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
Megan E. Stoner –
Muito bom livro. O almirante nos mostra passo a passo o caminho para modificar o mundo e a nós mesmos.
navyblu87 –
This book was very well written and runs true to life. I really feel it’s a must read for any young person. It’s a quick easy read and very enjoyable.
LH –
Awesome gift for youngsters and young adults. I’ve given away several copies. It’s inspiring, an easy read, and life impacting.
Cera Mena –
I love how he breaks down his lessons by chapters, gives you only what you need to really grasp the intention of the lesson and it is perfect for ANYONE. Beautiful book, highly recommend!
Vineet Demla –
Very good read, very interesting stories and great things to takeaway from it!
Cassie Cox –
5 stars! I very much enjoyed this book. I thought it was quite poignant that the author focused on the fact the little things build to the big things. I’m considering buying a class set for my h.s. students. Inspiration + dedication = perseverance. Good for h.s. and over…
Cera Mena –
I enjoyed reading this book. It is a very quick and easy read. I had heard a lot about it and I think my expectations were a bit too high. It is written in a very simple and straightforward way which is great for getting the message across to the masses, but there were times I felt that the writing was a bit pedestrian and I found myself skimming some pages. Overall, great book and would recommend it for anyone looking for a little bit of motivation.
David –
De belles leçons de vie accompagnées d’histoire des Seals.
Intéressant de prendre l’édition anglais pour s’y entraîner.
Livre court et facile à lire.
Amazonaholic –
This book is such a great gift. I bought it on sale for my nephew’s graduation but I continue to recommend it to all my friends and neighbors, especially those with kids. There are so many words of wisdom about life, grit, determination, respect, and honor… Ideals and lessons often lost and/or missing from our world today.
The audio version is also fantastic, delivering these impactful stories/messages in the author’s own words and inclination. I also bought the children’s version of this book for my nephew. In the event he wasn’t interested in reading it, I could just leave him with a few key lessons from Admiral McRaven.
You won’t regret purchasing this book!
eder serafim –
Nothing earth shattering, just some good reminders and motivation. Awesome stories and analogies, I finished it on a plane ride.
Jo A Ryal –
Excellent book with a great message. Very easy read! Would make a good gift!
Emily McIntyre –
Great motivational book! Worth the read.
Baptiste –
The book is structured around ten key principles that Admiral McRaven learned during his training and career. Each chapter starts with an engaging anecdote from his life, illustrating a specific lesson such as the importance of starting your day with a simple task (like making your bed), embracing failure, and never giving up. These stories are not only captivating but also convey profound wisdom in a relatable way.
What makes this book stand out is its practicality. The lessons are straightforward, actionable, and applicable to anyone, regardless of their background. Admiral McRaven’s writing is clear and motivational, without being overly sentimental or preachy.
One of the most compelling aspects of “Make Your Bed” is its underlying message of resilience and hope. It encourages readers to persevere through hardships and to find strength in small victories. The book’s brevity is another advantage, making it a quick yet profound read that can be revisited whenever you need a boost of motivation.
Pros:
• Practical, actionable advice
• Engaging and inspiring anecdotes
• Clear and concise writing
• Universal applicability of lessons
Cons:
• Some may find it too brief and wanting more depth
Overall, “Make Your Bed” is a powerful little book that offers timeless wisdom and encouragement to face life’s challenges head-on. It’s a great read for anyone looking for a dose of inspiration and practical advice to improve their life💯