Make Your Bed. A Book Review.
Make Your Bed.
by Admiral William H. McRaven
A Book Review.
This book will make you rethink your life.
Your values. Your dreams. Your possibilities. How many times do we blame someone else or circumstances, whine that life is not fair, or play the victim card? How many times do we believe we can’t do something because it is too hard? How many times do we make excuses, rather than take the bull by the horns and look to God to help us. To follow the dreams that He has given us. To believe He is our strength. To remember that with Him, all things are possible. Here, in this book, are lessons learned in his Navy SEAL training, and taught to us in story form. Like Jesus taught in story form. Lessons taught that way seem to remain with us and inspire us toward action.
Admiral McRaven says change can begin with one simple daily task. Making your bed. If this sounds silly to you, then you most definitely NEED to read this book as soon as possible. Because you are in for a delightful experience of re-thinking…
Big things come in small packages.
Little tasks completed can change your life. They can bring a sense of order and a feeling of accomplishment, which can move you forward and onward with a more positive outlook on your life. These are most certainly tough times. We can feel like the whole world is a mess and yet by implementing these 10 lessons, we can change our lives and maybe our little pieces of the world as well.
Book subtitle: “Little Things That Change Your Life. And Maybe The World”
This is without a doubt, one of the most unique and inspiring books I have ever read. It’s written by Admiral William H. McRaven, (U.S. Navy Retired). The title is: Make Your Bed. The book is small in size (5×7). 130 pages of timeless wisdom. Practical advice. Based on his Navy Seal training. It offers encouragement even in the darkest moments. Admiral McRaven’s bio says he: “served with great distinction in the Navy. In his thirty-seven years as a Navy SEAL, he commanded at every level. As a Four-Star Admiral, his final assignment was a Commander of all U. S. Special Forces. He is now Chancellor of the University of Texas System.” He has something to say that we would be wise to listen to and put into practice.
Here’s a short summary of the treasure you will discover in this powerful book.
Ten Lessons (Chapter titles)
- Start Your Day With A Task Completed
- You Can’t Go It Alone
- Only the Size of Your Heart Matters
- Life’s Not Fair—Drive On!
- Failure Can Make You Stronger
- You Must Dare Greatly
- Stand Up to the Bullies
- Rise to the Occasion
- Give People Hope
- Never Ever Quit!
Each chapter tells a story to illustrate the lesson in that chapter.
So…If you want to change the world…
- Start off by making your bed
- Find someone to help you paddle
- Measure a person by the size of their heart
- Get over being a sugar cookie and keep moving forward
- Don’t be afraid of the circus
- Slide down the obstacle head first
- Don’t back down from sharks
- Be your very best in the darkest moments
- Start singing when you are up to your neck in mud
- Don’t ever ring the bell
Page 103
”Life is full of difficult times. But someone out there always has it worse than you do. If you fill your days with pity, sorrowful for the way you have been treated, bemoaning your lot in life, blaming your circumstances on someone or something else, then life will be long and hard. If, on the other hand, you refuse to give up on your dreams, stand tall and strong against the odds—then life will be what you make of it—and you can make it great. Never, ever, ring the bell!
“Remember…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, lift 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!”
Commencement Speech
The book ends with the May 17, 2014 University of Texas Commencement Speech. The University slogan is “What starts here changes the world.” The speech is super inspiring. And down-to-earth … exactly where we all live. The book is based on that speech.
He said that on that night 8,000 students were graduating from that University. And if every one changed the lives of 10 people, in five generations (125 years), 800 million lives would be changed! It’s the little things that build up and make a difference. And, if you are a Christ follower, you also have the power of the Holy Spirit to guide you. So, what are we waiting for?
Final thoughts
First of all, I recommend you purchase the book. And read it more than once. And gift it to many! What a great graduation gift it would make.
All my life I have made my bed every morning. It really, really is a powerful way to begin the day. I never knew WHY until reading this book. It makes sense that it is a perfect way to give yourself an immediate sense of order and accomplishment. Our God is a God of order. This is a way to reflect Him from the very start of your day.
When all strung together, it is the multitude of small things accomplished throughout the day, every day,”that can change your life and maybe the world.”
This is an amazing little (but POWERFUL) book with lessons taught through STORY. Enjoy! And pass it on…
Personality and Jesus
Do you know who God created you to be? Have you ever stopped to think about how your personality affects the way you interact with others? Find out more in this new book by Pamela A. Taylor.
Awaiting His shout,
Christian Life Coach
Leading from Your Strengths Mentor
www.loavesandfishescoaching.com