Make Your Bed | How Small Habits Build Success – In-Depth Book Review

Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life…And Maybe the World is a bestselling self-improvement book by Admiral William H. McRaven.

Published in 2017, this book distills life lessons drawn from McRaven’s experiences as a Navy SEAL and his famous commencement speech at the University of Texas.

The book’s core message revolves around how small, disciplined actions can create a profound impact on one’s life and, by extension, the world.

With ten powerful lessons, Make Your Bed is not just a guide for military discipline but a universal roadmap for personal resilience, leadership, and success.

McRaven’s insights go beyond the battlefield, providing readers with principles applicable to any profession or life stage.

2. Deep Analysis of the Central Idea

The essence of Make Your Bed is that small habits, when consistently executed, cultivate discipline, mental fortitude, and resilience.

McRaven argues that life’s greatest challenges can be tackled by focusing on seemingly minor tasks.

The book’s first and most famous lesson – “If you want to change the world, start by making your bed” – illustrates this point.

Completing this simple task each morning sets a tone of accomplishment and discipline, fostering a mindset of order and readiness.

Each chapter presents a lesson derived from McRaven’s Navy SEAL training, reinforcing principles such as embracing failure, pushing beyond perceived limits, and standing strong in adversity.

For example, one of the book’s most striking lessons emphasizes the value of teamwork and perseverance, demonstrated through McRaven’s recollection of “the sugar cookie” punishment.

When trainees failed to meet expectations, they were forced to roll in wet sand and remain in discomfort for the day.

This lesson highlights the reality that life is often unfair, and success depends on perseverance rather than dwelling on setbacks.

Another critical lesson focuses on the importance of taking risks. McRaven describes the daunting underwater obstacle course that SEAL trainees must complete.

Those who succeed are often the ones willing to push themselves beyond perceived safety.

This resonates with anyone striving for personal or professional growth – bold action is necessary to break through limitations.

Ultimately, Make Your Bed promotes the idea that resilience, discipline, and leadership are cultivated through daily habits and the courage to face adversity head-on.

3. Applying These Lessons in Real Life

1. Small Habits Lead to Greater Discipline

One of the book’s strongest takeaways is that small, disciplined actions create momentum for bigger successes.

Making your bed, as McRaven suggests, is a metaphor for setting a productive tone for the day.

This concept applies beyond the military, helping professionals, students, and entrepreneurs instill order and structure in their lives.

2. Facing Adversity with Resilience

McRaven’s insights on endurance through hardship provide valuable lessons for anyone dealing with setbacks.

His stories reinforce that life’s greatest achievements often arise from difficult moments.

This is particularly relevant in today’s fast-paced world, where resilience is a key determinant of success.

3. The Power of Teamwork

The book repeatedly emphasizes the importance of camaraderie and shared struggle.

Whether in business, sports, or personal relationships, success is rarely a solo endeavor.

By fostering trust and mutual support, individuals can navigate life’s challenges more effectively.

4. Embracing Failure as a Stepping Stone

McRaven teaches that failure is not the end but a necessary part of growth.

In SEAL training, those who failed at certain tasks were often given extra training, known as the “Circus.”

While grueling, this additional effort made them stronger. In real life, setbacks should be seen as opportunities to refine skills, develop resilience, and push beyond limitations.

5. Staying Calm Under Pressure

High-pressure situations define both military and civilian life.

McRaven’s experiences illustrate that maintaining composure in adversity leads to better decision-making.

Whether in business negotiations, exams, or personal crises, the ability to stay calm and focused is a crucial skill that prevents rash decisions and enhances problem-solving capabilities.

6. Standing Firm in Your Principles

Integrity is a recurring theme in Make Your Bed.

McRaven highlights that true leadership comes from standing by one’s values, even when facing opposition.

In an era where external pressures often dictate decisions, staying true to one’s principles builds long-term respect and credibility, essential for success in any field.

4. Similar Concepts and Comparisons

Atomic Habits by James Clear

McRaven’s philosophy on small daily habits mirrors James Clear’s Atomic Habits, which argues that incremental improvements compound over time.

While McRaven focuses on discipline and resilience, Clear delves deeper into habit formation psychology, providing a framework for understanding how habits are formed, broken, and reinforced.

Both books emphasize that change is not achieved through radical shifts but through consistent, intentional action.

McRaven’s lessons on discipline align with Clear’s idea that small adjustments create profound long-term effects.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey

Covey’s classic highlights proactive behavior, prioritization, and personal responsibility, aligning closely with McRaven’s core message.

While Make Your Bed focuses on small, practical actions to build resilience, Covey’s 7 Habits provides a broader philosophical approach to personal and professional effectiveness.

Both books stress the importance of routine, self-discipline, and leading by example. Covey’s principles of beginning with the end in mind and putting first things first resonate with McRaven’s perspective on setting a disciplined foundation for success.

5. Contemporary Relevance of the Book

1. Navigating Uncertainty and Change

In today’s world, uncertainty is a constant. Economic instability, career shifts, and global crises have made adaptability a crucial skill.

McRaven’s emphasis on resilience, small daily victories, and unwavering discipline offers a framework for handling unpredictable circumstances with confidence.

2. Mental Strength in a High-Stress Society

With increasing demands in personal and professional life, stress and burnout have become widespread issues.

McRaven’s principles reinforce that developing mental fortitude through consistent habits, teamwork, and perspective shifts is key to overcoming modern pressures and maintaining long-term success.

3. Leadership and Accountability in Modern Workplaces

McRaven’s lessons on responsibility and integrity align with the core qualities of great leaders.

In corporate settings, where accountability and perseverance are valued, applying these principles can create stronger teams and more effective leadership, fostering long-term growth.

4. The Enduring Power of Discipline and Consistency

Discipline remains an essential skill in achieving long-term goals, whether in career advancement, entrepreneurship, fitness, or education.

McRaven’s book serves as a timeless reminder that small, repeated efforts lead to significant transformations, reinforcing the importance of consistency in an era dominated by instant gratification.

Conclusion and Recommendation for Reading

McRaven’s book is more than a collection of motivational lessons; it is a blueprint for success based on discipline, resilience, and leadership.

Its teachings are universally applicable, whether for students, professionals, or individuals seeking personal growth.

By implementing these principles, readers can develop a mindset that fosters achievement in both small and significant ways.

The value of this book lies in its simplicity and practicality. McRaven’s straightforward approach ensures that his insights can be easily integrated into daily routines, making it an accessible and impactful read for anyone looking to improve their life.

Why You Should Read Make Your Bed

Reading Make Your Bed is more than just absorbing life lessons – it’s a call to action.

McRaven’s book teaches the power of small, daily victories, resilience in the face of hardship, and the necessity of self-discipline.

Whether you are looking for motivation, structure, or a way to regain control in chaotic times, this book provides simple yet powerful principles that can transform your mindset and actions.

It is a must-read for anyone who seeks to cultivate perseverance, mental strength, and an unshakable foundation for success.

Andrea Moura
Literary Critic and Columnist for the Book Review Blog