Make Your Bed

1. Start Your Day with a Sense of Accomplishment

If you make your bed every morning, you will have accomplished the first task of the day.

Small victories matter. Starting your day by completing a simple task like making your bed sets a positive tone for the rest of the day. This small accomplishment creates a ripple effect, encouraging you to tackle other tasks and building momentum towards larger goals. It reinforces the importance of attention to detail and instills a sense of pride in your work.

Consistency breeds success. By consistently completing this small task each morning, you develop discipline and create a habit of achievement. This habit can translate into other areas of your life, helping you to approach challenges with a can-do attitude. Even on difficult days, returning to a well-made bed serves as a reminder of your ability to accomplish tasks and maintain order in your life.

2. Embrace Teamwork and Support

You can't change the world alone—you will need some help—and to truly get from your starting point to your destination takes friends, colleagues, the goodwill of strangers, and a strong coxswain to guide them.

Collaboration is key. No significant achievement is accomplished in isolation. Success often depends on the collective effort of a team working towards a common goal. In SEAL training, this was exemplified by the boat crews paddling through rough surf, where synchronization and equal effort were crucial for progress.

Diverse teams excel. The most successful teams often comprise individuals with varied backgrounds, skills, and perspectives. This diversity allows for creative problem-solving and increased adaptability in the face of challenges. Admiral McRaven's experience with the "munchkin crew" demonstrated how a group of individuals from different backgrounds could outperform others when united by a common purpose and strong work ethic.

3. Judge People by Their Character, Not Appearance

If you want to change the world, measure a person by the size of their heart, not the size of their flippers.

Character trumps appearance. In both military training and life, it's essential to look beyond superficial characteristics and focus on an individual's inner qualities. The "munchkin crew" in SEAL training demonstrated that determination, teamwork, and heart are far more important than physical size or appearance.

Embrace diversity. Recognizing and valuing the unique contributions of individuals from diverse backgrounds can lead to stronger, more effective teams. This principle applies not only in military settings but also in business, education, and community-building. By focusing on character and ability rather than preconceived notions based on appearance, we can create more inclusive and successful environments.

4. Persevere Through Life's Unfairness

Sometimes no matter how well you prepare or how well you perform you still end up as a sugar cookie. It's just the way life is sometimes.

Life isn't always fair. There will be times when your best efforts seem to go unrecognized or unrewarded. The "sugar cookie" experience in SEAL training, where trainees were made to roll in sand regardless of their performance, teaches an important lesson about dealing with seemingly unfair situations.

Resilience is crucial. The ability to bounce back from setbacks and continue moving forward is a key attribute of successful individuals. Rather than dwelling on perceived injustices or becoming discouraged by temporary failures, it's important to maintain perspective and persist in your efforts. This resilience can be developed through practice and a mindset that views challenges as opportunities for growth.

5. Learn from Failure and Keep Moving Forward

If you want to change the world, don't be afraid of the Circus.

Embrace challenges. The "Circus" in SEAL training, an intense physical punishment for failing to meet standards, represents the obstacles and setbacks we face in life. Instead of fearing these challenges, we should view them as opportunities for growth and improvement.

Failure builds strength. Each failure or setback provides valuable lessons and helps build mental and physical toughness. Admiral McRaven's experience of being fired early in his career, but using that setback as motivation to work harder and eventually rise to higher positions, illustrates how failure can be a stepping stone to success. By maintaining a growth mindset and learning from our mistakes, we can turn failures into valuable experiences that propel us forward.

6. Take Calculated Risks to Achieve Greatness

If you want to change the world... slide down the obstacle headfirst.

Courage drives success. Taking risks is often necessary to achieve significant goals. The example of sliding headfirst down the Slide for Life obstacle demonstrates how overcoming fear and taking calculated risks can lead to better performance and personal growth.

Push your limits. Stepping out of your comfort zone and challenging yourself is essential for realizing your full potential. This applies not only in physical challenges but also in professional and personal endeavors. By daring to take on difficult tasks and push beyond perceived limitations, you open up new possibilities for achievement and personal development.

7. Stand Up to Bullies and Face Your Fears

Bullies are all the same; whether they are in the school yard, in the workplace, or ruling a country through terror. They thrive on fear and intimidation.

Courage conquers fear. Standing up to bullies, whether they are individuals or oppressive systems, requires courage. The example of facing the fear of sharks during night swims in SEAL training illustrates how confronting our fears head-on can help us overcome them.

Resist intimidation. Bullies gain power through the fear and compliance of others. By refusing to be intimidated and standing firm in the face of threats, we can diminish the power of bullies and inspire others to do the same. This principle applies in personal interactions, workplace dynamics, and even on a global scale when dealing with oppressive regimes.

8. Rise to the Occasion in Dark Moments

If you want to change the world... be your very best in the darkest moments.

Adversity reveals character. The most challenging times in life often bring out the best in people. The example of soldiers performing heroic acts in combat and families coming together in times of tragedy demonstrates how individuals can rise to the occasion when faced with difficulty.

Prepare for challenges. While we can't predict when dark moments will occur, we can prepare ourselves mentally and emotionally to handle them. By cultivating resilience, maintaining a positive attitude, and focusing on our values and goals, we can better navigate through tough times and emerge stronger on the other side.

9. Inspire Hope in Others Through Your Actions

Hope is the most powerful force in the universe. With hope you can inspire nations to greatness.

Lead by example. Inspiring hope in others often comes through actions rather than words. The story of the SEAL trainee who started singing during a grueling mudflat exercise, lifting the spirits of his fellow trainees, illustrates how one person's positive attitude can influence an entire group.

Empathy drives impact. Understanding and sharing the feelings of others allows us to provide meaningful support and inspiration. The example of General John Kelly comforting families who had lost loved ones in combat demonstrates how shared experiences and genuine empathy can provide hope and strength to those facing difficult circumstances.

10. Never Give Up, No Matter the Circumstances

Life is full of difficult times. But someone out there always has it worse than you do.

Perseverance is key. The story of Ranger Adam Bates, who maintained a positive attitude and determination after losing both legs in combat, exemplifies the power of never giving up, regardless of the challenges faced.

Maintain perspective. When facing difficulties, it's important to remember that others may be dealing with even greater challenges. This perspective can help us maintain gratitude for what we have and find the strength to continue pushing forward. By refusing to quit and maintaining a positive attitude, we can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles and inspire others to do the same.

Last updated: March 22, 2025