Fabulous! Everyone should read this. ( )

NF

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 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. ( )

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 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. ( )

A good, quick rundown of Adm. McRaven's advice for life. Easily adaptable and relatable.

Recommended for those seeking a bit of inspiration or motivation - especially if you're stuck somewhere and don't know where to start. ( )

This book is a short read and written in a simple manor, so it is easy to understand for everyone. However, this book should make you think. Each chapter should make you think and you should (or not) take out of them what will fit to your life and your circumstance. I agree with all of the chapters. Make your bed, you accomplished your first task of the day. etc. A lot of reviews for this book seem to focus on the simplicity of the first chapter/statement and make fun of it etc. The act of doing a task from start to finish shows accomplishment. Making your bed takes very little time. Dont you teach your kids to do that?

Anyways, read the book and make the most of it for your life. Nobody expects you to go through seal training. These lessons can be applied in your every day-to-day jobs. I can sympathize with each of the chapters having experienced them all.

But read the book and make up your own mind. ( )

My mom gave me this book to read (and she wants my kids to read it too). It's a quick and somewhat inspiring read - sort of what you'd expect from a book that is based on a commencement address. ( )

If you've seen the YouTube video, you'll get nothing extra from this book beyond an extra anecdote or two about some people he's met along the way that emphasise the point.

A good little read, full of both humbling and affirming personal stories and messages that are worth listening to. ( )

Nothing new. ( )

Common sense for a disenfranchised and morbid world.

Believe me when I admit that McRaven is the primary reason why I make my bed. ( )

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. ( )

Short and succinct, but not entirely transferrable to everyday life. ( )

A stern reminder that life is not fair, and you only get out of it what you put in. ( )

This is a brief book featuring ten lessons that this American hero learned during his remarkable career as a Navy SEAL and as the SEAL Commander who oversaw the operation that killed terrorist Osama Bin Laden.

The lessons are accessible, relatable, and applicable to everyday life, even if the closest you've come to military service was watching "Stripes". His courage, dignity, and humility - not to mention his pride in serving his country - shine through on every page.

I had the honor of hearing Admiral McRaven speak a few years ago and talked to him briefly. He's an authentic leader who is worthy of admiration and, should you be inclined, the hour or two of your time it would take to read this slim volume of wisdom, based on his Texas A&M commencement speech which has since been viewed on YouTube millions of times.

NOTE: It's hard to write this review without acknowledging that, since the publication of this book, McRaven took a principled stand on behalf of the nation he so honorably served to speak out against the extreme danger posed by our current administration and leadership. That doesn't enter into the content of this book (nor my review) though I will say it is intriguing to read the book through the lens of McRaven's biggest critic and realize how short he falls in living up to the Admiral's 10 Lessons on how to positively change one's life and the world. I am grateful for Admiral McRaven's courage, even long after he retired from his military service. ( )

This is one of the easiest and most motivational books I've read in awhile. So many amazing nuggets. Read my full review at link below...

http://designforyou.site/index.php/2018/01/23/book-review-make-your-bed-by-admir... ( )

I was forced to read this book by my dad and honestly, I’m glad he made me. This book is a collection of short stories from an admiral’s life. Every story in this book has an important message, and I think that if you have the time you should read it. This book takes about 60-90 minutes to read in one sitting, so even if you don’t like it you won’t regret reading it. ( )

A variety of salad recipes.

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.

This #1 New York Times bestseller will get you motivated as soon as you get up in the morning. Admiral McRaven talks about his life as a Navy Seal and lessons he learned to help people through challenges in life.

In this slightly expanded version of a graduation speech delivered at the University of Texas, Admiral McRaven provides a number of tips for life and personal anecdotes to inspire his readers. As a Navy Seal and leader of men, McRaven has the standing, toughness, experience, and dedication to give good advice on how to succeed. He gives ten simple steps, and for each, tells personal stories from his life to expand and support each of his valuable tips and suggestions. This book is a quick and easy read for all, with lessons for everybody. ( )

I have a lot of respect for Admiral McRaven after reading this. He clearly is a man very dedicated to serving his country and shows endless strength of character. His tips here are nothing too original, but the real gems of the book are the stories he shares of his time training to become a Navy Seal and the highly successful military career that followed. My favorite was a look back on his time guarding the infamous dictator Saddam Hussein after his capture by the US military. McRaven was amused to point out that Hussein did not make his bed. This could have easily been a four or five star read for someone heavily interested in a daily look into life as a Navy Seal. ( )

I have a lot of respect for Admiral McRaven after reading this. He clearly is a man very dedicated to serving his country and shows endless strength of character. His tips here are nothing too original, but the real gems of the book are the stories he shares of his time training to become a Navy Seal and the highly successful military career that followed. My favorite was a look back on his time guarding the infamous dictator Saddam Hussein after his capture by the US military. McRaven was amused to point out that Hussein did not make his bed. This could have easily been a four or five star read for someone heavily interested in a daily look into life as a Navy Seal. ( )

This is a short, well presented set of standard life advice, but it is a great example of why some advice is always repeated — because it is correct and largely optimal. McRaven uses examples from his military career, and frequently from SEAL BUD/S training, to illustrate otherwise generic advice. I’m not sure if I prefer the “long” 90 minute version presented in the book or the delivered 14 minute commencement speech which was the inspiration for the book (and included in the book).

Audiobook read by the author and seems to be the natural format. ( )

Inspiring for teens and adults! ( )