Make Your Bed
Make Your Bed by Admiral William H. McRaven was probably a long-overdue read for me. Not because I’d failed to appreciate its message, but because I’ve been listening to McRaven’s 2014 University of Texas at Austin commencement speech for years as part of my morning training routine. It’s mixed into the same playlist of motivational speeches and superhero soundtracks that help centre my focus, humble me, and bring the right balance of perspective and temperament. I’m not sure why it took me this long to buy the book, but having a physical copy on hand for quick reference already feels invaluable.
I can see Make Your Bed becoming one of those books I end up gifting to friends or colleagues who I think will benefit from it. It’s pretty short at just over 100 pages, plus an additional 15 or so pages containing the full transcript of the 2014 commencement speech. It delivers more impact in 100 pages though than many books double its length.
Each chapter focuses on a lesson drawn from Navy SEAL training, paired with stories from McRaven’s time in active duty. The lessons themselves are simple yet profound. As with most things in life, the challenge isn’t understanding the principles but aplying them consistently. From making your bed each morning, to accepting that life isn’t fair, to facing bullies head-on, McRaven distils powerful truths that apply to anyone, regardless of background or circumstance.
For me, these reminders have become part of a daily and weekly ritual. Even when you know the core habits to focus on, it still takes conscious effort to apply them. Results come to those who endure. To those who stay the path, confront hardship directly, and take calculated risks when necessary.
You can find McRaven’s speech easily on YouTube or SoundCloud or hear more of his experiences in his conversations on the Jocko Podcast. However you choose to engage with his work, the takeaway is the same, you’ll become better for having done so.
Who’s it for?
Anyone and everyone. Life is hard, and we all face struggle at some point. This book is a reminder that small, consistent actions build resilience over time, that strength comes through discipline, and that even in the darkest moments, we have the capacity to stand firm and keep moving forward.