Review : Make Your Bed

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

This inspiring book Make Your Bed by William H McRaven is based on his commencement speech made to students at the University of Texas the introduction of which is shown in the video above.

McRaven’s words were initially meant to give guidance to the next generation of leaders graduating into the workforce as he addressed the graduating class of the University of Texas at Austin on their Commencement day. The original speech went viral with over 10 million views. Expounding the principles laid out in his speech, McRaven recalls accounts from his own life and from those of people he encountered during his military service.

He shares the ten lesson 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. His book contains valuable life lessons for any age, any career level, and any demographic as he explained how anyone can use these basic lessons to change themselves, and the world, for the better.

The lessons are small but powerful. On his training, McRaven learned that success doesn’t depend on social status, race or religion. It does not matter how good your parents were to you or which school you went to that determines your future. The combination of little actions and help from others is what makes people successful. He stresses that life is unfair but what defines great men and women is how they deal with life’s unfairness.

He offers practical advice with 10 tips that helps us become better leaders and, more importantly, better people; the most poignant among them being:

1. Embrace your failures:

2. Stand up to bullies:

3. Demonstrate strong character in all that you do:

4. Always measure a person by the size of his heart

5. Lean on others

6. Make your bed – every day!

This is a book for anyone looking to achieve something with their lives and inspires the reader with a determination to change your life for the better.

Buy Make Your Bed by William H. McRaven on Amazon

About William H McRaven

Admiral William H. McRaven (U.S. Navy Retired) served with great distinction in the Navy. In his thirty-seven years as a Navy SEAL, he commanded at every level. As a Four-Star Admiral, his final assignment was as Commander of all U.S. Special Operations Forces. He is now Chancellor of the University of Texas System.

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