William H. McRaven

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.… (más)

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.… (más)