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.
Publisher : Grand Central Publishing
Publication date : April 4, 2017
Edition : 1st
Language : English
Print length : 144 pages
ISBN-10 : 1455570249
ISBN-13 : 978-1455570249
Item Weight : 2.31 pounds
Dimensions : 5.35 x 0.95 x 7.4 inches
13 reviews for Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life…And Maybe the World
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Mrs. Happy Shopper –
Start With Making Your Bed
In 2023, I was in a book writing masterclass and I raised my virtual hand when the question was asked who has a topic. The first point I made in my topic was the task of making your bed. It makes a world of difference in a mindset shift. Two year later finding this book as I am preparing for another shift really hit home. This was a short yet powerful impacting read.
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.
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!
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
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
Robert D. Neill –
Great college graduation gift!
This is always our gift for college graduates!
Peter Bell –
Outstanding Lessons
Outstanding Lessons for life. This is very good instruction that will inspire many people to succeed in lifeâs challenging journey.
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…
Melvin –
Iâm honored to read this book! Hats off and big respect to all soldiers. Really great book by William H. McRaven
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¯