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Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life...And Maybe the World Hardcover – April 4, 2017

4.7 out of 5 stars 48,126 ratings
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Based on a Navy SEAL's inspiring graduation speech, this #1 New York Times bestseller of powerful life lessons "should be read by every leader in America" (Wall Street Journal).

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.
"Powerful." --USA Today

"Full of captivating personal anecdotes from inside the national security vault." --Washington Post

"Superb, smart, and succinct." --Forbes
Read more
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  1. Print length
    144 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Grand Central Publishing
  4. Publication date
    April 4, 2017
  5. Dimensions
    5.35 x 0.95 x 7.4 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1455570249
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1455570249
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Popular Highlights in this book
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Previous page
  1. Life is a struggle and the potential for failure is ever present, but those who live in fear of failure, or hardship, or embarrassment will never achieve their potential. Without pushing your limits, without occasionally sliding down the rope headfirst, without daring greatly, you will never know what is truly possible in your life.
    Highlighted by 10,754 Kindle readers
  2. In life you will face a lot of Circuses. You will pay for your failures. But, if you persevere, if you let those failures teach you and strengthen you, then you will be prepared to handle life’s toughest moments.
    Highlighted by 9,245 Kindle readers
  3. 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!
    Highlighted by 9,148 Kindle readers
  4. You cannot paddle the boat alone. Find someone to share your life with. Make as many friends as possible, and never forget that your success depends on others.
    Highlighted by 9,099 Kindle readers
  5. They all understood that life is hard and that sometimes there is little you can do to affect the outcome of your day.
    Highlighted by 5,663 Kindle readers
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From the Publisher

bed 1
Make Your Bed, Admiral William H. McRaven, self-esteem, happiness self-help

Make Your Bed, Admiral William H. McRaven, self-esteem, happiness self-help

Make Your Bed, Admiral William H. McRaven, self-esteem, happiness self-help

Make Your Bed, Admiral William H. McRaven, self-esteem, happiness self-help

The Wisdom of the Bullfrog
The Hero Code
Sea Stories
Conquering Crisis
Customer Reviews
4.8 out of 5 stars 2,803
4.8 out of 5 stars 3,963
4.8 out of 5 stars 7,644
4.7 out of 5 stars 140
Price $13.11 $11.62 $11.79 $18.18
Continue the leadership journey with more bestselling guidance and wisdom from Admiral McRaven. A clear-eyed treatise on the leadership qualities that separate the good from the truly great. A short, inspirational book about the qualities of true, everyday heroes. Remarkable, action-packed stories of bravery and heroism from an extraordinary career. Rise to the occasion in times of crisis, no matter the situation.
Make Your Bed with Skipper the Seal
Be a Hero with Skipper the Seal
Customer Reviews
4.8 out of 5 stars 1,668
4.8 out of 5 stars 97
Price $13.88 $17.99
Admiral William H. McRaven's inspiring stories—for kids! Skipper the seal becomes a Navy SEAL in this delightful picture book adaptation of Make Your Bed. Skipper the seal shows young readers what it means to be truly heroic in the picture book adaptation of The Hero Code.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Should be read by every leader in America... [MAKE YOUR BED] is a book to inspire your children and grandchildren to become everything that they can. It is a book to discuss with your executive leadership team as a spur to meeting shared goals. Most of all, it is a book that will leave you with tears in your eyes."―Wall Street Journal

"Full of captivating personal anecdotes from inside the national security vault...McRaven's lessons, like his commencement speech, extend far beyond his bed-making. He devotes the 10-chapter book to lessons about moving beyond failure, standing up to bullies and giving others hope."―Washington Post

"McRaven...has taken the genesis of what he learned during SEAL training and his nearly four decades in Navy Special Operations into a thin, powerful book."―USA Today

"Exquisitely simple...superb, smart, and succinct ideas."―Forbes

About the Author

Admiral William H. McRaven (U.S. Navy Retired) is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Make Your Bed and the New York Times bestsellers Sea Stories: My Life in Special Operations and The Hero Code: Lessons Learned from Lives Well Lived. In his thirty-seven years as a Navy SEAL, he commanded at every level. As a Four-Star Admiral, his final assignment was as Commander of all U.S. Special Operations Forces. After retiring from the Navy, he served as the Chancellor of the University of Texas System from 2015 to 2018. He now lives in Austin, Texas with his wife, Georgeann.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Grand Central Publishing
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 4, 2017
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 1st
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 144 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1455570249
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1455570249
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.35 x 0.95 x 7.4 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 out of 5 stars 48,126 ratings

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William H. McRaven

William H. McRaven

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Admiral William H. McRaven (U.S. Navy Retired) is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Make Your Bed and the New York Times bestseller Sea Stories: My Life in Special Operations. In his thirty-seven years as a Navy SEAL, he commanded at every level. As a Four-Star Admiral, his final assignment was as Commander of all U.S. Special Operations Forces. After retiring from the Navy, he served as the Chancellor of the University of Texas System from 2015 to 2018. He now lives in Austin, Texas with his wife, Georgeann.

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
48,126 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book easy to read, filled with life lessons, and appreciate its straightforward approach to daily tasks like making the bed. Moreover, the pacing is well-liked, with each chapter featuring anecdotes from the author's career, and customers value it as a perfect gift for graduates. Additionally, the book encourages readers to embrace resilience, and customers consider it worth the purchase price. However, opinions about the book's value are mixed, with some finding it overrated.

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ReadabilityInspirational contentSimplicityGift valuePacingLife styleStrengthValue for money
2,590 customers mention "Readability"2,566 positive24 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, describing it as a wonderful and easy fun read that is written for everyone to read or re-read.

"...This was a short yet powerful impacting read." Read more

"A simple book with a positive message on how to succeed and the worthy objective of leaving this planet a little better for having been here...." Read more

"It’s great book! So inspiring and an easy read. My goal for 2025 was to read more and this was the first one! You won’t be disappointed!" Read more

"This is a very quick but inspiring read. I particularly enjoyed the section on hope. More great wisdom from the seals" Read more

1,969 customers mention "Inspirational content"1,930 positive39 negative

Customers find the book inspirational, noting it is filled with life lessons and serves as a great motivational read.

"...It makes a world of difference in a mindset shift. Two year later finding this book as I am preparing for another shift really hit home...." Read more

"A simple book with a positive message on how to succeed and the worthy objective of leaving this planet a little better for having been here...." Read more

"It’s great book! So inspiring and an easy read. My goal for 2025 was to read more and this was the first one! You won’t be disappointed!" Read more

"This is a very quick but inspiring read. I particularly enjoyed the section on hope. More great wisdom from the seals" Read more

196 customers mention "Simplicity"181 positive15 negative

Customers appreciate the book's straightforward approach and simple concepts to follow, describing making your bed as a daily task.

"Really good book with lots of simple, common-sense advice." Read more

"...The book is motivating and accessible, providing powerful insights on overcoming challenges and achieving goals." Read more

"...The book is an easy and short read that can be passed on to anyone who may need a little reminder of some basic principles of life and success..." Read more

"This is a very easy, short read. It is quite clear that the author led a full life, but the book is not terribly profound...." Read more

179 customers mention "Gift value"179 positive0 negative

Customers find the book makes a perfect gift, particularly for graduates and as a short read, with one customer noting it's especially suitable for military veterans.

"A very encouraging book, makes a great gift for graduates, birthdays, or Father’s Day. A classic that needs to be on every bookshelf. Timeless wisdom." Read more

"This book is such a great gift...." Read more

"...Great Christmas gift, graduation gift for a young person or anyone who needs a little inspiration." Read more

"This was the best graduation gift I could have found...." Read more

173 customers mention "Pacing"154 positive19 negative

Customers appreciate the book's pacing, with each chapter presenting an anecdote from the author's career.

"...A classic that needs to be on every bookshelf. Timeless wisdom." Read more

"...The lessons are pertinent and timeless. The book not only inspires but gives hope. Thank you, Admiral McRaven!..." Read more

"Amazing book. Great author" Read more

"...He was a remarkable officer, a strong husband to his wife, Karen, and a loving father to his daughter, Kate, and oldest son, Marine Major John Kelly...." Read more

165 customers mention "Life style"165 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's approach to lifestyle, noting it provides solid life lessons that can lead to a successful and fulfilling life.

"A simple book with a positive message on how to succeed and the worthy objective of leaving this planet a little better for having been here...." Read more

"Great book with 10 principles to remember and applied in life. It is good to share one's experience with others...." Read more

"...Excellent share of life experience, military experience, studies, knowledge and phrases...." Read more

"...My favorite? # 10: Never, Ever Quit! Personal true story if you're interested: A while back I retired from a military service...." Read more

98 customers mention "Strength"87 positive11 negative

Customers appreciate the book's strength, noting it is well made and in good condition, while encouraging readers to embrace resilience and describing inner strength simply.

"...Through ten impactful, straightforward lessons, he encourages readers to embrace resilience, discipline, and compassion...." Read more

"...isn't particularly well written, it isn't sugar coated, but it is solid, unfiltered, and good...." Read more

"...They arrived in excellent condition with no markings on the inside as I noticed in some of the other reviews...." Read more

"...It teaches you to be strong, and to to remember there are lessons to be taken from everything...." Read more

90 customers mention "Value for money"47 positive43 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the book's value for money, with some finding it worth the purchase price and considering it valuable, while others describe it as not worth a whole book and criticize it as one of the worst self-improvement books.

"...Really resonated with me! For the price, how the book was written, how it’s not too long, easy to read and understand...." Read more

"...The chapters seemed too short and underdeveloped for my taste, but my students loved the capsule lessons...." Read more

"...read nothing but the speech starting on page 105, this book will be worth cost...." Read more

"Very short and kind of expensive for what it is but a great read nontheless ...." Read more

The Best Advice I Have Read.✨️
5 out of 5 stars
The Best Advice I Have Read.✨️
I loved this book I learned a lot of new things from reading it.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Mrs. Happy Shopper
    5.0 out of 5 stars Start With Making Your Bed
    Reviewed in the United States on May 24, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    In 2023, I was in a book writing masterclass and I raised my virtual hand when the question was asked who has a topic. The first point I made in my topic was the task of making your bed. It makes a world of difference in a mindset shift. Two year later finding this book as I am preparing for another shift really hit home. This was a short yet powerful impacting read.
    Helpful
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  • wagonrd
    5.0 out of 5 stars Never give up
    Reviewed in the United States on May 15, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    During my 24 year career as a Naval Aviator I had my share of failures, more so from what I didn’t do than for what I did wrong. I hit the glass ceiling at rank 0-5. This was a tough pill to swallow, so the last 5 years demanded a lot of courage as I served in dead end obscure positions. I never gave up or lost hope. This has paid off handsomely in the form of free health services as I approach age 92.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • T.G. Dubini
    5.0 out of 5 stars A quick but important read for anyone who aspires to be a successful leader and team member
    Reviewed in the United States on April 28, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    A simple book with a positive message on how to succeed and the worthy objective of leaving this planet a little better for having been here. I had the privilege of listening to Admiral McRaven address my son’s class at his Naval OCS graduation and commissioning more than a decade past. His advice to “make your bed” and more to that and other groups has been a good memory I’ve carried since and one I recommend to all, but especially to the next rank of young people about to embark on their life adventure.
    Helpful
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  • Taylor Thompson
    4.0 out of 5 stars Read it!
    Reviewed in the United States on January 7, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    It’s great book! So inspiring and an easy read. My goal for 2025 was to read more and this was the first one! You won’t be disappointed!
    22 people found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • Jeff Chastain
    5.0 out of 5 stars very inspiring
    Reviewed in the United States on May 25, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    This is a very quick but inspiring read. I particularly enjoyed the section on hope. More great wisdom from the seals
    Helpful
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  • Diego Loya
    5.0 out of 5 stars Give this book to your kids and grandchildren
    Reviewed in the United States on May 11, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    What I recommend is you give this book to your children and your grandkids I read this book when I was part of a program called grizzly charter Academy. This book changed my way of thinking changed me entirely
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  • Robert D. Neill
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great college graduation gift!
    Reviewed in the United States on May 28, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    This is always our gift for college graduates!
    Helpful
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  • Peter Bell
    5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding Lessons
    Reviewed in the United States on May 21, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Outstanding Lessons for life. This is very good instruction that will inspire many people to succeed in life’s challenging journey.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Bookworm
    1.0 out of 5 stars Hard to relate to the stories
    Reviewed in Sweden on September 11, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Perhaps written for a younger audience.
    Report
  • Eisenhoover Bermudez
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book!
    Reviewed in Australia on January 10, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Absolutely well written and easy to read book. I can’t recommend it enough more for people who want to learn good lessons for life.
    Report
  • 矢崎あかり
    5.0 out of 5 stars E
    Reviewed in Japan on September 16, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I found there is free e-book after I bought this...
    Report
  • Melvin
    5.0 out of 5 stars Honoured
    Reviewed in France on March 25, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I’m honored to read this book! Hats off and big respect to all soldiers. Really great book by William H. McRaven
    Report
  • Vineet Demla
    5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring and Practical Lessons for Life..!!!
    Reviewed in India on August 5, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    The book is structured around ten key principles that Admiral McRaven learned during his training and career. Each chapter starts with an engaging anecdote from his life, illustrating a specific lesson such as the importance of starting your day with a simple task (like making your bed), embracing failure, and never giving up. These stories are not only captivating but also convey profound wisdom in a relatable way.

    What makes this book stand out is its practicality. The lessons are straightforward, actionable, and applicable to anyone, regardless of their background. Admiral McRaven’s writing is clear and motivational, without being overly sentimental or preachy.

    One of the most compelling aspects of “Make Your Bed” is its underlying message of resilience and hope. It encourages readers to persevere through hardships and to find strength in small victories. The book’s brevity is another advantage, making it a quick yet profound read that can be revisited whenever you need a boost of motivation.

    Pros:

    • Practical, actionable advice
    • Engaging and inspiring anecdotes
    • Clear and concise writing
    • Universal applicability of lessons

    Cons:

    • Some may find it too brief and wanting more depth

    Overall, “Make Your Bed” is a powerful little book that offers timeless wisdom and encouragement to face life’s challenges head-on. It’s a great read for anyone looking for a dose of inspiration and practical advice to improve their life💯
    Report