by William H. McRaven
Drawing on the author’s experiences as a Navy SEAL, “Make Your Bed” offers useful life lessons and practical tips to navigate through life. Despite the anecdotes taken from the Navy SEAL training, the learnings are surprisingly universally applicable where the principles apply to all walks of life.
The author offers 10 tips:
- Start your day with a task completed –> Make your bed
- You can’t go it alone
- Only the size of your heart matters; don’t judge a person by his or her physical size or looks
- Life’s not fair – Drive on!
- Failure can make you stronger
- You must dare greatly – face your obstacles head-on
- Stand up to the bullies
- Rise to the occasion
- Give people hope
- Never, ever quit
First of all, I found the little stories about the author’s experiences fascinating. As someone who has not gone through Navy SEAL training and don’t know anyone who has, these stories offer a peek into the rigorous and no doubt very tough expectations on these soldiers.
Then, having this context in mind, I found it really admirable that the author managed to find positivity in these gruelling moments. Definitely recommended as an inspiring read, especially if you are facing challenges and feeling down. It doesn’t hurt also, that this is a super easy book to read within a few hours!
Lastly, sharing my favourite quote which sums up the lessons and concludes the book:
“Start each day with a task completed. Find someone to help you through life. Respect everyone. Know that life is not fair and that you will fail often. But if you take some risks, step up when times are toughest, face down the bullies, life up the downtrodden, and never, ever give up – if you do these things, then you can change your life for the better… and maybe the world!”
Rin Ranger 