Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life...And Maybe the World - book cover
Happiness
  • Publisher : Grand Central Publishing; 2nd edition
  • Published : 04 Apr 2017
  • Pages : 144
  • ISBN-10 : 1455570249
  • ISBN-13 : 9781455570249
  • Language : English

Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life...And Maybe the World

Based on a Navy SEAL's inspiring graduation speech, this #1 New York Times bestseller of powerful life lessons "should be read by every leader in America" (Wall Street Journal).

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

On May 17, 2014, Admiral William H. McRaven addressed the graduating class of the University of Texas at Austin on their Commencement day. Taking inspiration from the university's slogan, "What starts here changes the world," he shared the ten principles 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; and he explained how anyone can use these basic lessons to change themselves-and the world-for the better.

Admiral McRaven's original speech went viral with over 10 million views. Building on the core tenets laid out in his speech, McRaven now 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, honor, and courage. Told with great humility and optimism, this timeless book provides simple wisdom, practical advice, and words of encouragement that will inspire readers to achieve more, even in life's darkest moments.
"Powerful." --USA Today

"Full of captivating personal anecdotes from inside the national security vault." --Washington Post

"Superb, smart, and succinct." --Forbes

Editorial Reviews

"Should be read by every leader in America... [MAKE YOUR BED] is a book to inspire your children and grandchildren to become everything that they can. It is a book to discuss with your executive leadership team as a spur to meeting shared goals. Most of all, it is a book that will leave you with tears in your eyes."

Readers Top Reviews

MattJohn NilesDWCori
This book is an excellent short read, full of great life lessons for anyone. Although the examples are from a military life, it is not a military book. I will gladly recommend this book to all of my kids and fourteen grand kids !
Kindle
A respectful, thought provoking book which should be required reading for all adults, and maybe reread a couple of times at different stages in a person's life. It gives purpose and direction. What a very fortunate graduating class to have begun life hearing from Admiral McRaven.
KriegerJames J. Wasi
The author talked about his tough times in BUD/S to show you how cool he is and then at the end of the chapter said a one liner you could learn from it. The concepts are solid, but he did a poor job of likening them to life. Pretty useless. If you want a way better book on the subject, read Resilience by Eric Grietens.
Paul
Excellent. Gave it to my 11 year old grandson, he read it in 4 days annd played back the message of never giving up when you encounter a tough situation and the importance of teamwork
Kindle
There are many "self-help" books on the market that contain solid information. However, General McRaven's Make Your Bed comes across as refreshingly different from those books by well known self-help gurus like Dr. Phil or Tony Robbins mainly because the anecdotes he uses to illustrate his ten key points are gleaned from his experiences as a Navy SEAL. I read this little book in one sitting and plan to buy copies for my children. In a nutshell, McRaven says that life is tough, but meeting challenges with discipline, determination, a positive attitude and the support of others will most often lead an individual to a meaningful life that will inspire others.