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

Admiral William H. McRaven

Apr 2017 · Hachette Audio · Narrated by Admiral William H. McRaven

About this audiobook

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

Ratings and reviews

As a sailor, and someone who has watched he video of the Admiral's speech, I knew from the outset I would love this book. What solidified this book's 5 stars was its ability to take 1970's SEAL training lessons and make them applicable to everyone's life. If you can wake up each day, you can read (or listen to) this book, and make small adjustments to your life that will reap dividends for years to come. Should not only be required reading for leaders, but for everyone who can read (or listen).

Growing up in Coronado, I was immediately drawn to the beach he mentions; my husband was stationed on a carrier there, back in the day. I'll never get ta quarter to flip on my bed;; at 81, those days are long over, but I've gotten lazy even making my bed. Bill's book will inspire me to get back into the habit. It's 'like' I live alone so who cares. But, when I do make ir, it's a nice feeling and I love new bedspreads! He is a fun writer.

Ok, I marked this as 5 stars because I really liked this book. The content was great and the audio production was also extremely good. I see myself listening to it every once in a while, as it has some great reminders and guidance. That said: If you have listened to his commencement speach on YouTube you have heard a condensed version of this already. The stories he uses to expound on the points of his speach are engaging and build out each of the points well including references to individuals and events, that said, I can see how some people might find this redundant. I would recommend that you go to YouTube and listen to his commencement speach, if you want to know more about why those points have the potential to build a good leader then get this book.

About the author

Admiral William H. McRaven (U.S. Navy Retired) is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Make Your Bed and the New York Times bestsellers Sea Stories: My Life in Special Operations and The Hero Code: Lessons Learned from Lives Well Lived. 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. After retiring from the Navy, he served as the Chancellor of the University of Texas System from 2015 to 2018. He now lives in Austin, Texas with his wife, Georgeann.