Status
Available
Call number
Collections
Publication
Michael Joseph (2018), 144 pages
Description
Self-Improvement. Nonfiction. HTML: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." �??Fo… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member Gingermama
Inspirational and to the point. I thoroughly enjoyed this motivational CD audiobook, read by the author.
LibraryThing member VashonJim
This little book makes a lot of sense, and should be required reading for young people everywhere.
LibraryThing member ValerieAndBooks
This small book, which expands from a graduation speech by Navy SEAL Admiral William McRaven, did indeed get me to start making my bed daily. Why make your bed? Because starting your day with a task completed will help set the tone for the rest of the day.
Additionally, the rest of his advice is
Additionally, the rest of his advice is
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solid. A lot of it is drawn from his military experience, but one does not need to be military to gain from this volume. Also, one can't help but gain additional respect for the hard challenges that Navy SEALs go through. Show Less
LibraryThing member LivelyLady
The author’s ten lessons he learned from his training as a Navy Seal made into a graduation speech. Very applicable to daily life.
LibraryThing member Katyefk
Very inspiring. I do make my bed every morning and now I will do it with more intention and direction for the rest of the day. All of the stories that Admiral McRaven shares are inspiring and they are very motivational. I never knew how intense the training is to become a Navy Seal. They are truly
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heroes for our country and the world. I can certainly do my bit, no matter what it is in my life, as it is nothing compared to what they have been thru to achieve this ranking. Show Less
LibraryThing member amylee39
Good advice to remember for a lifetime, especially the fact that life isn't fair.
LibraryThing member tangledthread
A book version of a college graduation speech given my Admiral William H. McRaven
LibraryThing member aadyer
A great little book with lots of wisdom about managing life, adversity and all the things in between. From a very experienced and likeable military officer.
LibraryThing member Maydacat
Start the day by making your bed properly, and at least you will have accomplished one thing. Even if nothing else goes right, you started on the right track. There is a lot a good advice packed into this slim volume along with some interesting tales about the author’s time in the military. He
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talks about relying on others, not giving up, and not judging others: the heart of a lion could be packed inside a small frame. And no job is too small for you not to do right, not even bed-making. And even though my husband is a former sailor, I’m the one who makes the bed every day! Show Less
LibraryThing member larryking1
So, there I was, holding my birthday gift from this lovely woman, wondering what I would do with a 'self help' book. My problem was, I did NOT need 'self'' help, I needed people in my life to step up and reach out. And, herein in the pages of this little masterpiece, was what I was looking for! My
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earlier, innocuous remark to my gift-giver, about how my day always held lots in store for me when I made my bed was explained in glorious detail as to just why that was. And the doctrine of the 'self' that so many of these 'advice' books preach, as they are too steeped in "individualism," was pleasantly turned on its head. This writer, a Navy Seal, pushes back against the 'you own this' ethic to stress team work, having a 'buddy' system, communicating, reaching out when in trouble, and watching out for one another ceaselessly: there is none of this "me, me, me!" Bravo! Show Less
LibraryThing member neringros
Loved this book and would highly recommend to anyone.
It all seems so common sense and so little, but so true and important.
It all seems so common sense and so little, but so true and important.
LibraryThing member detailmuse
(Retired) Admiral McRaven (a career Navy SEAL) expands on his 2014 commencement address at the University of Texas at Austin to explore ten inspiring principles that lead to better work and life. It’s a good gift book for a new graduate and a good refresher for anyone.
LibraryThing member parapreacher
Great little book to inspire us to do better in life!
LibraryThing member ewyatt
In this book a former Navy Seal expands upon his graduation speech delivered to the University of Texas with ten tips to improve ones life and perhaps change the world. A quick read that pulls on experience in Navy SEALS training and Admiral McRaven's career in the military.
LibraryThing member jeanbmac
Another motivational book by an exceptional human being.
LibraryThing member CarrieWuj
This is an expansion of Admiral McRaven's commencement speech at U of Texas in 2014. The original speech was more to the point, and I'm sure a pleasure to listen to. Any advice-y listy speeches are, especially with some humor and humility. McRaven started as a Navy SEAL and became a 4-star Admiral,
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so all of his "lessons" stem from that experience, though relate-able in other realms. Though I have tremendous respect for the military, it just doesn't translate for me personally. Since the book goes into more detail about that, I found myself appreciating, but not connecting with the examples. Still, I learned what a "sugar cookie" is and the significance of the bell (don't ring it, ever!) so a quick, pleasant read. I'm also still mulling over the implication he tossed out in the fact that Navy SEALS make their beds, but Saddam Hussein, when prisoner, did not. Hmmmm. Correlation?Still didn't sell my kids on the concept. To sum up, his lessons, all worthy are: "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 the times are toughest, face down the bullies (sharks, in his experience), lift up the downtrodden, and never, ever give up .....the the next generation and the generations that follow will live in a world far better than the one we have today." Probably a good gift for anyone headed to ROTC or the military. Show Less
LibraryThing member bookworm12
I know this one started as a graduation speech and I wish it had stayed that way. In book form it is too repetitive with not enough revelations.
LibraryThing member christina.h
A good little read, full of both humbling and affirming personal stories and messages that are worth listening to.
LibraryThing member David_Fosco
A stern reminder that life is not fair, and you only get out of it what you put in.
LibraryThing member FormerEnglishTeacher
I listened to the audio version of this gem of a book. Since its publication in 2014, it has become a favorite graduation gift, and rightfully so. Admiral McRaven’s book started as a graduation address to the graduates of his alma mater, the University of Texas. The address, and the book, outline
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a series of lessons about life that McCraven learned while serving as a Navy SEAL, especially during the grueling training to become a SEAL. He begins with his belief that making your bed teaches an important lesson about life. I think the most moving part of the book was his description of the fallen soldiers and sailors being brought to Dover AFB to be delivered to their families for burial. He describes the incredible empathy Trump’s Chief of Staff General John Kelly showed to each of the families. That affected McCraven deeply. Kelly was a genuine war hero in his own right who had lost his own son to war and then endured the unbelievable rudeness and thoughtlessness of the man he was serving when both men were planning to attend a cemetery in France. Trump said he didn’t want to go because it was filled with “suckers” and “losers.” This to a man who lost his son defending our country. I can’t imagine the self-control Kelly must have possessed to resist cold cocking the guy. Those are the kinds of heroes Admiral McRaven has and the kinds who inspired him to write this book. I recommend it to everyone, especially young people getting ready to step out into the world. Show Less
LibraryThing member DrT
Book title and author: Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life…And Maybe the World by William H. McRaven. Reviewed 2/18/24.
Why I picked this book up: This was another from an Ad for headway called Read Daily to Grow Steadily.
Thoughts: I listened to this book on YouTube on
Listening Length: 1 hour and 53 minutes 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.
Why I finished this book: This was intriguing, challenging and since I am now disabled this really hit home with me reminding me not to whine or feel sorry for myself. Keep going, never give up and be thankful for what I have. My family loves me and thank God I can still provide. “Who dares wins.”
Stars rating: I have hope and as I show my kids and tell people all the time, don’t eve p give up, “I tell myself every day, never give up.” I’m rating this inspirational book 5 of 5 stars and highly recommend reading or listening to.
Why I picked this book up: This was another from an Ad for headway called Read Daily to Grow Steadily.
Thoughts: I listened to this book on YouTube on
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2/18/24.Listening Length: 1 hour and 53 minutes 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.
Why I finished this book: This was intriguing, challenging and since I am now disabled this really hit home with me reminding me not to whine or feel sorry for myself. Keep going, never give up and be thankful for what I have. My family loves me and thank God I can still provide. “Who dares wins.”
Stars rating: I have hope and as I show my kids and tell people all the time, don’t eve p give up, “I tell myself every day, never give up.” I’m rating this inspirational book 5 of 5 stars and highly recommend reading or listening to.
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Original language
English
Original publication date
2017-04-04
Physical description
144 p.; 7.24 x 5.43 inches
ISBN
0718188861 / 9780718188863