Make Your Bed
In a previous blog post, I shared about building a second brain. You can read more about that here.
In that post, I share how I am journaling my key takeaways from the books I am currently reading. I decided to take another step and create a digital journal to share a summary and key takeaways from each book.
Summary
"Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life...And Maybe the World" by Admiral William H. McRaven is a motivational book that distills the life lessons he learned during his Navy SEAL training into practical advice for personal and professional success. The book is structured around ten key lessons, each drawn from his experiences in the military. These lessons emphasize the importance of discipline, perseverance, and taking responsibility for one's actions. The advice—making your bed every morning—symbolizes the idea that small, consistent actions can lead to significant positive changes in life. McRaven encourages readers to embrace challenges, face adversity with determination, and always strive to make a difference in the world, no matter how small the initial step.
Key Takeaways
Start your day with a task completed: Making your bed each morning builds a foundation of discipline and sets a positive tone for the day.
Embrace the power of small actions: Small, consistent efforts can lead to significant changes and accomplishments over time.
Accept that life is unfair: Don't waste time complaining about adversity; instead, face challenges head-on and persevere.
Work as a team: Success often requires collaboration and support from others, so build strong relationships and trust your teammates.
Keep moving forward: Even when facing failure or setbacks, continue pushing forward with determination and resilience.
Take risks: Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone; taking risks can lead to personal growth and unexpected opportunities.
Face your fears: Confronting your fears strengthens your character and builds courage for future challenges.
Never give up: No matter how difficult the situation, maintain a relentless spirit and never quit on your goals.
“I sometimes fell short of being the best, but I never fell short of giving it may best.” -p. 53
Action Item
Make Your Bed
One key action item to take away from "Make Your Bed" is to start your day by making your bed. This simple act sets a tone of discipline and accomplishment, giving you a sense of pride and control from the very beginning of your day. It reinforces the idea that completing small tasks can build momentum for tackling larger challenges throughout the day.
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