Make Your Bed

Make Your Bed by Admiral William H. McRaven was probably a long overdue read for me. Not because I’d been failing to appreciate the message or focus of the book but because for maybe two or three years now at least I’ve listened to either his full 2014 University of Austin commencement speech either in full or a shortened version on Soundcloud. As part of my daily routine and training I tend to listen to a mix of motivational tracks and superhero soundtracks which always help to centre my focus, humble me and bring the require perspective and balance of temperament. Not exactly sure why it took me so long to buy the book but having it in my bookcase for quick reference I sense will become invaluable.

I suspect also that similar to what Extreme Ownership became, this book will become too in that I’ll hand a copy out to friends and colleagues I think will benefit from it. It’s a short book of just over 100 pages for the main part with an additional 20 or so pages with the commencement speech transcript. Each chapter focuses on a lesson from Navy SEAL training alongside associated stories from McRaven’s time in active duty. The lessons themselves are simple yet powerful and as with most things in life it’s not that the concept is complicated but the continued application and consistency is hard. From making your bed every morning to accepting life isn’t fair and facing bullies head on McRaven outlines these simple lessons that can be applied to anyone in any walk of life regardless of age, gender or race.

For me it’s a daily and weekly ritual to remind myself as even when you know these core habits to focus on, it still takes consistent and persistent effort. Results come to those who endure and stay the path though, facing down life’s challenges head on and taking calculated risks where necessary.

You can check out the commencement speech on Youtube or Soundcloud before purchasing or alternatively get a better idea of McRaven’s experience and stories from his interviews on the Jocko Willink podcast. Either way I think you can only become a better person from reading this and truly taking the lessons on board.

Who’s it for?

Anyone and everyone. We all face struggles in life and life itself is hard. We need a reminder from time to time that we can’t get through it alone, that focusing on small wins can lead to long term results and that the world can be a dark place but that’s when you need to stay strong.