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Make Your Bed

summary ofMake Your BedBook by Admiral William H. McRaven

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You’ll learn

  • That small wins create big momentum
  • The art of failure as your secret weapon
  • Why risk is the ultimate success hack
  • How teamwork fuels survival and success

first KEY POINT

Small acts, big impact

Navy SEAL training is an unlikely place to seek inspiration. For most people, when they are at their lowest and life feels like a terrible movie, they resort to self-help books or coaching sessions by successful entrepreneurs. What can the Navy offer them apart from military protocols and knowledge of navigation and engineering?If you think the same, you are missing out. The dangerous circumstances the Navy creates often make officers reflect deeply on their lives and draw many valuable lessons. One such officer was Admiral William H. McRaven, who decided to use the wisdom he gained in the military to inspire other people.Without further ado, here is the first lesson: start your day by making your bed. In the Navy, it is all about discipline — if your bed is messy, you get a penalty from your instructor. A neat bed gives you the nod of approval. In real life, making your bed gives you a sense of accomplishment. Throughout the day, you can make mistakes or revert your progress. But when you come home, you see your completed task.

Build your resilience through consistent, disciplined actions, no matter how small.

If you need more motivational boosts to change your life, this summary is for you. Get a sneak peek into Navy life and feel inspired!

second KEY POINT

From setbacks to comebacks

For William McRaven, there was no worse and more humiliating thing in Navy SEAL training than becoming a "sugar cookie." Do not let the name confuse you; it was nothing sweet. On the instructor's demand, soldiers had to run into the ocean and then, completely wet, roll into the dunes, turning themselves into a "cookie." The most confusing thing was that there was no reason for this punishment. Even those soldiers who excelled at training could be seen rolling in the sand, screaming "hooyah" and faking their enthusiasm.McRaven also couldn't escape this destiny. When he dived from the sand, he ran to his instructor, Lieutenant Phillip L. Martin, to show his progress. Martin was one of the most exceptional people in the Navy, earning immense respect for being an outstanding athlete and swimmer. When the Lieutenant finally saw McRaven in his cookie form, he told him one thing: "Life is not fair, and the sooner you find out, the better."Later, life turned unfair for Martin after a severe bicycle accident left him in a wheelchair. But even after thirty-five years of being paralyzed, Martin followed his philosophy. Instead of complaining about his destiny, he made peace with it and decided to live his life to the fullest. He is the founder and supervisor of the annual SuperFrog Triathlon in Colorado and is interested in painting.

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first KEY POINT

Failure as a forge

second KEY POINT

Higher stakes, higher rewards

third KEY POINT

Together we rise

fourth KEY POINT

How to tame a tyrant

fifth KEY POINT

Conclusion

About the author

William H. McRaven is a retired US Navy admiral. After the overwhelming response to his commencement speech at the University of Texas in Austin in 2014, McRaven decided to share his insights with a broader audience.

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Frequently asked questions

What is Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life … And Maybe the World about?

Make Your Bed, written by Admiral William H. McRaven, shares life lessons drawn from Navy SEAL training. The book emphasizes the importance of small acts and discipline, illustrating how making your bed each morning can instill a sense of pride and accomplishment.

What are the key takeaways from Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life … And Maybe the World?

Key takeaways include the significance of discipline, resilience, and teamwork. McRaven argues that these small habits create a ripple effect, inspiring positive changes not just in personal life, but potentially affecting the world.

Is Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life … And Maybe the World worth reading?

Yes, the book is highly regarded for its straightforward wisdom and motivational anecdotes. Many readers find McRaven's insights both practical and uplifting, making it a worthwhile read for anyone seeking personal development.

How many pages is Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life … And Maybe the World, and when was it published?

Make Your Bed consists of 144 pages and was published on April 4, 2017. This concise read delivers impactful lessons in a short format, perfect for busy readers.

How does Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life … And Maybe the World inspire readers?

The book inspires readers by illustrating how small, daily habits can lead to greater success and resilience. McRaven uses personal stories and military experiences to motivate individuals to take charge of their lives, emphasizing that each small act can contribute to meaningful change.