Based on a Navy SEAL’s inspiring graduation speech, this #1 New York Times bestseller of powerful life lessons “should be read by every leader in America” (Wall Street Journal).
If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed.
On May 17, 2014, Admiral William H. McRaven addressed the graduating class of the University of Texas at Austin on their Commencement day. Taking inspiration from the university’s slogan, “What starts here changes the world,” he shared the ten principles he learned during Navy Seal training that helped him overcome challenges not only in his training and long Naval career, but also throughout his life; and he explained how anyone can use these basic lessons to change themselves-and the world-for the better.
Admiral McRaven’s original speech went viral with over 10 million views. Building on the core tenets laid out in his speech, McRaven now recounts tales from his own life and from those of people he encountered during his military service who dealt with hardship and made tough decisions with determination, compassion, honor, and courage. Told with great humility and optimism, this timeless book provides simple wisdom, practical advice, and words of encouragement that will inspire readers to achieve more, even in life’s darkest moments.
“Powerful.” –USA Today
“Full of captivating personal anecdotes from inside the national security vault.” –Washington Post
“Superb, smart, and succinct.” –Forbes
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Continue the leadership journey with more bestselling guidance and wisdom from Admiral McRaven.
A clear-eyed treatise on the leadership qualities that separate the good from the truly great. A short, inspirational book about the qualities of true, everyday heroes. Remarkable, action-packed stories of bravery and heroism from an extraordinary career. Rise to the occasion in times of crisis, no matter the situation.
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Admiral William H. McRaven’s inspiring stories—for kids!
Skipper the seal becomes a Navy SEAL in this delightful picture book adaptation of Make Your Bed. Skipper the seal shows young readers what it means to be truly heroic in the picture book adaptation of The Hero Code.
ASIN : B01KFJGT50
Publisher : Grand Central Publishing
Accessibility : Learn more
Publication date : April 4, 2017
Language : English
File size : 1.0 MB
Screen Reader : Supported
Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
X-Ray : Enabled
Word Wise : Enabled
Print length : 89 pages
ISBN-13 : 978-1455570232
Page Flip : Enabled
13 reviews for Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life…And Maybe the World
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wagonrd –
Never give up
During my 24 year career as a Naval Aviator I had my share of failures, more so from what I didnât do than for what I did wrong. I hit the glass ceiling at rank 0-5. This was a tough pill to swallow, so the last 5 years demanded a lot of courage as I served in dead end obscure positions. I never gave up or lost hope. This has paid off handsomely in the form of free health services as I approach age 92.
T.G. Dubini –
A quick but important read for anyone who aspires to be a successful leader and team member
A simple book with a positive message on how to succeed and the worthy objective of leaving this planet a little better for having been here. I had the privilege of listening to Admiral McRaven address my sonâs class at his Naval OCS graduation and commissioning more than a decade past. His advice to âmake your bedâ and more to that and other groups has been a good memory Iâve carried since and one I recommend to all, but especially to the next rank of young people about to embark on their life adventure.
Jeff Chastain –
very inspiring
This is a very quick but inspiring read. I particularly enjoyed the section on hope. More great wisdom from the seals
Taylor Thompson –
Read it!
Itâs great book! So inspiring and an easy read. My goal for 2025 was to read more and this was the first one! You wonât be disappointed!
Diego Loya –
Give this book to your kids and grandchildren
What I recommend is you give this book to your children and your grandkids I read this book when I was part of a program called grizzly charter Academy. This book changed my way of thinking changed me entirely
Peter Bell –
Outstanding Lessons
Outstanding Lessons for life. This is very good instruction that will inspire many people to succeed in lifeâs challenging journey.
Kennneth Carter –
For anyone that has doubted themselves
Make your bed is a book that reflects the hardships youâve endured or will endure. The stories are emotionally driven by sacrifice and the willingness to sacrifice comfort for the bigger picture.
C. Riley –
inspiring!
Everyone, especially every young person, should read this. I see it planting seeds of hope as each plans his or her future.
Bookworm –
Perhaps written for a younger audience.
Eisenhoover Bermudez –
Absolutely well written and easy to read book. I canât recommend it enough more for people who want to learn good lessons for life.
ç¢å´ããã –
I found there is free e-book after I bought this…
Vineet Demla –
The book is structured around ten key principles that Admiral McRaven learned during his training and career. Each chapter starts with an engaging anecdote from his life, illustrating a specific lesson such as the importance of starting your day with a simple task (like making your bed), embracing failure, and never giving up. These stories are not only captivating but also convey profound wisdom in a relatable way.What makes this book stand out is its practicality. The lessons are straightforward, actionable, and applicable to anyone, regardless of their background. Admiral McRavenâs writing is clear and motivational, without being overly sentimental or preachy.One of the most compelling aspects of âMake Your Bedâ is its underlying message of resilience and hope. It encourages readers to persevere through hardships and to find strength in small victories. The bookâs brevity is another advantage, making it a quick yet profound read that can be revisited whenever you need a boost of motivation.Pros:⢠Practical, actionable advice⢠Engaging and inspiring anecdotes⢠Clear and concise writing⢠Universal applicability of lessonsCons:⢠Some may find it too brief and wanting more depthOverall, âMake Your Bedâ is a powerful little book that offers timeless wisdom and encouragement to face lifeâs challenges head-on. Itâs a great read for anyone looking for a dose of inspiration and practical advice to improve their lifeð¯
Antonio Bruno –
“Make Your Bed” è un libro che nasce dal celebre discorso dell’Ammiraglio McRaven, diventato virale sui social grazie al suo messaggio potente e ispirante. Quello che in un primo momento sembrava essere un semplice consiglio su come affrontare le sfide della vita, si trasforma in una riflessione profonda sulla disciplina, la resilienza e il potere dei piccoli gesti quotidiani.Il libro è un concentrato di motivazione, scritto in un linguaggio semplice e diretto, che rende le sue lezioni accessibili a tutti, anche a chi non ha una formazione militare o esperienze di vita particolarmente dure. La sua scrittura lineare e chiara, in particolare in questa versione originale in inglese, permette di entrare subito nel vivo dei concetti senza ostacoli linguistici. La lettura è fluida e stimolante, con un ritmo che spinge a proseguire, pagina dopo pagina.L’autore, attraverso le sue esperienze personali, racconta come piccoli cambiamenti nella nostra routine quotidiana possano avere un impatto enorme sul miglioramento della nostra vita. Un esempio pratico e simbolico è il semplice atto di rifare il letto ogni mattina, un gesto che può sembrare insignificante, ma che, secondo l’autore, incarna il principio fondamentale di iniziare la giornata con un’azione positiva e sotto il nostro controllo. Ogni capitolo si arricchisce di aneddoti ed esperienze che offrono lezioni di vita universali, applicabili a chiunque voglia migliorare se stesso, affrontare le difficoltà e crescere come persona.Il punto di forza del libro sta proprio nella sua capacità di rendere le lezioni di vita più profonde facilmente comprensibili e applicabili. Non offre soluzioni miracolose, ma piuttosto suggerisce una serie di atteggiamenti e azioni quotidiane che, se adottati con costanza, possono portare a un cambiamento significativo. Non importa quanto difficile possa sembrare un compito, ogni piccolo passo verso il miglioramento personale è un successo.”Make Your Bed” è un libro che va letto tutto dâun fiato, ma che soprattutto invita a riflettere e ad agire. Consigliatissimo!