The Goal of This Post

This post is a synthesis from the book Make Your Bed, by Admiral William H. McRaven, sharing some of the key insights on the character traits and values to live with discipline and courage.

I hope you enjoy it!

If You Only Takeway One Thing

“Our struggles in this world are similar and the lessons to overcome those struggles and to move forward – changing ourselves and the world around us – will apply equally to all.”

1. Start Your Day with a Completed Task

• Life is hard and sometimes there is little you can do to affect the outcome of your day.
• The act of making your bed can give you the lift to start your day and the satisfaction to end it right.

If you want to change the world.. start off by making your bed.

2. You Can’t Go It Alone

• You need people in your life to help you through the difficult times.
• Anything you achieve is the result of others who have helped you along the way.
• Make as many friends as possible, and never forget that your success depends on others.

If you want to change the world… find someone to help you paddle.

3. Only the Size of Your Heart Matters

• SEAL training was about proving that determination and grit were more important than talent.
• It’s not the size of the flippers that count.

If you want to change the world… measure a person by the size of their heart.

4. Life’s Not Fair, Drive On!

• Life isn’t fair and the sooner you learn that the better off you will be.
• The common people and the great men and women are all defined by how they deal with life’s unfairness.
• Don’t complain. Stand tall, look to the future, and drive on!

If you want to change the world… get over being a sugar cookie and keep moving forward.

5. Failure Can Make You Stronger

• 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.
• True leaders must learn from their failures, use the lessons to motivate themselves, and not be afraid to try again or make the next tough decision.

If you want to change the world… don’t be afraid of The Circus.

6. You Must Dare Greatly

• You must overcome your anxieties and trust your abilities to get the job done.
• Life is a struggle and the potential for failure is ever present, but those who will 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 life.

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

7. Stand Up to the Bullies

• Bullies gain their strength through the timid and faint of heart.
• If you don’t find the courage to stand your ground, they will strike.
• To achieve your goals, to complete the night swim, you will have to be men and women of courage.

If you want to change the world… don’t back down from the sharks.

8. Rise to the Occasion

• At some point we will all confront a dark moment in life.
• In that dark moment, reach deep inside yourself and be your very best.

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

9. Give People Hope

• The power of one person to unite the group, to inspire those around him, to give them hope.
• Sing loudly, smile broadly, lift those around you and give them hope that tomorrow will be a better day.

If you want to change the world… start singing when you’re up to your neck in mud.

10. Never, Ever Quit!

• If you refuse to give up on your dreams, stand tall and strong against the odds – then life will be what you make of it – you can make it great.
• Never, ever, ring the bell!

If you want to change the world… don’t ever, ever ring the bell.

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A Final Thought

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!

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All content credit goes to the author(s). I’ve shared the bits I’ve enjoyed the most and found most useful.
Cheers ’till next time! Saludos!
Alberto