Book Reviews Online

Author: Admiral William H. McRaven

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5 out of 5 stars)

Sometimes the most powerful life lessons come from the simplest advice. In Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life… And Maybe the World, Admiral William H. McRaven draws from his decades of experience as a Navy SEAL to offer ten straightforward, impactful principles for living with discipline, purpose, and resilience. Based on his viral 2014 commencement speech at the University of Texas at Austin, this short but inspiring book distills military wisdom into everyday life lessons for anyone seeking positive change.

Overview of Make Your Bed

Published in 2017, Make Your Bed is a compact, motivational book that outlines 10 rules for success, each drawn from McRaven’s SEAL training and career in the U.S. Navy. At just over 100 pages, it’s designed to be read quickly—but the lessons linger long after.

McRaven’s central thesis is this: if you want to change the world, start by making your bed. Why? Because small, consistent actions set the tone for discipline, pride, and momentum throughout your day—and ultimately your life.

Each chapter expands on a specific rule, such as “Don’t Back Down from the Sharks” or “Get Over Being a Sugar Cookie,” pairing personal anecdotes with clear takeaways that apply far beyond the military.

Key Takeaways and Lessons

1. Make Your Bed

Starting the day with a small win creates a ripple effect of accomplishment. It builds pride, reinforces discipline, and reminds you that little things matter.

2. You Can’t Go It Alone

Whether you’re swimming in SEAL training or navigating life’s challenges, you need a team. McRaven stresses the value of trust, support, and teamwork in overcoming obstacles.

3. Life’s Not Fair—Drive On!

In the SEALs, unfair treatment was routine. The lesson? Don’t dwell on what’s not fair. Life will test you, but you have to stay focused and persevere anyway.

4. Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable

Success often lies on the other side of discomfort. From cold swims to failure drills, McRaven learned that embracing hardship builds the toughness needed for life’s bigger battles.

5. Failure Makes You Stronger

Setbacks are inevitable, but they aren’t signs to stop—they’re opportunities to adapt and grow. McRaven emphasizes grit and mental fortitude over perfection.

Writing Style and Format

McRaven writes in a clear, concise, and humble tone. The book is structured into ten short chapters, each named after a specific lesson. Every chapter includes a personal story from his military experience, followed by the life lesson it taught him.

The writing is accessible and free from fluff, making it perfect for readers of all ages, including teens, students, busy professionals, and anyone looking for a boost in motivation. It’s the kind of book you can read in one sitting—or revisit one chapter at a time for daily encouragement.

Who Should Read Make Your Bed?

This book is ideal for:

Young adults and students developing habits and discipline Anyone facing adversity or personal setbacks Fans of military memoirs or leadership books Readers of The Obstacle Is the Way, Can’t Hurt Me, or Extreme Ownership Individuals seeking daily motivation and practical life lessons

Whether you’re starting a new chapter in life or looking to regain control of your habits, Make Your Bed offers timeless principles in a digestible format.

Critiques and Considerations

While deeply motivating, some readers may find the advice overly simple or wish for more depth in each chapter. Readers seeking extensive psychological frameworks or productivity systems may find Make Your Bed more inspirational than instructional.

However, the simplicity is intentional. The book isn’t designed to be complex—it’s a call to action. Its real power lies in how clearly it connects small, consistent behavior with larger life outcomes.

Cultural Impact and Reception

Make Your Bed quickly became a #1 New York Times bestseller and remains a popular graduation gift, leadership resource, and motivational staple. McRaven’s speech has been viewed millions of times on YouTube, and the book has sparked global conversations about personal responsibility and resilience.

Its message—that small things done right can have a global impact—has made it a modern classic in personal development literature.

Final Thoughts: Is Make Your Bed Worth Reading?

Yes—especially if you’re looking for a quick, uplifting read that delivers lasting value. Admiral McRaven’s message is simple but powerful: great lives aren’t built in a day, but in the small, intentional actions we take each day.

Final Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Inspiring, accessible, and actionable—Make Your Bed is a must-read for anyone who wants to lead with discipline, face adversity with courage, and build a life of purpose—one small win at a time.