Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life…

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

Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life…And Maybe the World by Admiral William H. McRaven is only 12 short chapters but it is loaded with life-changing information that can lead any individual to find purpose and self-worth in improving their life and the lives of others.

The book is based on the commencement speech the author gave on 17 May 2014 to the graduating class of the University of Texas at Austin. Taking inspiration from the university’s slogan, “What starts here changes the world,” he shared the 10 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.

The principles are given as help to overcome challenges in training, career, and life, useful for all to change themselves and the world for the better.

Each principle (including the one found in the book title) is followed by a real-life Navy Seal training story and how each can be an example for life outside it, too.

You can’t change the world alone… to truly get from your starting point to your destination takes friends, colleagues, the goodwill of strangers and a strong coxswain to guide you. If you want to change the world, find someone to help you paddle.

Admiral McRaven’s original speech went viral with over 10 million views. 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.

Note: This is NOT a book on how to make your bed.