Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life, is a book by William Admeral H. McRaven based on the lectures he delivered to the graduating class of University of Texas on April 4, 2017. In this book, McRaven expands on his speech – considered one of the most inspiring graduation speeches ever given with more than 10 million views online.

As a retired four-star admiral and former Navy SEAL, McRaven offers great advice based on his experiences, particularly, when he had to encounter various dangers and troubles during his SEAL training. He recounts tales from his own life and from those of people he encountered during his military service who dealt with hardship and made tough decisions with determination, compassion, honour, and courage. Told with great humility and optimism, this timeless book provides simple wisdom, practical advice, and words of encouragement.

McRaven uses the example of making the bed, to begin an interesting series of events a soldier is expected to master during his field training. He explains how a such a simple task, when complemented with a set of other similarly simple yet consistent tasks, could alter one’s behavior through the day. The key lessons that are followed by thought provoking guides and intriguing real life examples include ;

1.Start your day with a task completed.
2.You cant do it alone.
3. Only the size of your heart matters.
4. Life’s not fair; drive on.
5. Failure can make you stronger.
6. You must dare greatly.
7. Stand up to the bullies.
8. Rise to the occasion.
9. Give people hope.
10. Never,ever quit!

It’s a very quick read, well presented set of advice, without the occasional repetition in inspirational books. I highly recommend.

Get a copy here.

You can also check out my other book reviews including the books I’ve read this year (19), current reads and those on my to read list on my Goodreads.