourages readers to take on life’s challenges and be willing to do even small things that can have a big impact.

As McRaven poignantly writes, “If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed.” McRaven gives the readers a good dose of motivation to get out there and cultivate success within our lives.

His thought-provoking book calls us to action – so get a copy of Make Your Bed now! If you need more inspiration or motivation, check out our post on productivity quotes or the best self-help books .

Dev is a strategist, productivity junkie, and the founder of the Process Hacker !

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To get help for your business, check out my blog or book a call here !

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Make Your Bed Summary (William H. McRaven)

Want to learn how from the best? William McRaven was a four-star US Navy Seal Admiral and distils his life advice into ten timeless pieces of wisdom to help us live the good life. Based on a commencement speech (which you can watch below), these life principles have allowed McRaven to succeed in his career as a Special Forces supervisor. So if you’re a leader looking to inspire or want to turn your own life around, the Make Your Bed summary is required reading. Main takeaway: Little things, repeated often, can often make the most difference.

1. Start your day with a task completed

“If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed”

In military movies, bootcamp scenes invariably focus on recruits making their beds with the utmost precision. In the author’s own training, failure to perform this ritual was punishable by the ‘sugar cookie’, whereby cadets dived into the ocean before rolling in hot sand. This small task may seem benign and insignificant, but it’s actually an essential way to start the day. By accomplishing any task first thing in the morning, however, easy, helps build momentum that we can carry into the next productive activity. This ensures it’s easier to work our way down the to-do list, fostering a feeling of happiness and productivity. A good start can also help us end the day in the right way and we can reflect with pride on that small achievement.

2. You can’t go it alone

“If you want to change the world, find someone to help you paddle”

No man can make it through SEAL training or combat alone. McRaven learnt this the hard way after suffering a serious parachute accident and receiving help from his wife during his months of recovery. Find someone to share your life with and make as many friends as possible. We all need people in life to help us through difficult times and any achievement depends on input from others.

3. Only the size of your heart matters

“If you want to change the world, measure a person by the size of their heart”

When McRaven visited a recruitment centre to learn more about becoming a Navy Seal, he encountered a small man, frail in appearance, who turned out to be a Vietnam war hero. Never make the mistake of judging someone other than by the size of their heart. And before placing your confidence in them, ask yourself what you really know about them.

4. Life’s not fair—drive on!

“If you want to change the world, get over being a sugar cookie and keep moving forward”

Often the sugar cookie punishment was inflicted without good reason, which taught McRaven an important lesson. Don’t expect life to be fair and reasonable. When you spend enough time running around with sand chafing your body, you realise it’s futile to resist facts and waste time and try to evade life’s challenges. We’re all defined by our response to life’s unfairness. So pick yourself up and march on.

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5. Failure can make you stronger

“If you want to change the world, don’t be afraid of the circuses”

In SEAL training, “The Circus” is a strenuous endurance test combined with instructor harassment, designed to separate the strong from the weak. By introducing cadets to failure, it simultaneously made them stronger [The Circus training caused McRaven and his team to go from last to first place in the assessment.] We all face such circuses in our lives and failing is inevitable. Although it’s a word imbued with much negativity, when reframed, it can be used as an advantage. Despite its tendency to cause pain and suffering, we can use it to spark strength and determination, preparing us for the toughest life challenges.

6. You must dare greatly

“If you want to change the world…sometimes you have to slide down the obstacle headfirst”

If we let our anxieties and insecurities control our decisions and actions, we won’t get far. Without pushing our limits and without daring greatly, we’ll never know what’s truly possible. In order to win big, we must be willing to take big risks.

7. Stand up to the bullies

“If you want to change the world, don’t back down from the sharks”

Life is full of challenges, especially when confronted by bullies and false friends, or as in the case of McRaven, shark invested waters. During his SEAL training, he had to do a 4-mile night swim, with reports of sharks in the area. McRaven had to overcome his fears and take the plunge. Sometimes it feels easier to shy away rather than accept the challenge, but we must dig deep and remain courageous to reach our goals.

8. Rise to the occasion

“If you want to change the world, be your very best in the darkest moments”

Life is full of dark moments, from serious illnesses to death, and it’s how we respond that counts. McRaven has seen many fatalities in war, but it’s the endurance and resilience of friends and loved ones that have been striking. In life’s toughest moments, we must rise to the challenge and put our best selves forward.

9. Give people hope

“If you want to change the world, start singing when you are up to your neck in mud”

At some point, we’ll all be neck-deep in mud, at which point we should sing, lift up those around us and give them the confidence that tomorrow will be better. After all, how often have you been at the end of your proverbial tether, just to speak to a friend and gain a fresh perspective? We should all endeavour to be that friend, someone who can instil hope and lead others forward.

10. Never, ever quit!

“If you want to change the world, don’t ever, ever ring the bell”

[Ringing the bell is a SEAL hell week ritual, where when a cadet wants to quit, they must confirm it by ringing a bell on the compound, after which there’s no going back] Life will frequently want to make us quit. But when the going gets tough, remember that life is beautiful, made possible by great and terrible moments alike. Don’t blame others or feel sorry for yourself, but rather put in the effort. After all, we only get out what we put in and by giving nothing, regret is inevitable. So do away with self-pity, stand tall and proud and know that life is what we make of it – and we can make it great.

The Make Your Bed summary

• Wonderfully simple and yet profound life advice
• Battle tested by a higher performer
• Simple, yet not easy
• Will require courage and practice to implement
• Watch the video below for the commencement speech

• Combine this with the Can’t Hurt Me summary , another fantastic read by David Goggins, former US Navy SEAL.
• Also, see the best books on executive presence .
• Like this? Then  browse more book summaries .

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Make Your Bed by William H. McRaven

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The Book in Three Sentences

• Make Your Bed is based on Admiral William H. McRaven’s commencement speech for the graduating class from the University of Texas at Austin.
• In it, McRaven shares the ten lessons he learned from Navy SEAL training.
• They are simple lessons that deal with overcoming the trials of SEAL training, but the ten lessons are equally important in dealing with the challenges of life—no matter who you are.

Want a Free Copy of My Summary?

Make your bed summary.

• Start your day with a task completed
• You can’t go at it alone
• Only the size of your heart matters
• Life’s not fair—drive on!
• Failure can make you stronger
• You must dare greatly
• Stand up to the bullies
• Rise to the occasion
• Give people hope
• Never, ever quit!

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

Nothing can replace the strength and comfort of one’s faith, but sometimes the simple act of making your bed can give you the lift you need to start your day and provide you the satisfaction to end it right.

If you want to change the world … find someone to help you paddle.

You cannot paddle the boat alone. Find someone to share your life with. Make as many friends as possible, and never forget that your success depends on others.

If you want to change the world … measure a person by the size of their heart.

If you want to change the world … get over being a sugar cookie and keep moving forward. (If a Navy SEAL fails to follow basic requirements (such as making their bed perfectly), they’re instructed to roll around on the beach until they’re covered head to toe with wet sand—referred to as a “sugar cookie”).

The common people and the great men and women are all defined by how they deal with life’s unfairness:

Sometimes no matter how hard you try, no matter how good you are, you still end up as a sugar cookie. Don’t complain. Don’t blame it on your misfortune. Stand tall, look to the future, and drive on!

If you want to change the world … don’t be afraid of The Circus. (In Navy SEAL training, “The Circus” is another two hours of additional calisthenics, combined with non-stop harassment by SEAL combat veterans who want only the strong to survive the training.)

In life, you will face a lot of Circuses. You will pay for your failures. But, if you persevere, if you let those failures teach you and strengthen you, then you will be prepared to handle life’s toughest moments.

True leaders must learn from their failures, use the lessons to motivate themselves, and not be afraid to try again or make the next tough decision.

If you want to change the world … slide down the obstacle head first.

Life is a struggle and the potential for failure is ever present, but those who live in fear of failure, or hardship, or embarrassment will never achieve their potential. Without pushing your limits, without occasionally sliding down the rope headfirst, without daring greatly, you will never know what is truly possible in your life.

If you want to change the world … don’t back down from the sharks.

In life, to achieve your goals, to complete the night swim, you will have to be men and women of great courage. That courage is within all of us. Dig deep, and you will find it in abundance.

If you want to change the world … be your very best in the darkest moments.

Advice from one of McRaven’s chief petty officers: “Tonight, you will have to be your very best. You must rise above your fears, your doubts, and your fatigue. No matter how dark it gets, you must complete the mission. This is what separates you from everyone else.”

At some point, we will all confront a dark moment in life. If not the passing of a loved one, then something else that crushes your spirit and leaves you wondering about your future. In that dark moment, reach deep inside yourself and be your very best.

If you want to change the world … start singing when you’re up to your neck in mud.

We will all find ourselves neck deep in mud someday. That is the time to sing loudly, to smile broadly, to lift up those around you and give them hope that tomorrow will be a better day.

If you want to change the world … don’t ever, ever ring the bell.

Of all the lessons McRaven learned in SEAL training, this was the most important. Never quit. It doesn’t sound particularly profound, but life constantly puts you in situations where quitting seems so much easier than continuing on. Where the odds are so stacked against you that giving up seems the rational thing to do.

Life is full of difficult times. But someone out there always has it worse than you do. If you fill your days with pity, sorrowful for the way you have been treated, bemoaning your lot in life, blaming your circumstances on someone or something else, then life will be long and hard. If, on the other hand, you refuse to give up on your dreams, stand tall and strong against the odds—then life will be what you make of it—and you can make it great. Never, ever, ring the bell!

Recommended Reading

If you like Make Your Bed , you may also enjoy the following books:

• The 7 Habits of Highly-Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
• Ego Is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday
• The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday

Buy The Book: Make Your Bed

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Make Your Bed Summary and Key Lessons

“Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life…And Maybe the World” is a book by Admiral William H. McRaven, based on a commencement speech he gave at the University of Texas at Austin in 2014. 

The book expands on the core message of that speech, presenting profound principles McRaven learned during his training and service as a U.S. Navy SEAL. These lessons are distilled into ten chapters, each originating from a fundamental habit or principle that can lead to insane personal success.

Make Your Bed Summary

The first and titular principle of starting your day with a complete task emphasizes the importance of beginning each day with a small win—making your bed. 

This simple act is symbolic of the larger discipline required in life, providing a sense of pride and a foundation to accomplish further tasks throughout the day. McRaven extends this lesson to life’s challenges, illustrating that tackling the small things can prepare us for the more significant, more complex tasks that come our way. 

This segues into the book’s second principle, which is about finding someone to help you paddle. 

McRaven uses anecdotes from SEAL training to demonstrate that no one achieves success alone; partnerships and collaborative efforts are crucial to overcoming life’s challenges.

In subsequent chapters, McRaven delves into the theme of resilience. 

He recounts grueling SEAL training scenarios, particularly “ The Circus ,” a punishing extra workout designed to test the limits of trainees’ physical and mental stamina. 

The lesson of not backing down from the sharks is a metaphor drawn from a harrowing night swim with sharks. It suggests that in life, one must face fears head-on to move forward, rather than shy away from them. 

Another principle, “ You Must Be Your Very Best in Your Darkest Moments ,” stems from survival training, emphasizing the importance of maintaining one’s composure and excellence under pressure.

Hope and Belief

McRaven also discusses the importance of hope and belief to drive action. 

He shares a story of an innovative approach during an obstacle course, highlighting that sometimes taking risks and breaking with convention can lead to significant rewards. 

It’s about daring to take the initiative, to approach problems with creativity and courage.

Another lesson is to “Don’t Ever, Ever Ring the Bell,” a reference to the bell that SEAL trainees can ring to quit training. This chapter speaks to the power of perseverance, encouraging the reader to push through difficult times without giving up, no matter how tempting it may be to stop.

The final chapters of the book resonate with themes of hope, courage, and the importance of doing the right thing . McRaven underscores the need for unwavering determination in the face of setbacks. 

His life lessons converge to a fundamental conclusion: the actions of individuals have the power to ripple outward, impacting others and, potentially, the world, culminating in the conviction that small , everyday practices, like making one’s bed, encapsulating the discipline and thoughtfulness will help in leading a truly impactful lives.

Key Lessons

1. the power of starting your day with a completed task.

The simple act of making your bed every morning is not only a practice of self-discipline, but it also sets the tone for the rest of the day and gives you a sense of pride in accomplishing a task. 

It symbolizes one’s dedication to taking charge of one’s life, no matter how small the initial task. This act can create a positive chain reaction of completing tasks throughout the day.

Application

Implement this lesson by establishing a morning routine that starts with a structured task, like making your bed. 

By doing so, you create a momentum that can carry you through more complex and challenging tasks with a mindset geared towards action and accomplishment. This ritual serves as a daily reminder that little things matter and that attention to detail can lead to larger successes.

2. The Importance of Teamwork and Relying on Others

No individual is an island, and success is often a collective endeavor. McRaven recounts his SEAL training exercises , where the importance of working together and supporting one another was constantly emphasized. 

Learning to rely on others and offering support when they need it is fundamental in any challenging situation, be it in the military, the workplace, or personal life.

Foster a culture of collaboration in your own life. 

At work, create and participate in team projects where each member can contribute their unique skills and support each other . In your personal life, nurture relationships where mutual support is a priority. Recognize that asking for help is not a sign of weakness but a strategy for greater strength and success. 

By helping others, you build a network of trust and collaboration that benefits everyone involved.

3. Facing Your Fears and Challenges Head-On

Fear is a natural response to danger, uncertainty, and challenge, but it should not paralyze you. 

McRaven shares his experience of night-swimming among sharks , which is a powerful metaphor for confronting one’s fears. He suggests that when we head straight into the dark waters of our fears, we often find the strength and courage we didn’t know we had. 

Moreover, actively confronting fears can diminish their power over us and sometimes reveal that what we feared wasn’t as insurmountable as we thought.

Identify the “sharks” in your life—those fears that are holding you back from achieving your goals. Confront these fears with calculated courage. 

This might mean taking on a project that intimidates you, speaking up in a meeting, or tackling a difficult conversation . By facing these fears instead of avoiding them, you’ll develop resilience and the confidence that you can handle the challenges that come your way. 

Moreover, you set an example for others who may be struggling with their own fears, creating a culture of courage and determination.

Final Thoughts

Throughout “Make Your Bed,” Admiral McRaven uses his experiences as a Navy SEAL to impart wisdom that transcends military life. 

The book is a compelling blend of memoir and self-help , offering a roadmap not only for individual success but also for contributing to the greater good. 

With its accessible prose and relatable storytelling, “Make Your Bed” aims to inspire us to achieve more through discipline, teamwork, and moral courage.

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Make Your Bed

30 pages • 1 hour read

Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life...and Maybe the World

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-2

Chapters 3-4

Chapters 5-6

Chapters 7-8

Chapters 9-10

Key Figures

Index of Terms

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Discussion Questions

Summary and Study Guide

Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life…and Maybe the World  is a work of self-help psychology by Admiral William H. McRaven. The book is a continuation and expansion of a commencement speech McRaven delivered at the University of Texas at Austin in 2014, which went viral on the internet. Formerly a high-ranking officer of the US Navy and Commander of US Special Operations Command, McRaven relates his experiences in Navy SEAL training to the challenges of living a good life in everyday circumstances. The book consists of 10 aphoristic lessons that McRaven contends apply to people in all walks of life. The Epilogue contains the actual speech delivered at the University of Texas commencement ceremonies, which the rest of the book elaborates on.

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McRaven begins his book with an aphorism about starting small, or “making your bed,” to change the world. His rationale is that though spirituality and faith can endow individuals with resilience and peace, simple actions like making your bed form a kind of praxis that cumulatively contributes to human flourishing. The simple habit of making one’s bed as a planned and successful activity sets the day off on the right path, cultivating a mindset of positivity and order that carries over into the rest of one’s life. McRaven then analogizes life to a body of water that we must traverse and tells his readers to find a partner to help paddle. You can have one or even multiple life partners, romantic or not; it is only important to remember that success is contingent on interlocking social networks.

McRaven’s third aphorism turns to the treatment of others; he suggests that the only productive way to evaluate someone is by their compassion. In his fourth aphorism, McRaven tells readers to toughen up and persevere even when pressure mounts or situations seem hopeless. He bluntly terms people who give up “sugar cookies” and explains that during Navy SEAL training, cadets who ignore basic commands or forget their duties are told to roll in sand until it covers their entire body, like a sugar cookie. McRaven qualifies his assessment, conceding that some people remain sugar cookies despite hard work. Still, he argues that one of the best lessons you can learn is that life isn’t fair, and it’s how you respond to life that truly counts. He insists that the only way to face the future is to not blame our situations on other people, instead constantly aspiring to push through the failures and setbacks that inevitably come with life.

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McRaven brings up other examples of punitive Navy experiences, including the “Circus,” which consists of several hours of calisthenics, during which SEAL veterans harass cadets. He states that Circuses are everywhere in adult life, but are always possible to get through. He also advocates for extreme risk-taking. In his view, since struggle and suffering are inevitable, developing a mindset of fear in response to obstacles only closes off opportunities for learning to surmount them. Moreover, taking risks is the only workable strategy for coming to know the limits of the self. McRaven writes that everyone has a huge wealth of innate courage that just needs to be coaxed out.

Next, McRaven reiterates advice he originally received from his chief petty officer. One evening before a difficult task, the officer told his recruits to be their best and to overcome their psychological doubt, fear, and exhaustion, crediting the ability to do so with allowing people to succeed on difficult missions. McRaven states that thinking of every challenge as an obstacle that can be overcome is useful even in dark moments, such as following the death of a family member.

McRaven’s final exhortation is never to quit. He employs the analogy of “ringing the bell,” which, during Navy SEAL training, signals that a cadet is too exhausted to complete a mission. McRaven contends that life is all about rejecting the bell and pressing onward through situations that seem too daunting. Even when ringing the bell seems the rational choice, self-improvement requires rejecting the “end” of existential challenge.

McRaven’s book, while presented in the context of military training, is focused on the general art of living. Since most things in life are beyond and outside our control, what matters is knowing what we truly have power over and how we conduct ourselves as we travel through the vicissitudes of life. In a way, daily life is a kind of combat against the forces that continuously push up against our desires; success will come if we handle them in an appropriate way.

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Make Your Bed Summary

Little things that can change your life… and maybe the world, start your day with a task completed, no person is an island, size only matters when it comes to your heart, accept that life's not fair, what doesn't kill you will only make you stronger, dare greatly, make courage your friend, rise to the occasion, give people hope, never, ever quit, in conclusion, continue your learning.

Make Your Bed Summary and Review | Admiral William H. McRaven

Life gets busy. Has Make Your Bed been gathering dust on your bookshelf? Instead, learn some of the key ideas now.

We’re scratching the surface here. If you don’t already have the book, order the  book  or get the  audiobook for free  on Amazon to learn the juicy details.

William McRaven’s Perspective

William McRaven is a retired United States Navy four-star admiral who served as the ninth commander of the United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM) from August 8, 2011 to August 28, 2014. From 2015 to 2018, he was the chancellor of The University of Texas System. McRaven was designated as the first director of the NATO Special Operations Forces Coordination Centre (NSCC). Here he was charged with enhancing the capabilities and inter-operability of all NATO Special Operations Forces.

Introduction

Make Your Bed is an outline of all the lessons that William McRaven learned during his distinguished career. The book begins by suggesting you wake up and make your bed. The following advice relates to human nature and how you can overcome adversity. Admiral McRaven’s original speech on this topic went viral with over 10 million views. He then packed all these popular ideas into one book.

StoryShot #1 – Wake Up and Do the Right Thing

 If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed. As a SEAL trainee, Billy’s first task of the day was to make his bed for inspection. Making the bed correctly was not an opportunity for praise. It demonstrated his discipline and his attention to detail. It was also a reminder that, no matter what happened that day, he had done something well. He had something to be proud of.

If you can’t do the little things right, you will never do the big things right.

StoryShot #2 – Teamwork Is Key

If you want to change the world, find someone to help you paddle.

In SEAL training the value of teamwork is emphasized. The need to rely on someone else may mean life or death during combat. Everywhere McRaven went during SEAL training, he and his fellow classmates were required to carry a 10-foot rubber raft and paddle it in the ocean. On the days that McRaven was exhausted or sick, the other members picked up the slack. When they weren’t feeling a hundred percent, Billy returned the favor.

You need people in your life to help you through difficult times. You cannot paddle the boat alone.

StoryShot #3 – Always Look to the Future

If you want to change the world, make sure you are moving forward. It is easy to blame your struggles in life on some outside force. It is also easy to not try because you believe fate is against you. Nothing could be further from the truth. Ordinary people are all defined by how they deal with life’s unfairness. Sometimes no matter how hard you try, no matter how good you are, you will fail. Don’t complain if this happens. Stand tall, look to the future, and drive on.

StoryShot #4 – Determination Is More Important Than Talent

If you want to change the world, measure a person by the size of their heart. Determination and grit are always more important than talent. Seal training was a great equalizer. Nothing mattered but your will to succeed.

StoryShot #5 – Don’t Be Afraid of Failures

If you want to change the world, don’t be afraid of The Circus. The Circus in SEAL training involves lots of hours of training to become successful and for the performers to maximize their performance. Whenever McRaven or his swim buddy failed in an event, they would both be subjected to The Circus. This was additional training every afternoon at the end of the day. Two hours of calisthenics.

Every time Billy entered The Circus, he’d be even more charged the next day. This caused him to fail another event and go back to The Circus. As the circuses kept coming, their swims got better and easier. They were now stronger, faster, and more confident. In life, you will face a lot of circuses. You will pay for your failures. That said, if you persevere and let those failures teach you and strengthen you, you will be prepared to handle life’s toughest moments.

True leaders learn from failure. Use lessons learned and make the next tough decision.

StoryShot #6 – One Person Can Unite a Group

McRaven provides an example from his time fighting through hell week. Halfway through, some of the trainees were about to quit but they stopped when they heard a voice. A sleepy and raspy trainee was singing while running in the mud. One voice became two, and two became three. Before long everyone was singing. The SEAL trainees had learned an important lesson. The lesson was that one person has the power to unite the group, inspire those around him, and give them hope. 

Hope is the most powerful force in the universe. Sometimes all it takes is one person to make a difference and provide that hope. 

StoryShot #7 – Reach Deep Inside Yourself During Dark Moments

If you want to change the world, be your very best in the darkest moments. McRaven describes a time when he had the objective of swimming 2000 meters underwater to an anchor vehicle. He then had to attach the practice mine on the keel. McRaven was surrounded by darkness. We will all confront a dark moment in life. The passing of a loved one or divorces might crush your spirit and leave you wondering about your future. In that dark moment, reach deep inside yourself and be your very best.

StoryShot #8 – Take Risks and Reap the Benefits

If you want to change the world you have to take risks. McRaven had to pass an obstacle course to get through SEAL training. The first time he did it, he played it safe and inched his way down the rope instead of going head first off the tower. The second choice was much faster, but also much riskier. One week later, McRaven decided to take the risk and set a new personal best. It was a simple lesson in overcoming his anxieties and trusting his ability to get the job done. Life is a struggle and those who are scared to fail will never achieve their potential. Without daring greatly you will never know what is truly possible in your life.

StoryShot #9 – We All Have Great Courage

If you want to change the world you must have courage. Have a goal that is honorable and noble and it will give you courage. Courage is a remarkable quality. With it, nothing and nobody can stand in your way and you can accomplish any goal. If you don’t find the courage to stand your ground, the bullies in the world will strike. In life, to achieve your goals, you will have to be men and women of great courage. That courage is within all of us. Dig deep, and you will find it in great abundance.

StoryShot #10 – Changing the World Requires Persistence

On McRaven’s first day of SEAL training, the instructor took them to a brass bell hanging in the courtyard. He explained that ringing the bell will make all the pain and harassment of the training stop. But, it would mean they had quit. McRaven recommends never ringing that bell. If you persist and leave that bell, you open yourself to the possibility of changing the world.

Final Review and Analysis

Remember, start each day with a completed task. Find someone who would help you through life. Respect everyone. Know that life isn’t fair, and you will frequently fail. Take risks. Step up when times are tough. Face down the bullies. Lift up the downtrodden and never ever give up. If you do those things, you can change your life for the better and you can maybe even change the world. 

We rate this book 4.1/5.

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Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life...And Maybe the World Hardcover – April 4, 2017

• Print length 144 pages
• Language English
• Publisher Grand Central Publishing
• Publication date April 4, 2017
• Dimensions 5.35 x 0.95 x 7.4 inches
• ISBN-10 1455570249
• ISBN-13 978-1455570249
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• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Grand Central Publishing; 1st edition (April 4, 2017)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 144 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1455570249
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1455570249
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 8 ounces
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.35 x 0.95 x 7.4 inches
• #6 in Happiness Self-Help
• #8 in Motivational Self-Help (Books)
• #9 in Success Self-Help

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Make Your Bed Book by Admiral William H. McRaven

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About the authors

William h. mcraven.

Admiral William H. McRaven (U.S. Navy Retired) 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. In his thirty-seven years as a Navy SEAL, he commanded at every level. As a Four-Star Admiral, his final assignment was as Commander of all U.S. Special Operations Forces. After retiring from the Navy, he served as the Chancellor of the University of Texas System from 2015 to 2018. He now lives in Austin, Texas with his wife, Georgeann.

Admiral William H. McRaven

Admiral William H. McRaven is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Make Your Bed and the New York Times bestsellers Sea Stories: My Life in Special Operations and The Hero Code: Lessons Learned from Lives Well Lived. In his thirty-seven years as a Navy SEAL, he commanded at every level. As a Four-Star Admiral, his final assignment was as Commander of all U.S. Special Operations Forces. After retiring from the Navy, he served as the Chancellor of the University of Texas System from 2015 to 2018. He now lives in Austin, Texas with his wife, Georgeann.

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Book Summary: Make Your Bed by William H. McRaven

Table of Contents

The Book in Three Sentences

Make Your Bed is based on an uplifting graduating speech from a Navy SEAL. In this summary of Make Your Bed , you’ll learn the principles that allowed Admiral William H. McRaven to face challenges in life. Ever since the commencement speech was made available for everyone to watch, it has inspired millions of people to have more determination, courage, honor, and compassion.

Make Your Bed Summary

This book is based on a commencement speech Admiral McRaven gave to a graduating class from the University of Texas on May 17th. The speech resonated with the class for its universal appeal and it was based on ten lessons McRaven learned from his Navy SEAL training.

Chapter One: Start Your Day with a Task Completed

Making your bed is the first task of the day and it’s important because it shows discipline and attention to detail and it’s a reminder of a job well done at the end of the day. The simple act of making your bed can be motivating.

Chapter Two: You Can’t Go It Alone

Relying on someone else to help you with certain tasks is important. When you’re too tired, you need someone else who can work a little harder than you. When the situation comes, you should return the favor. No one’s immune to tragedy, so we all need someone to believe in and someone who sees our potential too. You can’t go through life alone. Your success depends on others.

Chapter Three: Only the Size of Your Heart Matters

One of the most important lessons you can learn is that size doesn’t matter. Likewise, the color of your skin doesn’t matter and money doesn’t make you better. Always remember that determination is more important than talent.

Chapter Four: Life’s Not Fair – Drive On!

Life isn’t fair. Sometimes you’ll be rewarded and sometimes you won’t. Whether you’re rewarded or punished, keep moving forward. How you deal with life’s unfairness defines you and it doesn’t depend on how you were raised, how you were treated as a child, or where you were born. When you’re punished and you don’t deserve it, don’t complain and don’t blame anyone, just move on.

Chapter Five: Failure Can Make You Stronger

A series of failures makes most people quit, don’t. A series of failures will make you stronger, faster, more confident, and better. Those who quit are unable to handle failure and pain. They learn nothing. The pain and suffering that failure brings pay off eventually. Failure prepares you for life’s most difficult moments. Failure strengthens you and teaches you. Never forget that no one is immune to mistakes. If anything, mistakes are lessons you can use to motivate yourself.

Chapter Six: You Must Dare Greatly

Obstacles can beat you unless you take risks. To overcome problems, tackle them directly and trust yourself. Despite what most people think, risk is calculated and thoughtful, even when certain decisions are taken in the spare of the moment. In life in general, there’s always the chance of failure, but those who live in fear never get to their full potential. To push your limits, face your greatest fears and the obstacles that stand in your way.

Chapter Seven: Stand Up to the Bullies

As long as your goal is noble, you’ll get the courage you need to keep moving forward. You need courage to forge your own path, fight bullies, achieve goals, and defeat evil. Everyone has courage, but sometimes we have to dig deep to find it.

Chapter Eight: Rise to the Occasion

Try to be your best in the darkest moments. At some point in life, we all have to face these bad moments, moments when you wonder how to move on. When those moments arrive, try to be your best.

Chapter Nine: Give People Hope

One person’s enough to bring people together. One person can inspire everyone around him. One person shows that if he or she can, anyone can. Hope is a powerful force because it inspires others. Someone with hope can make a difference.

Chapter 10: Never, Ever Quit

To conclude this summary of Make Your Bed , quitting is something you’ll regret for the rest of your life because quitting doesn’t make things easier. There will be times when quitting seems acceptable and rational, but it never is. Life is longer and more difficult when you complain and blame others for your problems, so don’t. Life is what you make of it, so make it great.

Further Reading

If you liked this summary Make Your Bed, you might also like :

• The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy
• How Will You Measure Your Life? By Clayton M. Christensen
• The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday

Make your Bed Summary

Summary By: Hugo Cavendish

Summary In A Rush: In Make Your Bed , Admiral McRaven reveals how the simple discipline of tidying your sheets can kickstart a day of accomplishment and offers profound life lessons drawn from his Navy SEAL experiences.

Read Time: 4 minutes

Memorable Quote by the Author:

When it comes to self-help books, many tout complex solutions requiring extensive life overhauls. Yet, retired Admiral William H. McRaven ‘s “Make Your Bed” suggests that the path to profound change starts with the simple act of tidying your sheets.

The book’s central premise is that monumental changes can begin with small, everyday acts of discipline, like making your bed. By completing this task first thing in the morning, you’re setting a positive tone for your day. It’s a small win that fuels your motivation and prepares you for bigger challenges.

You’ll also learn about the importance of trust and the power of teamwork from McRaven’s experiences as a Navy SEAL. Never underestimate the strength of your relationships. In challenging times, having a reliable support system can make all the difference.

Lastly, McRaven encourages you to embrace your ‘circus’, or the tough times in life. Instead of shying away from them, view these setbacks as opportunities for growth. They shape your character and make you stronger.

In essence, ‘Make Your Bed’ is a practical guide that teaches you to appreciate the little things, lean on your support system, and face adversity head-on. It’s a small book with big lessons.

Key Themes & Topics

First, you’ll find the concept of your bed as a daily battleground. You see, it’s not just about having a neat bed, but rather about cultivating a mindset of discipline and order from the very start of your day.

Next, the importance of the buddy system is highlighted. Life’s no solo journey, and this book emphasizes how crucial it’s to have a reliable support system, be it a spouse, a friend, or a mentor. It’s not just about relying on your comrades during a covert mission but understanding that every facet of life, be it personal or professional, thrives on genuine bonds of trust. This section of the book is an ode to the relationships that bolster us in times of turmoil and triumph alike.

Finally, McRaven’s anecdotes are filled with instances where defeat could easily have been the endgame. Yet, time and again, he explains how setbacks are merely setups for remarkable comebacks. By showcasing real-life examples from his SEAL training days, like the grueling “The Circus” or the dreaded “sugar cookie challenge,” McRaven underscores that failures, when approached with the right attitude, can be the stepping stones to unparalleled growth.

Key Takeaway #1 – How Making Your Bed Sets the Day’s Tone

There’s a surprising amount of power contained in the simplest task of making your bed each morning. It’s not just about tidiness. It’s about starting your day with a small, completed task that sets a positive tone for the rest of the day. It’s a subtle yet potent reminder that you’re in control, even when life gets chaotic.

McRaven, in his book, likens this to a boxer landing his first punch. By making your bed, you’re landing that first punch against the day’s challenges. You’re signaling to yourself that you’re ready, capable, and prepared to face whatever comes next. It’s a small act of defiance against procrastination and disorder, a declaration of self-discipline.

And let’s not forget the end-of-day reward. After a long, tiring day, there’s something comforting about returning to a neatly made bed. It’s an invitation to rest, to recharge, and to prepare for another day of victories, no matter how small they may be.

Key Takeaway #2 – The Underrated Power of Reliable Companionship

Don’t brush off the buddy system as child’s play, for it can often be your lifeline in overcoming life’s toughest ordeals. In ‘Make Your Bed’, McRaven’s parachute mishap is a stark example of how life can throw you into a tailspin and how having a trustworthy companion can pull you back from the brink.

Imagine yourself in McRaven’s boots. Your parachute fails mid-flight, you crash land, and the world blurs into a haze of pain and disorientation. Now, add to that, the crippling solitude of facing this ordeal alone. Harrowing, isn’t it? But, McRaven wasn’t alone. His wife, Georgeann, was his rock, his anchor amidst the storm.

You see, life’s a bit like that parachute jump. It’s full of highs and lows, and sometimes the parachute fails. It’s during those plunges that a buddy can make a world of difference. They can be your safety net, your sounding board, your cheerleader.

Key Takeaway #3 – Facing Your Circus: Turning Trials into Triumphs

You’ve got to remember that embracing your circus, the ordeal following a setback, isn’t just a punishment but also a chance for growth, and it’s how you react that really shapes your character. When you’re thrown into the midst of chaos, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, to want to throw in the towel. But it’s precisely in these trying moments that you have an opportunity to show what you’re made of.

McRaven’s ‘circus’ refers to the punishing extra training a SEAL endures after failure. It’s grueling, it’s relentless, but it’s also transformative. You see, every time you face your circus, you’re pushing the boundaries of your endurance, resilience, and determination. You’re learning more about your strengths, your weaknesses, and the lengths you can go to overcome adversity.

How To Implement These Lessons In Your Life?

While it might seem daunting at first, once you start integrating these lessons into your daily routine, you’ll begin to see significant improvements in your discipline and resilience. Start small. Tomorrow morning, make your bed . This small act not only injects a dose of discipline into your day but also offers the comforting reward of a tidy bed to return to at night.

Cultivate your relationships , too. Whether it’s a partner, a friend, or a mentor, having someone you trust and can lean on is crucial . They’re your safety net in the high-wire act of life.

Lastly, reframe your challenges . When life throws you a curveball, don’t duck. Catch it, examine it, learn from it. View setbacks as opportunities for growth , not as harbingers of doom. Remember, it’s how you respond to adversity that really shapes your character.

Book Reflections

There have been countless mornings where I’ve been tempted to leave my bed in a tangle, rationalizing that I’m just too rushed or that it doesn’t genuinely matter. Yet, every time I surrender to that temptation, the day ahead feels a tad more disjointed, as if that initial act of disorder sets a precedent.

McRaven’s reflections served as a poignant reminder that rituals, no matter how trivial they may seem, often carry a weight and significance far beyond their apparent simplicity.

And it’s not just about the physicality of having a neat bed to return to; it’s the symbolism it carries. Each time I straighten those sheets and fluff those pillows, it’s a small assertion of control, a declaration that in a world filled with unpredictability, here is one thing I can set right. It’s a gesture of self-care, a nod to order in the face of life’s often tumultuous nature.

To some, it may still seem like an overemphasis on a mundane chore. But to me, inspired by McRaven’s words, it has become a foundational habit. It’s a gentle reminder that before I step out into the world and face the day’s challenges, I’ve already accomplished one task, and with that momentum, who knows what else I can achieve?

Who Would I Recommend This Book To?

I’d say it’s perfect for anyone seeking change, but feeling daunted by the magnitude of it all. It’s for the person who’s ever felt like they’re drowning in the chaos of life, needing just one thing they can control. It’s for the anxious soul, seeking a slice of tranquility amidst the daily tumult.

Don’t let the title fool you; it’s not just for the neat freaks. Even if you’ve never made your bed before, McRaven’s wisdom is still applicable. It’s not about the act of bed-making itself, but about the discipline, the routine, the small victory that starts your day.

And if you’re someone who’s ever faced adversity, felt the sting of failure, or been knocked down by life’s unexpected punches, you’ll find solace in McRaven’s poignant tales. His experiences remind us that setbacks aren’t roadblocks, but rather stepping stones to success.

Make Your Bed Book Summary, Review, Notes

“Make Your Bed” by Admiral William McRaven is an uplifting and inspiring book that draws on the author’s experiences as a Navy SEAL and his training to give readers tips for getting ahead in life. McRaven’s hard-won collection of life lessons includes lessons on taking risks, not giving up, and working with others .

The book’s main idea is that making your bed every morning is a good way to start building the habits and self-discipline you need to do well in anything. The author says that these seemingly small steps can lead to big changes if taken with a positive attitude and a willingness to work hard.

Book Title— Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life… And Maybe Even the World. Author— Admiral William McRaven Date of Reading— May 2023 Rating— 9/10

Table of Contents

What is being said in detail, chapter 1.   start your day with a task completed dealing with inner conflict.

McRaven explains his fundamental opinion that people with solid foundations and ideas follow regular routines.

Discipline and organization are the cornerstones of trustworthiness and success. It’s the opposite for McRaven, who recalls his time guarding Saddam Hussein following his capture by US forces and says that Hussein “never made his bed.”

Navy SEALS are typically obliged to report to morning drills at a specified time and to go to sleep at a specific time. Arriving one minute late for morning workouts might result in hours or even days of punishment. 

Consequently, after a few days in camp, a Navy SEAL realizes that deviating a little from what is demanded of him can mean misfortune. Self-discipline needs that you always adhere to your strategy regardless of the distractions .

The same is true for anybody desiring success. When things don’t go according to plan, it’s important to stick to your strategy, even if it means finding a new way to accomplish your goals.

While you are aware that you should continue and adhere to your plans and goals, a part of you, may, at some point, wish to throw in the towel and give up. 

However, there is a part of you that desires to continue pushing until you attain your objectives. This internal struggle is referred to as “inner conflict,” and it is the primary impediment to self-discipline.

The first step toward developing self-discipline is to learn and recognize how to resolve internal conflict.

When it comes to Navy SEALs, they have instructors who are always pushing them, making sure that they don’t have any time to think about their own thoughts and feelings. Either they follow the rules, or they will be punished or removed from the institution.

You, on the other hand, do not have Navy SEAL instructors, so you must learn how to be your own mentor. You can do this by “recognizing your opponent.”

There are usually two opposing sides in any battle. The reason you are frequently unsure which side to take is that there is not always a right or wrong answer. Part of your wishes to preserve your energy and stay stress-free, which is good for your health on all levels, body, mind, and spirit alike, because you would be at peace.

However, the force driving you to follow through on your plans and accomplish your goals realizes that in order to sustain happiness and peace of mind for an extended period of time, you must first work to accomplish your goals in the short term. That part of you knows that if you work hard now, you’ll have plenty of time later on to relax.

Now, while you are in the midst of internal conflict, you should learn to discern which side to listen to, and you must listen to the side that makes the most logical case.

You must avoid making rash decisions at all costs.  Navy SEALS are well-known for not making abrupt, impulsive judgments because the decision, may put them in serious trouble. 

You must adopt a similar mindset and recognize that each and every decision and action you take has a substantial impact on your life and future, and that each and every choice must be thoroughly evaluated.

CHAPTER 2. YOU CAN’T GO IT ALONE

While training as a SEAL, McRaven and his small raft crew were required to carry their rubber raft with them at all times. The rest of the team had to work harder if one member was slacking off. There were always others to help and support one another if one member was ill or weak.

McRaven was reminded of this lesson many years later when he was injured during a parachute jump. The long and difficult recuperation was made easier by his wife’s constant support and her ability to keep him from sinking into self-pity. Whether in civilian or military life, we all rely on the assistance and support of those around us.

He still remembers that during these times, the other members of the crew would step up to the plate. In order to keep digging, the others would paddle even harder. 

Members of the group would donate some of their own food to aid the sick or injured person’s recovery. Afterwards, when the crew member was feeling better, he would do the same for the other person in return.

This test demonstrated to them that they could not complete SEAL training on the basis of their own strength. They discovered that they would be unable to survive fighting on their own. 

You can’t get through the tough moments all by yourself, and this lesson applies to regular life as well. You need the help of those who are close to you. Twenty-five years later, McRaven still held this philosophy.

As a leader , you must play a variety of roles. Even if you’re leading a small group or a large-scale organization, these responsibilities tend to be present. Management is an example of one of these roles. As a matter of fact, management is so important that it is almost regarded as a synonym for leadership.

Management is defined as the process of dealing with people and things, according to the dictionaries. While management is present at all levels of the hierarchical system, it is of particular importance to those in positions of leadership. Here are a few of the reasons why good management is a powerful weapon in the battle against leadership difficulties.

CHAPTER  3. ONLY THE SIZE OF YOUR HEART MATTERS

During SEAL training, it looked as if everyone was attempting to prove something to the rest of the group. He relates an incident that happened before he became a SEAL, when he was in college and participated in the ROTC program. 

On an informal visit to a SEAL training center in Coronado, one of the officers introduced him to someone he had previously seen in the hallway.

McRaven was taken aback to see the slender, almost frail-looking man in a facility known for extraordinarily strong and powerful special operations soldiers. It wasn’t until he met this gentle-appearing man that McRaven recognized he needed to stop looking at appearances when developing judgments of what people were capable of doing.

The size of your heart is the most important factor in determining your worth.

Make a plan for the next five to ten years and stick to it! Do you aspire to be the company’s financial director? Do you aspire to be the boss of your own company? Do you want to generate passive income?

There are no two people’s objectives that are exactly alike, and if you create goals based on what other people have set, you’ll be disappointed and they won’t be sufficient to keep you motivated. You’ll be more likely to stick with your objectives if you think about what you want your life to be like and create specific goals to get there.

If you only think about the things you want in life, such as “I want to have a car.” That sort of thinking will make the path more difficult. This is because it looks like a big goal that would be hard to reach. 

However, if you break down this aim and establish a goal like, “I’m going to save $5,000 this year toward purchasing my own car at the end of the year,” your goal becomes smaller and more manageable. You should break down your long-term goals into smaller ones once you have set down all of your long-term life goals.

Starting with five-year, one-year, monthly, weekly, and daily goals is a great way to organize your priorities. Every single day, you should be actively working towards those goals in order to keep attention and the essential amount of discipline that would enable you to achieve them.

To achieve your goals, you must have a clear picture of the steps you need to take. Break down those actions into smaller, more manageable parts. If, for example, you want to buy a house in the next few years but your wage only covers the cost of a car, you’ll need a better career and possibly additional sources of income.

Although, multitasking can be a good thing, but it isn’t always beneficial. One step at a time from your list of possible courses of action should be your primary focus. 

If you’re working on your resume first, devote all of your time and energy to it, and then go on to something else only once you’ve completed that task. If you’re looking for a job this week, don’t switch gears until you’ve found one that works for you.

When you concentrate on a single task at a time, it’s much easier to keep your mind organized and your self-control strong. The more tasks you have, the more likely it is that you will procrastinate and have internal conflict, which can stop you from getting things done and making progress.

To truly develop mental toughness, you must keep raising the bar. Beginning SEAL training, a Navy SEAL is given a series of less and more challenging tasks to perform, which gradually get tougher. Setting the bar higher and higher is the only way to build true mental toughness.

CHAPTER  4. LIFE’S NOT FAIR-DRIVE ON!

It’s easy to blame outside forces for one’s misfortune, to give up, and to believe that it’s pointless to try to change the course of destiny. It’s easy to believe that your upbringing and education shape your destiny. 

Nothing could be more false. Admiral William H. McRaven recalls the uniform inspections in this chapter in order for us to understand this point.

While he was on the Navy Seal, uniform inspections were done meticulously. The belt buckle had to be polished and free of scuffs, and the cap had to be perfectly starched. Nevertheless, despite the trainees’ best attempts, their attire was never considered enough. They were often criticized by their professors.

As a result of the uniform check, the soldier who didn’t pass was punished with the “sugar cookie.” This practice consisted of jumping into the ocean in full uniform. Afterwards, they had to roll in the sand until every inch of his body was completely covered with sand. The rest of the day would be spent sandy, wet, and freezing.

In truth, the goal of this exercise was to demonstrate that no matter how much work is put into achieving a flawless uniform, it is still unattainable. When bad luck strikes , you have to embrace the fact that you may be a part of the problem. The learner can be subjected to this apparent torment at any time to serve as a reminder to them that life isn’t always fair or easy.

By the time McRaven was assigned the sugar cookie penalty, it had been given to him by an instructor called Moki Martin, a clever and skilled soldier who later became disabled in an accident on his bike. Moki never questioned why this occurred to him; he simply adapted to the shift in his life and moved on. 

Self-pity and remorse have no value in the long run. A successful person does not question what cards they have been dealt; instead, they play the hand with the best of their abilities and see what comes out of it.

Next, McRaven shows us how to anticipate things and expand our creative brainpower. He discusses the types of projects that we should be planning. As well as when and how they should be planned.

Typical Planning Steps

• Make a Detailed Strategy
• Thinking Outside the Box
• Set a Date in Your Calendar
• Organize Your Living Areas

Finally, if you’ve developed the habit of directing your energy in the appropriate direction, it’s time to commit to excellence. It’s not enough to accomplish your goals and be successful at them. 

In order to grow, you must invest in yourself. You’ve already achieved one of the many goals you set for yourself. Becoming the best version of yourself is a matter of “Being All That You Can Be!”

CHAPTER  5. FAILURE CAN MAKE YOU STRONGER

During their Navy training, William H. McRaven and the other trainees had to regularly demonstrate their physical talents on a variety of challenging tests. They were all meant to test the candidates’ mental toughness as well as their physical endurance and stamina. The duration and number of repetitions for each exercise were clearly stated.

As a result, if a candidate was unsuccessful, they were added to a list. A “Circus” was planned for everyone on the list at the end of the day. A “Circus” was two extra hours of calisthenics aimed at persuading candidates to resign. 

A “Circus,” in addition to showing that the trainee was not up to the task that day, also suggested that he would be even more tired, which meant that the next day would be even more tough, increasing the likelihood of another Circus.

During the training, however, everyone, without exception, ends up on the Cirque’s list at some point. Even more astounding for individuals who were always on that list was how much stronger they were by completing an additional two hours of calisthenics a day over the course of time. 

This Circus build inner strength and physical toughness with their grueling workouts. You will become more resilient if you experience failure.

It’s common for people to wait until it’s too late before they notice that their negative self-talk is having an effect on their behavior.  As humans, we all encounter difficulties at one point or another. It’s impossible to prevent it.

With experience and habits, we may overcome our human nature’s tendency to avoid problems and find the easy way out of difficult situations. We must first understand it in order to overcome it.

In a variety of situations, we feel the need to flee from the difficulties that confront us. The author sorted them into three groups based on how challenging they were to overcome.

• Challenges that we’ve already failed at
• New challenges that we are unfamiliar with
• Challenges we’ve overcome in the past.

Negative thoughts can manifest in a slew of different ways. One of the most common is mentally replaying a poor event in the same situation. All the bad things that happened as a result of your failure, including being laughed at, are still fresh in your mind. 

It’s all part of our built-in defense system. As a result, they will ensure that we avoid any obstacles that could potentially “hurt” ourselves. As a result, our task is to battle these natural tendencies and confront these obstacles head-on, hopefully defeating them.

It’s the only way we can learn and grow that we have to face and overcome obstacles over and over again in order to keep progressing. If you do this enough, you’ll become addicted to it because life gets boring and monotonous when there are no new challenges to overcome.

CHAPTER  6. YOU MUST DARE GREATLY

It was mandatory for Navy SEAL recruits to complete the “Combat Course” at least twice a week while they were in basic training. A three-meter-high wall, a nine-meter-sided net, and barbed wire were among the twenty-five obstacles in the course.

A thirty-meter rope crossing between nine-meter and three-meter towers was the most demanding test for the author. Rather than clambering up the tallest tower, you had to grab a rope and hang from it like a koala, then pull yourself up to the three-meter tower with your arms until your arms gave out from the strain.

There was a speed record in place for this race that had been established years earlier. As if it couldn’t be topped. However, one day, a student made a radical reversal in their course of action. 

As opposed to hanging from the end of the rope, he decided to climb it and pull himself over to the other end. His training would be effectively finished by an accidental fall from such an altitude. 

He didn’t hesitate, however, and ended up breaking the record by a long shot. In the weeks following the incident, McRaven admitted that he had conquered his fear and made it to the other side of the rope headfirst for the first time.

People who are emotionally healthy and conscious of their thoughts and behaviors are better able to deal with the stresses and anxieties that are a normal part of daily life. 

If you poison it with bad ideas, the body quickly deteriorates and becomes immersed in disease and worry. Negative thoughts are rooted in and stem from the mind, and they are clearly communicated when the body is unwell.

People that are susceptible to negative thoughts are those who are constantly afraid.

A clean body is the result of a clean mind and heart. Thought is the root of both action and life. Hence, every action is based on a thought. Only if you are aware of your feelings and how you control them, can you improve your emotional well-being.

Meditation and other relaxation techniques might help you put your emotions back into balance.

CHAPTER  7. STAND UP TO THE BULLIES

The Navy SEALs are the first people who need to keep their emotions, particularly their anxieties, in check because they’re constantly exposed to life-threatening situations. 

The Navy SEALs are the ideal people to learn from when it comes to mastering terror control. They use a strategy called “The Big Four,” which has four components: goals, visualization, positive self-talk, and reactivity regulation.

In war, this level of bravery defies all concepts of patriotism and instead reflects the purity of the fearless spirit and is the ultimate epitome of sacrifice and loyalty to the soldier beside you in combat.

Setting goals is as prevalent among successful individuals as breathing is among those who aren’t. The distinction between average, successful people and Navy SEALs is that the SEALs’ goals are very explicit and specific, as opposed to general or ambiguous. 

How precise can you be? Their goals are separated into micro, short-term, intermediate, and long-term objectives.

Consider the Navy SEALs’ BUDS training program as an illustration of how exact they can be in defining goals. Rather than seeing the program as a six-month commitment, the most successful candidates broke it down into smaller, more manageable parts. 

A good illustration of this is their early morning 90-minute grinder sessions, which take place before they eat their breakfast. Before they think about anything else, they concentrate solely on completing the 90-minute program. So much so that they even further divide it up into sets, on which they concentrate solely. 

By breaking down their goals into smaller, more manageable chunks that are both specific and basic, they are better able to concentrate on a single objective at a time. 

As a result, Navy SEALs have a unique ability to keep track of and deal with their own problems because they set short-term goals and then work these goals into larger ones that are more long-term.

Why not use it in your personal life as well? Make a daily to-do list of the things you have to get done. Instead of looking at your schedule on a daily basis, look at it on a task-by-task basis. Concentrate your efforts and attention on a single task at a time , as the successful Navy SEAL candidates do. 

Put off starting a new task until you’ve finished the existing one completely. The mind of a Navy SEAL, on the other hand, is trained to be relentless in the pursuit of a goal through this method.

CHAPTER 8. RISE TO THE OCCASION

As part of their training to become SEALs, trainees learn how to attack enemy ships with submarines. With only a depth gauge and a compass, one of the tasks involves swimming more than three kilometers underwater to reach the destination. 

Even from a great distance, you can still see the lights of the nearby harbor. But as soon as they get close enough to have a look, the lights go out. The metal frame of the ship shuts out the moonlight, the street lighting, and the ambient light.

The trainees’ task is to  locate the ship’s keel in the darkest and most remote portion of the ship. To do so, they’ll have to dive beneath the ship. When the machinery starts up, the noise level quickly rises to unbearable levels. With so much going on, it’s easy to get lost in the shuffle.

Every Navy SEAL knows that if you want to rely on your tactical and physical skills, you have to remain calm under the keel, where it is darkest. That is the place where the inner strength of everyone is revealed. To make a difference in the world, you must give your all, even when things look gloomiest.

Admiral William H. McRaven believes that facing and overcoming one’s anxieties, doubts, and exhaustion are critical. Everything depends on him finishing his assignment successfully, regardless of what occurs.

According to recent findings, the brain functions similarly to a muscle. Depending on how much effort you put into it, its condition either improves or worsens. Even if the brain does benefit from “exercise,” it’s not something we’re used to thinking of as a necessity. Here are the actions you can take to accomplish that.

• Battle-proofing

Emergency conditioning, or “battle-proofing,” is the process of training your brain to handle the stress of combat. While lying in their bunks, Navy SEALs try to imagine they are in the thick of battle. It’s important for them to picture the sights, smells, physical exertion, and tiredness that they might see and smell in the middle of a fight, as well as other things.

Furthermore, the more details you include in your imagined experience, the more deeply embedded it is in your brain. So, whether you’re running a race or fighting in a battle, the more vividly you’ve visualized it, the better prepared you are for the event.

The term “trigger” can refer to a variety of things, but in this context of Navy SEAL mental fitness, the trigger is that which you have decided to focus on in order to kickstart all of your training. Think about what you want your trigger to be before you do anything else. 

This image can serve as a reminder of whatever is most important to you right now. You’ll save the use of your trigger for those moments when it’s absolutely critical, or in the case of the SEALs, if it’s life or death. When you use the trigger, your mental and physical strength are brought together, and you are ready to face anything that comes your way.

• Changing your story

A productive person will either make the appropriate phone call, take the appropriate action, or simply stand by and do nothing at all. There will be occasions when any of these options will be the best reaction, but losing your calm is rarely the appropriate thing to do.

• Waiting for the next best answer

While it’s important to pay attention to your gut feelings, there’s a vast difference between following your instincts and acting on impulses. 

Taking action on the spur of the moment, when adrenaline is pumping, is nearly always a mistake. It is very, very likely that you will choose the smarter option if you take your time, slow down, and wait for your instinctual, smart answer.

This is what Navy SEALs are trained to do. They work very hard to avoid acting on a hunch or a gut feeling. As the situation worsens, this becomes increasingly critical. It’s up to you whether or not to go with the second idea that pops into your head or stick with your initial plan. In the end, it’s up to you. The most crucial thing is to decide on the best next step.

CHAPTER  9. GIVE PEOPLE HOPE

Hell Week, the most difficult week of SEAL training, includes six days of no sleep, strenuous physical activity, and verbal and physical abuse. Instructors put trainees under extreme stress on the mudflats on Wednesday of Hell Week, forcing them to give up and leave.

They would be exposed to six days of torment and little sleep during Hell Week. This week was designed to pick out individuals who didn’t have what it takes to be a SEAL, and they were expected to perform at a high level.

This training portion of a SEAL’s journey is a life-altering experience. There are many benefits to mental testing, even for individuals who fail to make it through training. An individual will be able to take the required measures to become the best version of themselves. 

It’s impossible to return to one’s pre-training self. In the end, they’ll be better equipped to deal with anything that comes their way. This will have a long-term impact on their well-being.

That same mental strength may be develo ped and strengthened by people who are not interested in attending SEAL training. The mental strength it will require to achieve one’s goals is something we rarely consider when setting goals for ourselves. 

Whether or not you run 20 minutes a day to lose 30 pounds is a mental decision that must be made only if you are determined to do it. To achieve a goal takes more than a few tweaks to your daily routine; it also demands mental preparation.

People realize that they live the way they do because it’s convenient for them. It doesn’t matter if we aren’t progressing, losing weight, or becoming a better version of ourselves; our daily routines have made us happy. 

To be successful, one must be willing to adapt to new situations. What is effective today may not be effective in the future.

When confronted with the demon of comfort, it is challenging yet rewarding to take a risk. Their perception of themselves prior to Hell Week is vastly different from who they are today. 

That previous version was never going to be good enough or successful enough for us to move on with it. The newly retrained SEAL is fully capable of completing any mission.

The objective is to make you realize that standing still does not work. Get out of your comfort zone, improve yourself, and pursue the dreams you’ve had for a long time. There is a glimmer of optimism, and it is conceivable for things to change. 

Don’t ever forget this. However, in order to achieve transformation, it requires a great deal of mental preparation. Because it’s hard, don’t be discouraged, because the rewards are enormous. In the best-case scenario, you’ll be able to look back on this time and see a completely different person.

When it comes to survival, William H. McRaven believes that we all have the ability to overcome our obstacles. We all have the potential to serve as role models for others. By clinging to hope, it is possible to alleviate the agony of loss.

CHAPTER  10. NEVER, EVER QUIT

SEAL training is well known for being the most physically demanding training available in the United States Armed Forces. In addition to extreme physical and mental stress, it tests one’s ability to function under severe sleep deprivation while dealing with extreme pain, sub-zero temperatures, and a positive attitude towards fellow recruits. 

It also tests one’s ability to function under extreme physical and mental stress. Recruits will consume up to 7,000 calories per day throughout this exercise and still lose weight.

They have made the decision that their dream of becoming a Navy SEAL will not come to pass, though it gives them instant relief. Even if you put in the effort to try and have made progress so far, the small sense of pleasure that comes from ringing the bell is tempered by the disappointment of failing.

They’re one day closer to achieving their goal for every day they don’t ring the bell, and they’re one step closer to achieving their goal. Resilience and perseverance , as well as the refusal to give up in the face of adversity, are demonstrated by this gesture. 

The Navy SEAL mindset is to resist the temptation to constantly succumb to failure, no matter how difficult the situation seems. Despite this, it is clear that this is not an easy task, as evidenced by the fact that 80 percent of SEAL applicants do not complete the training.

Although you are unlikely to be put through the same brutal physical and mental tests that SEALs receive during their training, the concept of ringing the bell can still convey an important message. 

You must make the decision to never wear a bell in your normal life. Do not give up or deny yourself the opportunities to achieve the goals you want so much. Don’t take the easy way out and deprive yourself of more substantial benefits.

Keep in mind that you yourself are your biggest impediment and at the end of the day, you will be responsible for most of your failures. Senior officers are available to keep SEAL candidates in check and on track to complete the program, but this is a privilege most of us don’t have on a regular basis, which is a significant disadvantage. Instead, you must maintain your determination and drive to maximize your potential and achieve success.

Most Important Keywords, Sentences, Quotes

Chapter 1. start your day with a completed task..

“If you want to change the world… start off by making your bed.”

“Making my bed correctly was not going to be an opportunity for praise. It was expected of me. It was my first task of the day and doing it right was important. It demonstrated discipline. It showed my attention to detail, and at the end of the day it would a reminder that I had done something well, something to be proud of, no matter small the task.”

“In battle soldiers die, families grieve, your days are long and filled with anxious moments. You search for something that can give you solace, that can motivate you to begin your day, that can be a sense of pride in an oftentimes ugly world. 

It is daily life that needs this same sense of structure. Nothing can replace the strength and comfort on one’s faith, but sometimes the simple act of making your bed can give the lift you need to start your day and provide you the satisfaction to end it right.”

CHAPTER 2. You Can’t Go It Alone.

“If you want to change the world… find someone to help you paddle.”

“I learned early on in SEAL training the value of teamwork , the need to rely on someone else to help you through the difficult task.”

“No SEAL could make it through combat alone and by extension you need people in your life to help you through the difficult times.”

“You cannot paddle the boat alone. Find someone to share your life with. Make as many friends as possible, and never forget that your success depends on others.”

CHAPTER 3. Only the Size of Your Heart Matters.

“If you want to change the world… measure a person by the size of their heart.”

“SEAL training was always about proving something. Proving that size didn’t matter. Proving that the color of your skin wasn’t important. Proving that money didn’t make you better. Proving that determination and grit were always more important than talent. I was fortunate to learn that lesson a year before training began.”

“In 1969, Tommy Norris was almost booted out of SEAL training. They said he was too small, too thin, and not strong enough. But much like the young sailor in my class, Norris proved them all wrong and once again showed that it’s not the size of your flippers that count, just the size of your heart.”

CHAPTER 4. Life’s Not Fair – Drive On!

“If you want to change the world… get over being a sugar cookie and keep moving forward.”

“Because, Mr. Mac, life isn’t fair and the sooner you learn that the better off you will be.”

“Sometimes no matter how hard you try, no matter how good you are, you still end up as a sugar cookie. Don’t complain. Don’t blame it on your misfortune. Stand tall, look to the future, and drive on!”

CHAPTER 5. Failure Can Make You Stronger.

“If you want to change the world… don’t be afraid of The Circus.”

“In life you will face a lot of Circuses. You will pay for your failures. But, if you persevere, if you let those failures teach you and strengthen you, then you will be prepared to handle life’s toughest moments.”

“I realized that the past failures had strengthened me, taught me that no one is immune from mistakes. True leaders must learn from their failures, use the lessons to motivate themselves, and not be afraid to try again or make the next decision… You can’t avoid The Circus. At some point we all make the list. Don’t be afraid of The Circus.”

CHAPTER 6. You Must Dare Greatly.

“If you want to change the world… slide down the obstacle headfirst.”

“That obstacle course is going to beat you every time unless you start taking some risk.”

“It was a simple lesson in overcoming your anxieties and trusting your abilities to get the job done. The lesson would serve me well in the years to come.”

“Life is a struggle and the potential for failure is ever present, but those who live in fear of failure or hardship, or embarrassment will never achieve their potential. Without pushing your limits, without occasionally sliding down the rope headfirst, without daring greatly, you will never know what is truly possible in your life.”

CHAPTER 7. Stand Up to the Bullies.

“If you want to change the world… don’t back down from the sharks.”

“Our goal, which we believed to be honorable and noble, gave us courage, and courage is a remarkable quality. Nothing and nobody can stand in your way. Without it, others will define your path forward. Without it, you are at the mercy of life’s temptations. 

Without courage, men will be ruled by tyrants and despots, without courage, no great society can flourish. Without courage, the bullies of the world rise. With it, you can accomplish any goal. With it, you can defy and defeat evil.”

“Bullies gain their strength through the timid and faint of heart. They are like sharks that sense fear in the water. They will circle to see if their prey is struggling. They will probe to see if their victim is weak. If you don’t find the courage to stand your ground, they will strike. 

In life to achieve your goals, to complete the night swim, you will have to be men and women of great courage. That courage is within all of us. Dig deep, and you will find it in abundance.”

CHAPTER 8.  Rise to the Occasion.

“If you want to change the world… be your very best in the darkest moments.”

“Tonight, you will have to be your very best. You must rise above your fears, your doubts, and your fatigue. No matter how dark it gets, you must complete the mission. This is what separates you from everyone else.”

“At some point we will all confront a dark moment in life. If not the passing of a loved one, then something else that crushes your spirit and leaves you wondering about your future. In that dark moment, reach deep inside yourself and be your very best.”

CHAPTER 9. Give People Hope.

“If you want to change the world… start singing when you’re up to your neck in mud.”

“Once again, we had learned an important lesson: the power of one person to inspire those around him, to give them hope. If that one person could sing while neck deep in mud, then so could we. If that one person could endure the freezing cold, then so could we. If that one person could hold on, then so could we.”

“Hope is the most powerful force in the universe. With hope you can inspire nations to greatness. With hope you can raise up the downtrodden. With hope you can ease the pain of unbreakable loss. Sometimes all it takes is one person to make a difference.” 

As last statements he continues with, “We will all find ourselves neck deep in mud someday. That is the time to sing loudly, to smile broadly, to life up those around you and give them hope that tomorrow will be a better day.”

CHAPTER 10. Never, Ever Quit!

“If you want to change the world… don’t ever, ever ring the bell.”

“If you quit, you will regret it for the rest of your life. Quitting never makes anything easier.”

“Of all the lessons I learned in SEAL training, this was the most important. Never quit.”

“Life is full of difficult times. But someone out there always has it worse than you do. If you fill your days with pity, sorrowful for the way you have been treated, bemoaning your lot in life, blaming your circumstances on someone or something else, then life will be long and hard. 

If, on the other hand, you refuse to give up on your dreams, stand tall and strong against the odds-then life will be what you make of it-and you can make it great. Never, ever, ring the bell!”

“Remember… start each day with a task completed. Find someone to help you through life. Respect everyone. Know that life is not fair and that you will fail often. But if you take some risks, set up when times are toughest, face down the bullies, lift the downtrodden, and never, ever give up-if you do these things, then you change your life for the better… and maybe the world!”

Book Review (Personal Opinion):

Although the concepts discussed in Make Your Bed are not particularly groundbreaking, Admiral McRaven’s anecdotes and examples are inspiring and instructive. Since I had almost no prior knowledge of the Navy, I was genuinely interested in most field experiences.

A lot of times, the best advice is also the easiest. In my perspective, that is the book’s main premise. The author’s ten lessons are useful to everyone looking to succeed and improve oneself . Even though they may seem obvious, it’s helpful to be reminded of them occasionally.

Most readers won’t take longer than a few hours to finish this. The book was fairly easy to understand thanks to the author’s clear and concise writing style.

Rating: 9/10

This Book Is For:

• People who want to change their lives for the better and to find purpose.
• People who want to learn to make tough decisions with determination, compassion, honor, and courage.
• People who want to achieve more, even during difficult moments.

If You Want to Learn More

Here is the video of Admiral William H. McRaven’s 2014 Commencement Speech at the University of Texas. University of Texas at Austin 2014 Commencement Address – Admiral William H. McRaven.

How I’ve Implemented the Ideas from The Book

After experiencing a lack of motivation and a feeling of purpose in my life, I began making my bed every morning, even if I was rushed or fatigued. 

Making my bed was difficult to get into at first, but in the long run it provided me a sense of control and order, which transferred to other aspects of my life. I discovered that I was more motivated to do other duties and set and attain goals.

During a particularly difficult period at work, the lessons from the book came in handy. I was dealing with a difficult project and felt overwhelmed, but I reminded myself of the value of perseverance and little, incremental efforts. I was able to complete the project successfully and with a stronger sense of accomplishment by being disciplined and focused.

One Small Actionable Step You Can Do

If you want to use some of the ideas from “Make Your Bed,” one small step you can take is to make your bed every morning. It might seem like a small thing, but it can give you a sense of success and organization that can help you in other parts of your life. 

Also, setting specific goals or tasks for the day ahead can help you stay focused and inspired.

Bruno Boksic

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Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life… And Maybe the World

Welcome to Books That Can Change Your Life ! If you are new here you must want to receive The 3 Vital Principles To Succeed in Life, backed by science : click here to get if for free ! 🙂

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Summary from “ Make Your Bed” : In this best-seller, William H. McRaven, the most famous and decorated admiral of the US Navy, reveals the ten precepts he learned and applied throughout his civilian and military life that could help us to face very difficult situations , change our lives and even change the world .

By William H. McRaven , 2018, 160 pages

Chronicle and summary of “ Make Your Bed.”

Former Admiral of the US Navy, the author, William H. McRaven, is the best-known and most decorated admiral in the United States. William spent 37 years in the Navy’s special forces: The Navy SEALs (Sea, Air, Land, Special Intervention Force). He led the operation to capture Bin Laden. And he also supervised Saddam Hussein’s cell during his first month of detention.

In this book, “ Make Your Bed, ” the soldier reveals ten simple but powerful rules that he learned during his Navy SEAL training and adopted to deal with the trials of civilian life.

In the ten chapters, each of which covers a principle of life, he discusses in turn his military experiences, the lessons he learned from them, the meetings and events that inspired him. Also, through these life lessons, Admiral William H. McRaven tells us about the people who influenced him through their discipline, perseverance, sense of honour and courage.

CHAPTER 1 – Start the day with a completed task

1.1 – “start by making your bed”.

In this first chapter of “ Make Your Bed, ” Admiral William H. McRaven advises us to start our day with a task. So, the first task that the Admiral suggests we do is to make our bed:

If you want to change your life, and maybe the world… start by making your bed!

In fact, Admiral William H. McRaven explains that during his training with the Navy SEALs, instructors would go through the soldiers’ rooms every morning. The first thing they inspected was their beds. It had to be made to perfection.

That is why, as soon as they woke up, the soldiers were in a hurry to make their bed. Even if this is a simple, harmless and even ridiculous task for future warriors, hard-boiled and relentless, the author tells us that he has had countless opportunities to verify the value of this act.

1.2 – Why make your bed?

Doing the little things right to get big things done.

In fact, “making your bed every morning” is a testament to the military member’s discipline and attention to detail. It provides a sense of pride and encourages the soldier to do one task and then another and then another. By the time the day is over, that first completed task will have become a whole series.

In short, what William H. McRaven tells us in this first chapter of “ Make Your Bed ” is that:

If you don’t apply yourself and do the little things correctly, you will never succeed in doing great things.

A point of reference wherever you find yourself

Moreover, for Admiral William H. McRaven, “making your bed every morning” became, over time, a point of reference. Indeed, for him, this task was a sort of constant throughout his career in the Navy. He made his bed every day, wherever he was, even when he slept on a makeshift bed. For example, when he was on duty in Iraq, in his makeshift headquarters at Baghdad Airfield, sleeping on cots did not prevent him to roll up his sleeping bag and centre the pillow at the head of the bed every morning when he woke up to get ready for the day. William H. McRaven has a little anecdote about this:

In December 2003, U.S. forces captured Saddam Hussein. We were holding him in a small room. He too slept on a cot, but he was given the luxury of sheets and a blanket. Once a day I would go and check that my men were treating him properly. Then I noticed with some amusement that Saddam was not making his bed. The sheet and blanket were always pushed back in a heap. He obviously didn’t feel the need to have a well-made bed.

CHAPTER 2 – Find someone to help you row

2.1 – no one achieves success alone.

We all have to face the tragedies of life. During his SEAL training and military career, Admiral William H. McRaven explains that he quickly learned the importance of teamwork. Having someone you can count on in the face of adversity is critical to getting the job done. In short, according to him, no one achieves success alone.

2.2-No SEAL can get out of a fight alive on his own

Admiral William H. McRaven illustrates his words in this chapter of “ Make Your Bed ” by telling us two experiences from his military career:

During SEAL training, trainees were divided into teams of seven soldiers. Each team was assigned a dinghy. The trainees used this dinghy to row many kilometres along the coast. In order for the boat to reach its destination, everyone had to row at the same pace and with the same strength. In addition, the team had to carry this three-meter-long zodiac wherever they went. And in the end, no man could do this training on his own.

In the same way that it takes a whole team to carry a canoe, the author draws a parallel with the trials of life: everyone needs the help of others and their benevolence to cross them.

His parachuting accident

During a routine exercise, while serving as a Navy captain with decades of command of SEALs around the world, Admiral William H. McRaven was involved in a parachute accident: he fell more than 1,200 metres before the parachute deployed!

At the time, Admiral William H. McRaven thought that this accident put a definitive end to his career. He fears it will take years to rehabilitate him. But while he mourns, the admiral will receive real support from his friends and his superior. His wife, who was then in charge of nursing care, refused to see him feel sorry for himself and also helped him to pull himself together.

Admiral William H. McRaven confided how much he needed this benevolent firmness:

All my life, I’ve felt invincible. I had survived…  can’t even count the times I barely escaped death. I had never given up in the face of adversity and she [his wife] wanted to make sure I didn’t start.

The soldier will finally stay in bed for only two months and continue his career. For the author, this event allowed him to see that everything he managed to do in life was thanks to those who helped him:

Find someone to share your life with, make as many friends as you can. Never forget that your success depends on others.

CHAPTER 3 – Measure people by the size of their hearts

Navy Seal training puts everyone on an equal footing. Therefore, according to William H. McRaven, no matter what their skin colour, ethnic background, education or social status. In reality, nothing matters more than everyone’s willingness to succeed.

Admiral William H. McRaven, in this part of “ Make Your Bed, ” tells how he had to prove himself and show his level of determination during his SEAL training.

But it is above all the story of Tommy Norris that makes us understand that determination should not be underestimated. Indeed, Tommy Norris is a war hero today. However, he almost failed as a SEAL because he was said to be too small, too thin and not strong enough. Reserved, quiet and humble, he turned out to be one of the toughest soldiers in SEAL history. He proved that others were wrong to underestimate him.

CHAPTER 4 – Stop complaining and move forward

It is easy to blame one’s misfortune on outside forces, to give up, convinced that it is useless to fight against fate. It’s easy to think that your social environment, the education you’ve been given, determines your future. Nothing could be further from the truth.

To encourage us to stop complaining, Admiral William H. McRaven reports in this chapter on the inspection of uniforms. This was done weekly during his Navy SEAL training.

During this inspection, the instructors paid attention to every detail. The cap had to be “impeccably starched”, the uniform “immaculate and ironed”, and the belt buckle “polished and scratch-free”. However, despite all the efforts of the trainees to ensure that their outfit was perfect, it was never good enough. The instructors always found fault with them.

The soldier who did not pass the uniform inspection had to run to the beach and jump into the water fully dressed. Once soaked from head to toe, he had to roll in the sand until every square inch of his body was covered. He would then stay sanded, wet and shivering for the rest of the day.

In fact, the purpose of this exercise was to show that it is impossible to have a perfect uniform even with all the effort put in. One has to accept the idea that sometimes you are part of the bad luck:

Sometimes, no matter how hard you give your best, being at the top of your game, you will end up in the sand. Don’t complain. Don’t blame yourself. Just hang in there and move on!

CHAPTER 5 – Don’t be afraid to fail

5.1 – the “circus” event.

During their training in the Navy, William H. McRaven and the other trainees had to constantly demonstrate their physical abilities in a variety of difficult tests. The long runs, swims, callisthenics and obstacle courses were, in fact, designed to test the candidates’ strength of character. Each exercise had its requirements, times and repetitions.

Thus, when a candidate failed, his or her name was put on a list. At the end of the day, all those on the list were invited to a “Circus”. A “Circus” consisted of two more hours of callisthenics designed to get candidates to resign. In addition to indicating that the trainee had not been up to the task that day, a “Circus” also meant more fatigue, leading to an even more difficult tomorrow, and therefore probably another Circus.

However, during the training, everyone, without exception, ends up one day or another on the Cirque’s list. But the most amazing thing for those who were constantly on that list was that over time, by doing those extra two hours of callisthenics a day, they became stronger.

The suffering endured during these Cirques strengthens inner strength and develops physical resilience. Failure will make you stronger.

5.2 – What doesn’t kill makes us stronger

The author tells us that during his training to become a soldier, he experienced many failures and humiliations that made him stronger. According to him, he was not always the best, but he says he always gave the best of himself.

For the Admiral, in life, there will always be inevitable Circuses. We have to suffer the consequences of our failures.

Life is a sequel to Cirques. You will fail. You may even fail often. It will be painful. It will be discouraging. And it will push you to your final strongholds.

However, if we persevere, if we do not fear failure, if we learn from it and come out of it stronger, then we will be able to overcome all of life’s difficulties. No one is safe from making mistakes. True leaders learn from their failures and use them to not be afraid to move forward or make difficult decisions.

CHAPTER 6 – Coping with situations and taking risks

6.1 – the rope test: go headfirst into danger.

To illustrate this principle, William H. McRaven tells us, through the following story, how he overcame his fears and managed to take risks to surpass himself.

During training with the Navy SEAL, trainees were required to complete the “Combat Course” at least twice a week. The course consisted of twenty-five obstacles, including a three-metre-high wall, a nine-metre-sided net and barbed wire.

However, for the author, the most difficult test was a thirty-metre traverse on a rope stretched between a nine-metre tower and a three-metre tower. In fact, you had to climb to the top of the highest tower, grab the rope with your hands and then hook your legs on it to let yourself hang like a koala, and then gradually advance by pulling on your arms until you reached the three-metre tower.

The speed record for this event had been set years before. It seemed unbeatable. But one day, a trainee decided to change his strategy completely. Instead of hanging under the rope, he took the initiative to climb it, head on, and pull himself to the other end. It was more dangerous, almost inconsiderate: a fall from that height could mean the end of training for him. However, he did not hesitate and far exceeded the speed record.

A week after this event, the author reveals that he overcame his fear and also achieved the feat of progressing on the rope headfirst.

That’s why Admiral William H. McRaven says:

If you want to change the world, sometimes you have to go headfirst into danger.

6.2 – Taking calculated risks

It was in the decade following his training that Admiral William H. McRaven very often had the opportunity to realize that the risks assumed were an integral part of special forces missions.

In fact, men have to continually push their limits. But contrary to what one might think, risks are, in reality, always calculated, weighed and planned. Even if the action is spontaneous at the time, the operators know these limits. They have enough confidence in their skills and potential to attempt the impossible.

On the subject of risk, Admiral William H. McRaven mentions the motto of the British Special Air Service, the famous SAS: “He who dares wins”. This motto, he said, should inspire us all. Indeed, in his view, it describes not so much the way British Special Forces operate as the approach we should all take to life.

In conclusion, for Admiral William H. McRaven:

In life, you have to fight and know that you can fail at any moment. Those who live in fear of failure, difficulty or shame of failure will never realize their potential. If you don’t push your limits, if you don’t sometimes go head first, if you don’t dare to take risks, you will never know how far you can go in life.

CHAPTER 7 – Stand up to bullies

7.1 – don’t turn your back on sharks.

To become a real SEAL, you have to be able to swim very long distances.

In this part of “ Make Your Bed, ” Admiral William H. McRaven then returns to a swimming exercise from his training. It consists of swimming at night in a sea infested with white sharks.

Before starting this qualifying event, the instructors assured them that no trainee had been eaten by a shark, at least not recently… They also explained that if a shark started swimming in a circle around them, they had to hold on and not try to run away. In fact, you shouldn’t show any fear at all. Also, if the shark attacked them when they were hungry, you had to punch it on the snout with a big punch to make it go away and to discourage it from eating them.

Admiral William H. McRaven uses this experience as a metaphor to invite us to be brave:

There are a lot of sharks in the world. If you want to reach your destination, you’ll have to make do. If you want to change the world, don’t run away from sharks.

7.2 – Courage is in abundance in each one of us

Basically, according to the author, if we don’t have the courage, we leave it to others to make your own way. From then on, bullies from all over the world would take over:

Bullies are all the same, whether they are in the schoolyard, in the office or at the head of a country. They feed on the fear and weakness of others and they are like sharks that circle their prey to see if it is in trouble. They will tickle their prey to see if it is vulnerable. If you don’t find the courage to stand up to them, they will attack. In life, to achieve your goals, you have to be men and women of great courage.

With courage, for William H. McRaven, any goal can be achieved. And, according to the author, this courage is within each of us. You only have to dig a little deeper to find it in abundance.

CHAPTER 8 – Give the best of yourself in the worst moments and rise to the occasion.

8.1 – draw from the depths of your heart to get through tragedies..

At one time or another, we all face dark and difficult moments in life, events that discourage us and make us question our future.

In this chapter of “ Make Your Bed “, Admiral William H. McRaven looks back on the tragic moments of his career. He reminds us that there are no worse moments than when one loses a loved one. And yet, he says:

How many times have I seen families, military units, cities, towns, nations, give their best in the worst tragedies? In these dark moments, reach deep inside and give the best of yourself.

8.2 – Submarine operations training: the best of oneself in the darkest moments

As part of their SEAL training, trainees practice conducting submarine attacks against enemy vessels.

One of the exercises consists of reaching the target by swimming more than three kilometres underwater with only a depth gauge and a compass as equipment. At the beginning, even when you are far from the surface, you can catch a glimpse of the harbour lights. However, as the soldiers approach the enemy ship at the dock, the lights disappear: the ship’s metal structure blocks the rays of the moon, the surrounding street lamps and the ambient light.

The mission of the trainees is to find the keel in the deepest and darkest part of the ship. To do this, they must swim under the ship. The noise of the machinery quickly becomes deafening. With all this, it is easy to become completely disoriented:

Every SEAL knows that it’s under the keel, where it’s darkest, that you have to stay calm if you want to rely on your tactical and physical skills. That’s where everyone’s inner strength is revealed. If you want to change the world, give the best of yourself in the darkest moments.

For Admiral William H. McRaven, overcoming fears, doubts and fatigue is essential. No matter what happens, it is essential to carry out his mission successfully.

CHAPTER 9 – Giving Hope

9.1 – the power of a single person over a group and events.

One person can change the world by giving hope to others.

“Hell Week”

Admiral William H. McRaven shares, in this part of “ Make Your Bed “, the surprising experience he had during the ninth week of his Navy SEAL training. That week is called “the week of hell”: six days without sleep, continually harassed morally and physically, with a whole day trying to survive in a swampy area.

William H. McRaven explains that during his training, his class committed a “flagrant breach of the rules” during this exercise. Also, just at sunset, the trainees were ordered to go into the mud banks. The instructors were up to their necks in the icy mud, exposed to the wind and under constant bullying from the instructors, who made a proposal: if five trainees resigned then they could get out of there. There were eight long hours before sunrise, in the freezing cold that froze them to the bone. And while some were ready to give up, this is what happened:

We were chattering and moaning so loudly that we could hardly hear anything else. Suddenly, a voice rose in the night, a singing voice. It was singing terribly wrong, but with infectious enthusiasm. This voice became two voices, then three. Soon it was the whole company singing in one voice. We knew that if one man could overcome this ordeal, then the others could too. The instructors threatened us that if we continued to sing, we would have to extend the time of the ordeal, but we sang more beautifully. As we sang, the mud seemed a little warmer, the wind seemed a little warmer, and the dawn was not that far off.

The power of one person over groups and events

With this story, Admiral William H. McRaven teaches us that one person alone can have a very important power over the cohesion of a group. He can inspire and give hope to an entire group:

If one person could sing while up to his neck in the mud, then we all could. Again, if that person could endure the freezing cold, then we all could. And if that person could hold on, then we all could. Hope is the most powerful force in the universe.

9.2 – Hope an extremely powerful force

If there is one thing the author says he has learned as he travels the world, it is the power of hope. In this regard, Admiral William H. McRaven recalls another moment in his career that gave him great courage.

At a funeral service for fallen soldiers, the Admiral describes a scene in which he sees General John Kelly comforting the parents of a deceased soldier. The General himself had experienced this tragedy a few years earlier: his military son had also been killed in Afghanistan. Thus, for these parents and the author who is present at the discussion, the general testifies, by his presence, that one can survive the loss of a child. Above all, he shows that there is always hope, even in the worst of times. It means that it is possible to overcome pain, sorrow and to be strong.

This is the message that William H. McRaven seeks to convey: we all have within us the capacity to move forward, to survive. We can all be an inspiration to others. With hope, we can ease the pain of irretrievable loss. And sometimes it only takes one person to make a difference.

CHAPTER 10 – Never give up

10.1 – don’t ring the bell.

Prominently displayed in the middle of the SEAL Training Base courtyard is a copper bell hanging from the ceiling. This bell is there for trainees who wish to drop out of training:

To resign, nothing could be simpler, just ring the bell. Ring the bell and you won’t have to get up at five in the morning. Ring the bell and you won’t have to swim in the icy water anymore. And ring the bell and you’re done with long runs, exercise, obstacle courses and other training events.

But Admiral William H. McRaven invites us never to ring the bell, never to give up, or risk regretting it for the rest of our lives. And of all the lessons he has learned from SEAL training, never giving up remains one of the most important.

10.2 – The amputee soldier: never feel sorry for yourself!

To finish his book “ Make Your Bed”, Admiral William H. McRaven relates his meeting with Ranger Bates. On his first mission, after barely a week in the field in Afghanistan, the 19-year-old ranger jumped on a landmine.

The author recounts with emotion this episode where the young man, amputated of both legs, still unable to speak on his hospital bed, covered with bandages and his body completely swollen, tells him, in sign language, “that he would be fine”. He saw him again a year later during a change of command: the ranger stood proudly on his two prosthetic legs:

Despite all that he had gone through, despite the many surgeries, the long and painful rehabilitation and the adaptation to a new life, he had never given up. He laughed, joked, smiled and, as he had promised me, he was fine!

In fact, what Admiral H. McRaven is trying to tell us is that life regularly confronts us with difficult situations where we think it would be simpler or more reasonable to give up than to persevere. And yet, there will always be someone for whom it is even harder.

If you are content to feel sorry for yourself, to complain about your problems, to blame yourself for circumstances or others, then your life will be long and painful. If, on the contrary, you refuse to give up your dreams, if you hold on despite and against all odds, then you will have the life you have built for yourself, a life full of beautiful and great things.

University of Texas Graduation Ceremony Speech May 21, 2014 – “ Make Your Bed !”

The last part transcribes Admiral William H. McRaven’s entire speech at the University of Texas Graduation Ceremony on May 21, 2014. This speech generated incredible enthusiasm. The video has been viewed more than 10 million times on the internet.

In this intervention, William H. McRaven uses the ten principles developed in his book “ Make Your Bed “. Before that, by way of introduction, he makes us think about the university’s motto:

“What starts here will change the world.”

He then demonstrates that changing the world is not utopian, but entirely achievable:

Tonight, nearly 8,000 of you are graduating from the University of Texas. According to the paragon of analytical rigor that is Ask.com, the average American meets ten thousand people in the course of his or her life. That’s a lot of people! If each of you changes the lives of even ten people – just ten – in five generations, in 125 years, the class of 2014 will have changed the lives of 800 million people. Eight hundred million people. That’s more than twice the population of the United States. Count one more generation, and you will change the entire world population, eight billion people. If you think it’s hard to change the lives of ten people, to change their lives forever, you’re wrong.

He then explains, through several real-life examples, that sometimes a simple decision made by one person can save lives. Therefore, according to the Admiral, anyone can change the world, no matter where they are.

Book critique of “ Make Your Bed ” by William H. McRaven

Just a few lines to summarize the ten rules of “make your bed.”.

Through all of his memories, his incredible experiences, his extraordinary journey, Admiral William H. McRaven gives us ten principles to follow to overcome life’s difficulties and summarizes them, in a few lines, as follows:

Start the day with a task completed. Find someone to help you. Respect everyone. Know that life is not fair and that you will have to endure failures, but if you take risks, if you take the lead in the hardest times, if you stand up to the bullies and support the weak, if you don’t give up… if you do all of these things, then the next generation and the generations after that will live in a much better world than the one we live in today.

These ten tips for living, accessible to all and in all situations, are simple but powerful and full of humanity.

A reading that makes you want to fight in life!

With almost three decades in the Navy’s Special Forces, William H. McRaven’s experiences and narratives are out of the ordinary. They read like captivating little stories. The lessons he learns from his atypical background are explained simply. The style is clear and concise.

If you are looking for help to move forward against all odds, to find your determination in your life, to think that everything is possible as long as you have the will and the courage, then read “ Make Your Bed” !

Strong Points :

• Inspiring and motivating anecdotes and life stories that make you want to fight in life;
• Simplicity of understanding: these ten simple rules of life, full of humanity and common sense, are easy to remember;
• The atypical profile of the author related to his military function and the role he played in some major world events;
• A concise book, easy and pleasant to read.

Weak Points :

• Although the stories are very telling, in the end, the author’s analysis comes back to the ideas found in many other personal development books.

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Book Summary Make Your Bed , by William H. McRaven

Make your bed to start your day off right. Sounds easy, doesn’t it? But the simple act of making your bed has bigger implications for your life than you may think. Former Navy SEAL William H. McRaven teaches you how this menial task leads to big rewards in his book, Make Your Bed . Using advice he gave graduating college students during a commencement address, McRaven develops 10 lessons for life learned during his time as a SEAL. Follow these lessons to lead a more meaningful life, and you just might change the world in the process.

1-Page Summary 1-Page Book Summary of Make Your Bed

Military life is often exhausting, terrifying, and emotionally challenging. You have to be strong and disciplined to make it through the rigors of training and war. Admiral William H. McRaven, a retired Navy SEAL with 37 years of experience, faced many challenges during his career. He found strategies along the way that helped him through the difficult times. Many of these strategies resulted from his experiences as a SEAL-in-training and a Navy officer.

In 2014, McRaven organized his strategies into 10 life lessons for his commencement address at his alma mater, the University of Texas at Austin. Make Your Bed provides these lessons to you and expands on the experiences that formed them.

Lesson 1: Start Each Day with an Accomplishment

Start your day with one successful task completed, such as making your bed, and you will find the motivation to tackle others. When you make your bed first thing in the morning, you start the day with purpose and confidence. You will feel a sense of pride, and that same pride will greet you at night when you come to your made bed. This type of satisfaction will wash the day’s struggles away and prepare you for tomorrow.

McRaven learned the importance of a made bed during his training as a SEAL cadet. A perfectly made bed represented McRaven’s discipline. He started each day receiving acknowledgement from his superiors that he had fulfilled his duties successfully. This acknowledgement greeted him at the end of each day, and he went to bed proud of himself. When McRaven was recovering from a life-changing injury later in life, making his bed became a symbol of his determination to get better and desire to keep leading a productive life.

Lesson 2: Success in Life Requires Teamwork

Life is full of struggles. Going through hard times alone is much more difficult than relying on the help of others to get you through. You need people you can count on to help navigate life’s difficult moments. The same is true for achieving success in life. The more others support you, the stronger and more confident you become.

McRaven learned the importance of teamwork as a SEAL-in-training. He and his unit of cadets were required to carry an inflatable raft everywhere they went and row it for miles through the choppy ocean water. When one of them was unable to perform to a high standard, the others pitched in to fill the void. They all remained successful because they helped each other when times were tough. Because of this experience, McRaven was more willing to accept the help of others after his injury and not just recover physically, but emotionally and professionally as well.

Lesson 3: It’s What’s Inside that Counts

Everyone has more to them than what you’re able to see. You must look beyond skin deep to a person’s heart. You must reserve judgement and prejudice until you get to know who a person is. Even the meekest person can do great things, so value people for their character, not their appearance.

McRaven made the mistake of judging two men as being less suitable for the SEALs than he was because of how they looked. McRaven was tall and muscular, whereas these men were short and scrawny, respectively. Both men surprised him by showing courage in dangerous situations, and McRaven realized he misjudged the amount of heart they had because of what they looked like.

Lesson 4: A Setback Is Only Permanent if You Let It Be

It’s easier to assume the world is against you than it is to admit that sometimes life just isn’t fair. But at the end of the day, you are the only person responsible for determining your fate. Don’t complain and fall back on misfortune as an excuse for why you can’t be happy. When you face disappointment,...

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Make Your Bed Summary Preface

In 2014, Admiral William H. McRaven, a retired Navy SEAL with 37 years of experience, gave the commencement speech at his alma mater, the University of Texas at Austin. In his speech, McRaven provided guidance to the graduates on how to manage life’s challenges and lead a meaningful...

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Make Your Bed Summary Lesson 1: Start Each Day with an Accomplishment

Each day, you’re likely required to manage various tasks. These tasks may include working, raising children, cleaning your home, or completing a project. When faced with this long list of responsibilities, you may often feel overwhelmed. But if you can start your day with one successful task completed, such as making your bed, you can find the motivation to tackle others.

When you make your bed first thing in the morning, you start the day with purpose and confidence. You have accomplished something, and regardless of what else happens during the day, you will feel a sense of pride. In addition, the pride you feel when you come to your made bed at night provides satisfaction that washes the day’s struggles away and prepares you for tomorrow. Start each day by making your bed, and set yourself up for success.

The Backstory

While training to be a Navy SEAL, McRaven lived in the barracks off the coast of Coronado, California....

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Shortform Exercise: Start Your Day with Purpose

Making the bed is a simple task that everyone could do to start their day right. What are some other ways you can start your day feeling accomplished?

Do you make your bed first thing in the morning? If so, how do you feel after the bed is made? If not, what stops you from doing it?

Make Your Bed Summary Lesson 2: Success in Life Requires Teamwork

No one is guaranteed a life without pain. You will eventually experience painful and tragic moments, and you may have already. Going through these hard times alone is much more difficult than relying on the help of others to get you through. You need people you can count on to help navigate life’s difficult moments.

The same is true for achieving success in life. If you try to navigate the choppy waters toward your goals or dreams alone, you expend more energy than is necessary. You may also find yourself off course without another person to help you paddle. Find people to love and who love you back. Your ability to have a positive life depends on it.

McRaven and the other SEAL candidates were required to carry a ten-foot rubber raft everywhere they went. Seven men carried it to the chow hall and up and down sand dunes during training drills. They paddled it through rough waters along the coast for miles at a time.

It took all seven men to make sure the boat stayed aloft or afloat at all times. But...

Why people love using Shortform

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Shortform Exercise: Who Are Your Allies?

We’ve all experienced times when we needed assistance in one form or another. Let’s look at how others have supported you when you needed it.

Name one recent moment in which you were struggling? Did you ask for help? Why or why not?

Make Your Bed Summary Lesson 3: It’s What’s Inside that Counts

There’s more to you than meets the eye. You have talents, determination, and courage that aren’t visible to the naked eye. There have been times when someone has doubted or judged you based on what you look like. You had to prove yourself to this person to be accepted or believed in.

You are not alone in this scenario. Everyone has more to them than what you’re able to see. You must look beyond skin deep to a person’s heart. More than anything else, it is the size of their heart that matters. You must allow for people to surprise you. You must reserve judgement and prejudice until you get to know who a person is. Even the smallest person can do great things, so value someone based on their heart, not their appearance.

Proving yourself was a way of life for McRaven and his fellow SEAL cadets. Each day brought new tests meant to determine their toughness and capability of living up to the rigors of SEAL life. McRaven, a tall and strapping young...

Shortform Exercise: Do You Judge a Book by Its Cover?

We all tend to make split-second decisions about other people. How have McRaven’s experiences made you think differently about making assumptions about people?

Have you ever been proven wrong about someone you made an assumption about? Who was it?

Make Your Bed Summary Lesson 4: A Setback Is Only Permanent if You Let It Be

When things don’t go your way or you suffer a setback, you may want to blame external sources. It’s easier to assume the world is against you than it is to admit that sometimes life just isn’t fair. You may even look back over your past and find fault with your upbringing, your lot in life, or your lack of opportunities as the culprits for your current disappointment. But at the end of the day, you are the only person responsible for determining your fate.

Many great historical figures overcame adversity to reach great heights, such as Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr., and Stephen Hawking. Like these people, you must accept that sometimes, even if you try your best and have all the skill and talent in the world, you will face challenges. You must face these challenges with the same determination you bring to your successes. Don’t complain and fall back on misfortune as an excuse for why you can’t be happy. Take the hits and move forward in whatever way you can.

SEAL Lieutenant Martin, known as Moki, was one of...

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Shortform Exercise: What Really Happened?

When you’re frustrated with life, it’s easy to want to find something or someone to blame. How has this tendency shown up in your life?

When have you blamed someone or something in your past for your inability to accomplish a goal? Describe the situation.

Make Your Bed Summary Lesson 5: Use Failure to Your Advantage

Failure is part of life. No matter how hard you try to succeed or how much you try to avoid failure, at some point, you will fail. The law of averages dictates it. When you fail, you can cower with defeat and give up, or you can use failure to push yourself harder and grow stronger.

Accept that everyone makes mistakes. Learn from those mistakes. Don’t be afraid of trying again. If you can persevere through the consequences of failure, you will be better prepared for other difficult challenges that lie ahead.

In SEAL training, everyone has a swim buddy. These buddies are attached at the hip, figuratively and literally at times. If one buddy fails, both buddies suffer the consequences. McRaven learned this lesson after a particularly grueling training swim one day. He and Marc, his swim buddy, were well behind the other cadets when they crawled out of the water.

The training instructor ordered them to fall into the plank position and began berating them for their poor...

Make Your Bed Summary Lesson 6: Be Daring in Life

As you learned in the previous lesson, failure is an eventual certainty in your life. More than learning from your mistakes, you first have to be willing to make them. If you live in fear of failure, struggle, or humiliation, you will never do what is necessary to achieve your goals or reach your potential.

Much of life is a struggle. In difficult times, you’ll feel fear. If you play it safe and limit your actions to mitigate failure, you will never know what you’re made of. You must learn to have faith in yourself and push past your anxieties to accomplish your goals. You must be willing to push yourself to the limit to achieve something great. Dare greatly in life and receive great rewards.

SEALs-in-training must complete a strenuous obstacle course every now and then. Their times are recorded, and a poor time can mean joining the day’s Circus or...

Shortform Exercise: Are You a Risk-Taker?

It’s not easy to be daring in life. But sometimes it is necessary to get what you want.

Do you push yourself beyond your limits when faced with a challenge, or do you tend to play it safe? Why?

Make Your Bed Summary Lesson 7: Keep Courage Close

Courage is a powerful emotion. With courage, you can surmount any obstacle. With courage, you can stand up to any bully. Without it, you place yourself at the mercy of life and the actions of others. Just like a society rises up to defeat a nefarious dictator, you must find the courage to rise up and defeat whatever stands in the way of your success .

Every bully is the same. They feed on the fear of those they oppress to grow stronger. They are like sharks in the water, circling their prey and waiting for weakness. These sharks are everywhere in life, including work, society, and social circles. If you give in and cower, they will attack you. The consequences could be deadly either physically or spiritually. You have the courage inside of you to stand up to forces of oppression. If you want to...

Make Your Bed Summary Lesson 8: Stand Tall in the Midst of Darkness

Life encompasses many tragedies. You may lose a loved one, a job, or a dream. Terrorists may fly planes into buildings, and viruses may ravage a nation. There will be many moments in which your spirit gets crushed and makes you lose hope for the future.

These are the moments in which you must search for the best version of yourself. You must rise to the challenge of moving forward with strength and dignity. In the darkest moments, do what must be done to show the world your best, and you can survive anything.

One of the most difficult tests the SEAL trainees had to pass was the final dive training mission. They were required to swim underwater for 2,000 meters and attach a practice mine to the bottom of a target vessel in San...

Shortform Exercise: Be a Paragon of Strength

Finding strength when faced with tragedy is not always easy. But often it is the only way to keep moving forward.

Name one time you found strength in the midst of darkness in your life. What attitudes or beliefs allowed you to find and maintain this strength?

Make Your Bed Summary Lesson 9: Inspire Others with Hope

Life is nothing without hope. In the face of life’s most difficult challenges, a little hope can go a long way in bringing people back from darkness. With hope, you can give even those suffering the most a reason to keep moving forward.

You and those around you will find yourselves stuck in the mud. You will feel exhausted and at the end of your rope. In these moments, sing loudly for all to hear. In other words, raise your voice during dark times to inspire those around you. Be the one who makes a difference in someone else’s life by giving them hope for the future. It only takes one person to show someone that tomorrow will come.

Hell Week in SEALs training was the ultimate test of whether the trainees had what it took to be in the toughest branch of the military. For six days, cadets did not sleep, suffered constant harassment from the instructors, and moved through endless endurance activities. More cadets quit their training during this week than at any other moment. One of the most grueling activities of this week took place in the Tijuana mudflats.

After McRaven and his group arrived at the mudflats, they were ordered into the mud. They ran...

Make Your Bed Summary Lesson 10: No Matter What, Never Give Up

When life gets tough or things don’t go your way, it is much easier to give in and quit than continue forward. Life is full of moments in which the odds of success seem so small, you can’t imagine ever winning. Throwing in the towel seems like the most logical thing to do. You can do that. You can feel pity for yourself, blame others, and complain about how unfair the world is. If you do these things, your life will be a long and uncomfortable journey.

When you reach the precipice between quitting and continuing, hold steady and take another step forward. Refuse to back down. Stand your ground and work despite the odds. As long as you keep moving forward, your life will be in your control. No one can stop you from doing what you love. Only you can quit, and you will likely regret it forever. Never, ever, under any circumstances quit. If life is going to beat you, make sure you go down fighting.

McRaven stood at attention with 150 other SEAL hopefuls the first day of training. A commanding officer strode across the courtyard and stood next to a bell. He told the men what they could expect from the next six months. He would push them to their limits. He...

Shortform Exercise: Stand Your Ground

There is no shame in opting for the easy way out sometimes. Everyone has done it at least once. The key is to finish what you’ve started more times than not.

Think of a time when you quit something when the going got rough? Describe the situation.

Table of Contents

"Make Your Bed" by William H. McRaven - 10 Lessons That Can Change Your Life

Making your bed may seem simple and almost insignificant, but the effect that it can have on your day is profound. Join William H. McRaven in exploring the 10 life lessons he took away from his experiences as a Navy seal and how it has impacted and transformed his life for the better!

Shruthi Nair

Read more posts by this author.

Starting your day by making your bed may seem like a straightforward task, but its significance extends far beyond its simplicity. In his book "Make Your Bed," former Navy SEAL William H. McRaven explains how this seemingly mundane act holds greater meaning and yields substantial rewards. Drawing from the advice he shared in a commencement address to college graduates, McRaven outlines ten life lessons he learned during his service as a SEAL.

Read on to find out more about the transformative lessons found within "Make Your Bed" and discover how these simple yet profound principles can empower us to face adversity, achieve our goals, and make a positive impact on the world around us.

What is the book "Make Your Bed" about?

In the book "Make Your Bed," Admiral William H. McRaven shares profound insights gained from his experiences as a Navy SEAL and imparts valuable lessons on success, resilience, and the power of everyday actions. Inspired by his powerful commencement speech delivered to the graduating class at the University of Texas at Austin, this book offers a roadmap for navigating life's challenges with purpose and determination. With each chapter, McRaven unveils essential principles that go beyond military training, resonating with individuals from all walks of life.

These lessons, while initially aimed at conquering the rigorous SEAL training, hold equal significance in navigating life's challenges, regardless of one's background or circumstances.

10 lessons from the book "Make Your Bed" That Can Change Your Life

1. start your day with a task completed..

Making your bed each morning sets a positive tone for the day and gives you a sense of accomplishment. McRaven emphasizes the significance of beginning each day by accomplishing a small task, such as making your bed. He highlights that this seemingly mundane act holds deeper meaning. By making your bed, you start your day with a sense of order, discipline, and accomplishment. It sets a positive tone, giving you a small but tangible victory that can serve as a foundation for productivity and motivation throughout the day. McRaven suggests that this simple task can have a ripple effect, inspiring you to tackle bigger challenges and approach them with a similar mindset of determination and attention to detail. The idea is to cultivate discipline and a proactive approach to tasks, no matter how small, which can contribute to personal growth, resilience, and success in various aspects of life.

If you need a place to create a task list that can guide your schedule for the day, consider using Journey to make your task lists conveniently. Create task lists the night before for the next day, and start off your morning by completing one thing on that list to set a positive tone for the day. Like McRaven mentions, making your bed can very well be the first thing you tick off on your to-d0 list for the day. Or it could be a simple task that you can complete in the morning hours of your day, and you can continue to go down the list as your schedule sees fit. Even if you're not at home for the first task of your day, you can access your to-do list from anywhere and any device of your choice on Journey!

2. You Can't Go At It Alone.

Success often requires the support and collaboration of others. McRaven talks about the importance of collaboration and seeking support from others in this section of his book. He highlights that success is often not achieved in isolation but through the collective efforts of a team. He encourages building strong relationships, fostering a sense of camaraderie, and recognizing the value of working together towards a common goal.

McRaven draws from his experience as a Navy SEAL, where teamwork is essential for mission success. He emphasizes that individuals should be willing to ask for help when needed and provide support to others when they require it. By acknowledging the significance of collaboration, McRaven underscores the idea that leaning on others can strengthen our own capabilities, amplify our achievements, and ultimately lead to greater success in life's endeavors. So, foster strong relationships and be willing to ask for help when needed.

3. Only the Size of Your Heart Matters.

When Admiral William H. McRaven talks about "Only the Size of Your Heart Matters" in his book "Make Your Bed," he emphasizes the importance of character, resilience, and compassion over external factors such as physical strength or abilities. McRaven suggests that true success and impact in life are determined by the size of one's heart, referring to qualities such as kindness, empathy, integrity, and perseverance.

He shares examples from his experience as a Navy SEAL, where individuals with a strong sense of purpose, determination, and compassion are better equipped to overcome challenges and make a positive difference. McRaven encourages readers to focus on developing their inner qualities and treating others with respect and empathy. By emphasizing the importance of a big heart, he reminds us that it is not physical attributes or external achievements that truly matter, but the depth of our character and the positive impact we can have on the world around us.

Remember, it's not about physical strength or abilities, but the size of your heart and your willingness to persevere and show compassion towards others.

4. Get Over Being a Sugar Cookie.

For this life lesson, McRaven refers to the idea of embracing failure and learning from it. In Navy SEAL training, there is a particularly challenging task called the "sugar cookie" where trainees are intentionally covered in sand and forced to continue their training. The term "sugar cookie" symbolizes the feeling of being uncomfortable, gritty, and coated with failure.

McRaven advises readers to overcome the fear of failure and not let setbacks define their journey. He encourages embracing failures as learning opportunities and using them to grow stronger and more resilient. McRaven suggests that everyone experiences setbacks in life, but it is how we respond to them that truly matters. By reframing failure as a chance for personal and professional growth, individuals can develop a mindset that welcomes challenges, persists in the face of adversity, and finds strength in the lessons learned from setbacks. Ultimately, "getting over being a sugar cookie" means accepting failure as a natural part of the journey and using it as fuel to continue pushing forward towards success.

Embrace failure and learn from it. Sometimes, despite your best efforts, things won't go as planned, but it's important to keep moving forward.

5. Don't Be Afraid of the Circus.

This life lesson encourages readers to embrace the challenges and difficult tasks in life and face them head-on with courage and a positive mindset.

McRaven encourages readers to embrace the challenges and difficult tasks that life presents. The "circus" symbolizes the chaotic and unpredictable nature of life, filled with unexpected obstacles, setbacks, and uncertainties.

He goes on to advise readers not to shy away from difficult situations or tasks that may seem daunting or overwhelming. Instead, he suggests facing them head-on with courage and a positive mindset. By confronting these challenges, individuals can develop resilience, problem-solving skills, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. McRaven's message is that it is through overcoming challenges that we grow stronger and gain valuable experiences. By stepping into the "circus" and embracing its chaos, we can discover our inner strength and achieve personal and professional growth.

6. Slide Down the Obstacle Head First.

When Admiral William H. McRaven talks about "Slide Down the Obstacle Head First" in his book "Make Your Bed," he urges readers to take risks, embrace new experiences, and approach obstacles with a sense of boldness and determination. The metaphor of "sliding down the obstacle head first" signifies diving into challenges without hesitation, fully committing to them, and being willing to explore unconventional approaches.

McRaven encourages readers to step out of their comfort zones and venture into unfamiliar territory. He emphasizes the importance of taking calculated risks and not being afraid to try different strategies or take unconventional paths. By embracing this mindset, individuals can overcome fear, discover new possibilities, and tap into their full potential. McRaven's message is to be proactive, take initiative, and approach obstacles with a sense of adventure and willingness to explore uncharted territories. By sliding down the obstacle head first, we can navigate challenges with a bold spirit and open ourselves up to new opportunities for growth and success.

7. Don't Back Down from the Sharks.

For this life lesson, McRaven stresses importance of facing fears and standing up to intimidating challenges or individuals. In the context of his book, the term "sharks" represents the difficult situations or people that may try to intimidate or discourage us from pursuing our goals. McRaven encourages readers not to shy away from such challenges, but rather to confront them with courage, resilience, and unwavering determination. He suggests that by standing our ground and refusing to be intimidated, we can demonstrate strength and resilience. By facing the "sharks" head-on, we develop the confidence and fortitude necessary to overcome obstacles and achieve our objectives.

McRaven's message is to embrace courage in the face of adversity and not allow ourselves to be deterred by external pressures or naysayers. By refusing to back down from the "sharks," we can assert our capabilities, grow stronger, and ultimately achieve success in our endeavors.

Face your fears and confront the difficult situations or individuals that intimidate you. Stand your ground and show resilience.

8. Be Your Very Best in Your Darkest Moments.

McRaven talks about how resilience, determination, and maintaining a positive mindset even during the most challenging times shapes your experience for this life lesson. He suggests that our true character is revealed when we face adversity and confront our darkest moments. McRaven goes on to tell readers not to succumb to despair or negativity but to rise above difficult circumstances by displaying courage, integrity, and a commitment to doing our best. He highlights that it is during these dark moments that our actions and attitudes matter the most. By striving to be our very best, we can inspire ourselves and those around us, find strength within ourselves, and navigate through adversity with grace and perseverance.

McRaven's message is that our response to challenges and hardships defines our character and has the potential to shape our future. By choosing to be our very best in our darkest moments, we demonstrate resilience, inspire others, and pave the way for personal growth and success.

Your true character is revealed during times of adversity. Show strength, integrity, and courage when faced with tough situations!

9. Start Singing When You're Up to Your Neck in Mud.

When Admiral William H. McRaven talks about "Start Singing When You're Up to Your Neck in Mud", he explains the power of maintaining a positive attitude and finding joy even in the most challenging and difficult situations. The metaphorical image of being up to your neck in mud represents being caught in difficult circumstances or facing overwhelming obstacles.

McRaven suggests that instead of succumbing to despair or negativity, we should choose to maintain a hopeful and optimistic outlook. He encourages readers to find strength within themselves and face adversity with resilience and a sense of humor. By "starting singing" in the face of challenges, we symbolically embrace a positive mindset and refuse to let circumstances dampen our spirit.

He continues to explain that our attitude and perspective play a crucial role in how we navigate through tough times. By maintaining a positive outlook, finding joy amidst difficulties, and approaching challenges with a resilient and lighthearted spirit, we can inspire ourselves and others to persevere, maintain hope, and overcome obstacles with grace and determination.

10. Don't Ever, Ever Ring the Bell.

McRaven touches on the concept of perseverance and the importance of not giving up in the face of adversity. In Navy SEAL training, there is a brass bell that trainees can ring to signify their decision to quit and leave the program.

McRaven uses the metaphor of "ringing the bell" to represent giving in to challenges, surrendering to failure, or abandoning one's goals. He encourages readers to adopt a mindset of unwavering determination and to never give up, regardless of the difficulties encountered along the way. By refusing to ring the bell, individuals demonstrate their commitment to their dreams, their ability to overcome obstacles, and their willingness to push through discomfort and setbacks.

He talks about the need to persevere through hardships, maintain a strong resolve, and keep pushing forward towards success. He encourages readers to find inner strength, rely on their resilience, and refuse to let setbacks define their journey. By embracing the mindset of "Don't ever, ever ring the bell," individuals can achieve their goals, overcome challenges, and ultimately lead a fulfilling and successful life.

Never give up. Persevere through hardships, stay committed to your goals, and never surrender to adversity!

Admiral William H. McRaven's book "Make Your Bed" offers valuable life lessons that extend far beyond the realm of Navy SEAL training. Through his experiences and insightful anecdotes, McRaven inspires readers to adopt a mindset of resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to their goals. From starting the day with a task completed to embracing failures as learning opportunities, from supporting and relying on others to finding strength in the face of adversity, each lesson serves as a powerful reminder of our own potential for personal growth and achievement.

By incorporating these principles into our lives, we can overcome obstacles, develop inner strength, and make a meaningful impact on the world around us. The lessons from "Make Your Bed" remind us that small actions, when approached with intention and purpose, can lead to significant and lasting change.

Internalize these lessons, apply them to our own journeys, and embark on a path of personal growth, achieve your goals, and make a positive difference in the world!

“Make Your Bed”

This speech was delivered as the commencement address to the graduates of The University of Texas at Austin on May 17, 2014.  1

Speech Transcript

President Powers, Provost Fenves, Deans, members of the faculty, family and friends and most importantly, the class of 2014. Congratulations on your achievement.

It’s been almost 37 years to the day that I graduated from UT. I remember a lot of things about that day. I remember I had throbbing headache from a party the night before. I remember I had a serious girlfriend, whom I later married — that’s important to remember by the way — and I remember that I was getting commissioned in the Navy that day.

But of all the things I remember, I don’t have a clue who the commencement speaker was that evening, and I certainly don’t remember anything they said. So, acknowledging that fact, if I can’t make this commencement speech memorable, I will at least try to make it short.

The University’s slogan is, “What starts here changes the world.” I have to admit — I kinda like it. “What starts here changes the world.”

Tonight there are almost 8,000 students graduating from UT. That great paragon of analytical rigor, Ask.Com, says that the average American will meet 10,000 people in their lifetime. That’s a lot of folks. But, if every one of you changed the lives of just 10 people — and each one of those folks changed the lives of another 10 people — just 10 — then in five generations — 125 years — the class of 2014 will have changed the lives of 800 million people.

800 million people — think of it — over twice the population of the United States. Go one more generation and you can change the entire population of the world — eight billion people.

If you think it’s hard to change the lives of 10 people — change their lives forever — you’re wrong. I saw it happen every day in Iraq and Afghanistan: A young Army officer makes a decision to go left instead of right down a road in Baghdad and the 10 soldiers in his squad are saved from close-in ambush. In Kandahar province, Afghanistan, a non-commissioned officer from the Female Engagement Team senses something isn’t right and directs the infantry platoon away from a 500-pound IED, saving the lives of a dozen soldiers.

But, if you think about it, not only were these soldiers saved by the decisions of one person, but their children yet unborn were also saved. And their children’s children were saved. Generations were saved by one decision, by one person.

But changing the world can happen anywhere and anyone can do it. So, what starts here can indeed change the world, but the question is — what will the world look like after you change it?

Well, I am confident that it will look much, much better. But if you will humor this old sailor for just a moment, I have a few suggestions that may help you on your way to a better a world. And while these lessons were learned during my time in the military, I can assure you that it matters not whether you ever served a day in uniform. It matters not your gender, your ethnic or religious background, your orientation or your social status.

Our struggles in this world are similar, and the lessons to overcome those struggles and to move forward — changing ourselves and the world around us — will apply equally to all.

I have been a Navy SEAL for 36 years. But it all began when I left UT for Basic SEAL training in Coronado, California. Basic SEAL training is six months of long torturous runs in the soft sand, midnight swims in the cold water off San Diego, obstacles courses, unending calisthenics, days without sleep and always being cold, wet and miserable. It is six months of being constantly harrassed by professionally trained warriors who seek to find the weak of mind and body and eliminate them from ever becoming a Navy SEAL.

But, the training also seeks to find those students who can lead in an environment of constant stress, chaos, failure and hardships. To me basic SEAL training was a lifetime of challenges crammed into six months.

So, here are the 10 lessons I learned from basic SEAL training that hopefully will be of value to you as you move forward in life.

Every morning in basic SEAL training, my instructors, who at the time were all Vietnam veterans, would show up in my barracks room and the first thing they would inspect was your bed. If you did it right, the corners would be square, the covers pulled tight, the pillow centered just under the headboard and the extra blanket folded neatly at the foot of the rack — that’s Navy talk for bed.

It was a simple task — mundane at best. But every morning we were required to make our bed to perfection. It seemed a little ridiculous at the time, particularly in light of the fact that were aspiring to be real warriors, tough battle-hardened SEALs, but the wisdom of this simple act has been proven to me many times over.

If you make your bed every morning you will have accomplished the first task of the day. It will give you a small sense of pride, and it will encourage you to do another task and another and another. By the end of the day, that one task completed will have turned into many tasks completed. Making your bed will also reinforce the fact that little things in life matter. If you can’t do the little things right, you will never do the big things right.

And, if by chance you have a miserable day, you will come home to a bed that is made — that you made — and a made bed gives you encouragement that tomorrow will be better.

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

During SEAL training the students are broken down into boat crews. Each crew is seven students — three on each side of a small rubber boat and one coxswain to help guide the dingy. Every day your boat crew forms up on the beach and is instructed to get through the surfzone and paddle several miles down the coast. In the winter, the surf off San Diego can get to be 8 to 10 feet high and it is exceedingly difficult to paddle through the plunging surf unless everyone digs in. Every paddle must be synchronized to the stroke count of the coxswain. Everyone must exert equal effort or the boat will turn against the wave and be unceremoniously tossed back on the beach.

For the boat to make it to its destination, everyone must paddle. You can’t change the world alone — you will need some help — and to truly get from your starting point to your destination takes friends, colleagues, the good will of strangers and a strong coxswain to guide them.

If you want to change the world, find someone to help you paddle.

Over a few weeks of difficult training my SEAL class, which started with 150 men, was down to just 35. There were now six boat crews of seven men each. I was in the boat with the tall guys, but the best boat crew we had was made up of the the little guys — the munchkin crew we called them — no one was over about five-foot-five.

The munchkin boat crew had one American Indian, one African American, one Polish American, one Greek American, one Italian American, and two tough kids from the midwest. They out-paddled, out-ran and out-swam all the other boat crews. The big men in the other boat crews would always make good-natured fun of the tiny little flippers the munchkins put on their tiny little feet prior to every swim. But somehow these little guys, from every corner of the nation and the world, always had the last laugh — swimming faster than everyone and reaching the shore long before the rest of us.

SEAL training was a great equalizer. Nothing mattered but your will to succeed. Not your color, not your ethnic background, not your education and not your social status.

If you want to change the world, measure a person by the size of their heart, not the size of their flippers.

Several times a week, the instructors would line up the class and do a uniform inspection. It was exceptionally thorough. Your hat had to be perfectly starched, your uniform immaculately pressed and your belt buckle shiny and void of any smudges. But it seemed that no matter how much effort you put into starching your hat, or pressing your uniform or polishing your belt buckle — it just wasn’t good enough. The instructors would find “something” wrong.

For failing the uniform inspection, the student had to run, fully clothed into the surfzone and then, wet from head to toe, roll around on the beach until every part of your body was covered with sand. The effect was known as a “sugar cookie.” You stayed in that uniform the rest of the day — cold, wet and sandy.

There were many a student who just couldn’t accept the fact that all their effort was in vain. That no matter how hard they tried to get the uniform right, it was unappreciated. Those students didn’t make it through training. Those students didn’t understand the purpose of the drill. You were never going to succeed. You were never going to have a perfect uniform.

Sometimes no matter how well you prepare or how well you perform you still end up as a sugar cookie. It’s just the way life is sometimes.

If you want to change the world get over being a sugar cookie and keep moving forward.

Every day during training you were challenged with multiple physical events — long runs, long swims, obstacle courses, hours of calisthenics — something designed to test your mettle. Every event had standards — times you had to meet. If you failed to meet those standards your name was posted on a list, and at the end of the day those on the list were invited to a “circus.” A circus was two hours of additional calisthenics designed to wear you down, to break your spirit, to force you to quit.

No one wanted a circus.

A circus meant that for that day you didn’t measure up. A circus meant more fatigue — and more fatigue meant that the following day would be more difficult — and more circuses were likely. But at some time during SEAL training, everyone — everyone — made the circus list.

But an interesting thing happened to those who were constantly on the list. Over time those students — who did two hours of extra calisthenics — got stronger and stronger. The pain of the circuses built inner strength, built physical resiliency.

Life is filled with circuses. You will fail. You will likely fail often. It will be painful. It will be discouraging. At times it will test you to your very core.

But if you want to change the world, don’t be afraid of the circuses.

At least twice a week, the trainees were required to run the obstacle course. The obstacle course contained 25 obstacles including a 10-foot high wall, a 30-foot cargo net and a barbed wire crawl, to name a few. But the most challenging obstacle was the slide for life. It had a three-level 30-foot tower at one end and a one-level tower at the other. In between was a 200-foot-long rope. You had to climb the three-tiered tower and once at the top, you grabbed the rope, swung underneath the rope and pulled yourself hand over hand until you got to the other end.

The record for the obstacle course had stood for years when my class began training in 1977. The record seemed unbeatable, until one day, a student decided to go down the slide for life head first. Instead of swinging his body underneath the rope and inching his way down, he bravely mounted the TOP of the rope and thrust himself forward.

It was a dangerous move — seemingly foolish, and fraught with risk. Failure could mean injury and being dropped from the training. Without hesitation the student slid down the rope perilously fast. Instead of several minutes, it only took him half that time and by the end of the course he had broken the record.

If you want to change the world sometimes you have to slide down the obstacle head first.

During the land warfare phase of training, the students are flown out to San Clemente Island which lies off the coast of San Diego. The waters off San Clemente are a breeding ground for the great white sharks. To pass SEAL training there are a series of long swims that must be completed. One is the night swim.

Before the swim the instructors joyfully brief the trainees on all the species of sharks that inhabit the waters off San Clemente. They assure you, however, that no student has ever been eaten by a shark — at least not recently. But, you are also taught that if a shark begins to circle your position — stand your ground. Do not swim away. Do not act afraid. And if the shark, hungry for a midnight snack, darts towards you — then summon up all your strength and punch him in the snout, and he will turn and swim away.

There are a lot of sharks in the world. If you hope to complete the swim you will have to deal with them.

So, if you want to change the world, don’t back down from the sharks.

As Navy SEALs one of our jobs is to conduct underwater attacks against enemy shipping. We practiced this technique extensively during basic training. The ship attack mission is where a pair of SEAL divers is dropped off outside an enemy harbor and then swims well over two miles — underwater — using nothing but a depth gauge and a compass to get to their target.

During the entire swim, even well below the surface, there is some light that comes through. It is comforting to know that there is open water above you. But as you approach the ship, which is tied to a pier, the light begins to fade. The steel structure of the ship blocks the moonlight, it blocks the surrounding street lamps, it blocks all ambient light.

To be successful in your mission, you have to swim under the ship and find the keel — the centerline and the deepest part of the ship. This is your objective. But the keel is also the darkest part of the ship — where you cannot see your hand in front of your face, where the noise from the ship’s machinery is deafening and where it is easy to get disoriented and fail.

Every SEAL knows that under the keel, at the darkest moment of the mission, is the time when you must be calm, composed — when all your tactical skills, your physical power and all your inner strength must be brought to bear.

If you want to change the world, you must be your very best in the darkest moment.

The ninth week of training is referred to as “Hell Week.” It is six days of no sleep, constant physical and mental harassment, and one special day at the Mud Flats. The Mud Flats are area between San Diego and Tijuana where the water runs off and creates the Tijuana slues, a swampy patch of terrain where the mud will engulf you.

It is on Wednesday of Hell Week that you paddle down to the mud flats and spend the next 15 hours trying to survive the freezing cold mud, the howling wind and the incessant pressure to quit from the instructors. As the sun began to set that Wednesday evening, my training class, having committed some “egregious infraction of the rules” was ordered into the mud.

The mud consumed each man till there was nothing visible but our heads. The instructors told us we could leave the mud if only five men would quit — just five men — and we could get out of the oppressive cold. Looking around the mud flat it was apparent that some students were about to give up. It was still over eight hours till the sun came up — eight more hours of bone-chilling cold.

The chattering teeth and shivering moans of the trainees were so loud it was hard to hear anything. And then, one voice began to echo through the night, one voice raised in song. The song was terribly out of tune, but sung with great enthusiasm. One voice became two and two became three and before long everyone in the class was singing. We knew that if one man could rise above the misery then others could as well.

The instructors threatened us with more time in the mud if we kept up the singingbut the singing persisted. And somehow the mud seemed a little warmer, the wind a little tamer and the dawn not so far away.

If I have learned anything in my time traveling the world, it is the power of hope. The power of one person — Washington, Lincoln, King, Mandela and even a young girl from Pakistan, Malala — one person can change the world by giving people hope.

So, if you want to change the world, start singing when you’re up to your neck in mud.

Finally, in SEAL training there is a bell. A brass bell that hangs in the center of the compound for all the students to see. All you have to do to quit is ring the bell.

Ring the bell and you no longer have to wake up at 5 o’clock. Ring the bell and you no longer have to do the freezing cold swims. Ring the bell and you no longer have to do the runs, the obstacle course, the PT — and you no longer have to endure the hardships of training. Just ring the bell.

If you want to change the world don’t ever, ever ring the bell.

To the graduating class of 2014, you are moments away from graduating. Moments away from beginning your journey through life. Moments away from starting to change the world — for the better. It will not be easy.

But, YOU are the class of 2014, the class that can affect the lives of 800 million people in the next century.

Start each day with a task completed. Find someone to help you through life. Respect everyone.

Know that life is not fair and that you will fail often. But if take you take some risks, step up when the times are toughest, face down the bullies, lift up the downtrodden and never, ever give up — if you do these things, then the next generation and the generations that follow will live in a world far better than the one we have today.

And what started here will indeed have changed the world — for the better.

Thank you very much. Hook ’em horns.

The speech was originally published on the University of Texas website .

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Recruiters and hiring managers will need your personal data to get in touch for an interview. Include your full name, city and state, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile URL at the top of your resume.

Create your resume summary

Summarize your work experience and accomplishments in one succinct paragraph. You can also use bullet points to highlight your major career achievements. This section should include your job title, measurable results, and relevant keywords.

Think of your resume summary as your elevator pitch – you only have a few seconds to present yourself, so you need to make it count!

Detail your work experience

Let recruiters know what role you played in the success of your former employers. Provide information about your role and your accomplishments. Include measurable results wherever possible. Focus on the most relevant topics of the desired job.

Include your education

The name of the school from which you graduated and the date of graduation is enough for most job seekers. You may also want to include your degree. For recent graduates, your GPA (if higher than 3.5) and details about relevant courses and projects may help add context to your abilities.

Add volunteer experience, certifications, and other relevant information

You can include anything you want on your resume, as long as it is relevant to the position to which you’re applying and helps employers better understand your qualifications.

Write a cover letter

Your cover letter can tell a story that your resume can’t. A matching cover letter that’s tailored to the job can explain your passion for the position, how your experience level aligns with the company’s goals, and why you’re the best fit for the role. Check out our cover letter builder , cover letter examples , and cover letter templates .

More than 1 MILLION Job Seekers trust Jobscan to help them take the next step in their career. And we want to help you, too!

Where can I create a free resume?

The best place to create a free resume is Jobscan’s resume maker. It’s not only free but also ATS-friendly, ensuring your resume is optimized for the computer software used by many potential employers to screen job applications. Jobscan’s resume maker offers text suggestions to simplify the writing process, allowing you to easily craft the perfect resume that stands out to both hiring managers and ATS – without any hidden costs!

How do I choose the right resume template?

Choosing the right resume template from Jobscan’s options is simple. Use the Classic template for a traditional, professional look. The Modern Professional template is best for those in dynamic fields who want a contemporary edge. For new graduates or those with less work experience, the Modern Student template highlights education and skills in a fresh layout. Use Jobscan’s resume scanner to receive content suggestions with just a single click.

How should a professional resume look?

A professional resume format should be organized with clear headings and a readable font style. It should focus on your relevant skills and achievements. Start with your contact information, followed by a brief summary or objective, and then detail your work history, education, and any special skills or certifications. For ATS compatibility, avoid excessive graphics or unusual formatting.

To ensure a polished and professional look, consider using one of our customizable professional resume templates . These templates allow you to easily add additional sections without compromising the formatting, making it the best option for creating a standout resume that showcases different elements of your skills and experience.

Should I make a different resume for every job application?

Yes, you should tailor your resume for each job application. Customize it to highlight the skills and experiences most relevant to the position you’re applying to. Use keywords from the job description to improve your resume’s chances of passing through software tools like Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

Should resumes be one page?

According to career experts, resumes should be one page for early-career professionals or those with less than 10 years of experience. However, for individuals with extensive experience, multiple roles, or significant achievements, a two-page resume can be appropriate to detail their career history fully. Always prioritize clarity and relevance over length.

Should I download my new resume as a PDF or text file?

According to certified professional resume writers, you should download your new resume as a PDF. This will preserve its formatting across different devices and platforms. While text files are universally accessible, they cannot maintain complex formatting. PDFs are widely accepted by employers and are ideal for maintaining the design integrity of your resume, making them the preferred file format for most job applications.

What does ATS-friendly mean?

ATS-friendly means your resume is formatted and written in a way that’s easily readable by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). This involves using a clean layout, standard headings, and incorporating relevant keywords from the job description. An ATS-friendly resume ensures your application is more likely to be seen by a hiring manager by passing through the initial automated screening.

Is there a completely free resume builder?

Yes, Jobscan offers a completely free resume builder. It provides users with tools and templates to create a professional resume easily. Jobscan’s resume builder is designed to help job seekers optimize their resume for applicant tracking systems (ATS) that many companies use to pre-filter resumes.

Can ChatGPT build resumes?

Yes, ChatGPT can build resumes , but it comes with certain limitations. Although ChatGPT can provide advice on structure, content, and formatting, it doesn’t offer the same level of specialization as a dedicated resume builder.

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How Often Should You Replace Your Pillows?

As with mattresses , pillows don’t have a hard-and-fast expiration date, so the only truly honest answer for when to replace them is a resounding “It depends.” The basic rule of thumb — and what I’ve heard over and over from experts — is to replace your pillows every two years, especially if you have asthma, a dust-mite allergy, or sensitive skin. But a well-maintained pillow can certainly last longer if it’s still supportive enough that you aren’t waking up with aches and pains. Whether it has been two years or not, here are the main things to consider before buying a new pillow .

Above all, make sure your pillow is supporting your head and neck

Beyond comfort, the main reason for sleeping with a pillow at all is to keep your head and neck in a neutral alignment with your spine. And because you sleep on it for hours every night, your pillow will inevitably wear out over time. If you’re dealing with any kind of neck pain , it may be a sign that your pillow isn’t doing its job, especially if it has gotten too flat or compressed after years of use, says chiropractor Dr. Jordan Duncan .

To test the supportiveness of your pillow, you can try what Dr. Joshua Tal , a psychologist who specializes in sleep disorders, calls the “shoe test,” which was created by Dr. Michael Breus , a clinical psychologist and founder of the Sleep Doctor wellness company. “What you do is you fold your pillow in half, put a shoe on the back side of the pillow, and then let go of the pillow,” explains Tal. “If the pillow folds back into shape and flings the shoe off of it, you’re good. If it doesn’t, it’s kind of lost its ability to hold your head up properly.” (Be sure to use a substantial shoe and not, say, a flip-flop.)

Tal also mentioned another test he uses with his patients: “I advise clients to stand up against the wall as if you were sleeping — so a back sleeper would stand with their back to the wall; a side sleeper would stand with their side to the wall — and then rest your head on the wall and notice how far it has to move to do that,” he says. “Then put your pillow in between where you’re resting your head and see if you’re standing up straight. That’s the key: You should be standing up straight if you have a good pillow.”

If your pillow looks or feels very lumpy — a possibility for down , down-alternative, or shredded-foam pillows — that may also be a sign it’s losing some of its structural integrity.

Pillows can get pretty gross over time

Because you’re essentially smashing your face and hair into them every night, and because they’re not always washing machine–friendly, pillows tend to need replacing more often than other bedding, solely from a hygiene perspective. The main concerns are asthma , allergies, and skin: According to Melanie Carver, chief mission officer of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), the fabric of a pillow is permeable to dust mites, and after two years of use, your pillow can be 10 percent dead dust mites and their droppings. Icky, yes, as well as particularly bad for people with dust-mite allergies . Other potential allergy triggers like pet dander and mold can also be absorbed by your pillow and cause symptoms to flare. If you have asthma, allergens in your pillow can make your symptoms worse.

Pillows can also trap dirt, oil, and dead skin cells, and according to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Annie Chiu , all of these can be irritants for your skin — even if you are diligently washing your pillowcase . Chiu explains that a pillowcase won’t act as a complete barrier, so irritants in your pillow can still cause trouble, especially if you have sensitive skin or persistent acne .

Yellowing or stains can be an indicator that your pillow has absorbed lots of moisture — from sweat, drool, skin-care or hair-care products, or going to sleep with wet hair — and needs to be replaced.

How important is the “every two years” rule, really?

If you’re balking at the idea of replacing your pillow every two years, you’re not alone. Two years is what AAFA officially recommends — and just about every expert I spoke to echoed it. But my own informal polling of friends and colleagues and a deep dive into Reddit discussions on how often to replace pillows suggest many people aren’t replacing their pillows as frequently as every two years, no matter what the experts say. Ultimately, while you may need to replace basic fiber pillows even sooner than two years because they may flatten more quickly, pillows made of sturdier materials can last much longer. You should mainly be mindful of whether issues like asthma, allergies, or neck pain are getting worse the longer you have your pillow.

Keeping your pillow as clean as possible will help it last as long as possible

Carver told me that washing your pillow once a month in hot water (130 degrees Fahrenheit) can help remove allergens like dust mites. However, this advice only really applies to pillows that are totally washable — and in my experience, the majority of them are not. Synthetic-fill down-alternative pillows and down pillows are the most likely to be washing machine–friendly, so if you have allergies or asthma and want to follow Carver’s guidance, you may want to seek out those fill types.

Most memory-foam and latex pillows have only a washable cover since the foam itself usually cannot be washed. And a 2013 paper from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) found that foam pillows are just as susceptible to dust mites as feather pillows, so it’s still important to wash your pillow covers regularly. Memory-foam pillows are often recommended as allergy-safe since the foam itself isn’t a food source to dust mites the way natural materials like feathers are, but like other types of synthetic pillows, foam can still collect your dead skin, which feeds the mites.

You can sometimes clean memory foam by sprinkling it with baking soda and vacuuming it, as recommended by cleaning expert Jolie Kerr, to help remove dust mites or dead-skin buildup. And while some experts (including Kerr) say it’s possible to clean memory foam in water as long as you hand-wash it, I have attempted this and forewarn you that it will take a long time for the foam to dry. (This means you may be risking mold or mildew, so proceed with caution and make sure you’ve got a well-ventilated space and a fan to speed up the process.) For latex pillows, you can follow a similar process as with memory foam. Latex manufacturer Turmerry recommends vacuuming the latex and then spot-cleaning with a damp cloth and mild detergent.

Consider a pillow protector

In addition to cleaning, Carver also recommends using an Asthma & Allergy Friendly–certified pillow protector to keep out dust mites and other allergens in the first place — they’re like mattress protectors for your pillow that go around the pillow before you add your actual pillowcase. But even with these precautions, AAFA still recommends replacing your pillow every two years.

Additional reporting by Hilary Reid and Chloe Anello .

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Application Information

Resume tips.

Before applying, be sure to update your resume to best reflect your experience and qualifications related to the job you are applying for.

• Include experience – include your work history and lived experience that is relevant to the position. Highlight roles and responsibilities that are related to the qualifications on the job announcement.
• Include relevant skills – provide a clear overview of your skills and how they fit the job.
• Include training/education – describe any coursework that matches the job requirements.
• Include any personal details in your resume that do not relate to the job. Examples include gender, ethnicity, photos, or political party.

Letter of Qualifications (cover letter)

A letter of qualifications is a document which highlights specific examples of your experience and/or training as they relate to each of the required and preferred qualifications listed in the position description.

Example: The job that you are applying for includes experience in planning and teaching educational programs and ability to work cooperatively with other agencies and community-based organizations. In your letter of qualifications, you would list these details:

• My experience in planning and teaching educational programs is….
• Examples of work I have performed that include planning and teaching educational programs are….
• My experience working cooperatively with community-based organizations is….
• Examples of work I have performed in cooperation with community-based organizations include….

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