I was reading the other day when I came across that “Make Your Bed” speech. If you haven’t heard of it, U.S. Navy Admiral William H. McRaven, a Navy Seal for more than 35 years, gave this speech in 2014 to the graduating class at The University of Texas.
You can view the entire speech here.
Some of the highlights:
“If you make your bed every morning you will have accomplished the first task of the day. It will give you a small sense of pride, and it will encourage you to do another task and another and another. By the end of the day, that one task completed will have turned into many tasks completed. Making your bed will also reinforce the fact that little things in life matter. If you can’t do the little things right, you will never do the big things right.
And, if by chance you have a miserable day, you will come home to a bed that is made — that you made — and a made bed gives you encouragement that tomorrow will be better.
If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed.”
Then I thought about it
The first time I heard that I thought, “Ok, that’s cute.” When I saw it again this week, I began to truly see how powerful it is.
Many of us are facing challenges every day. Challenges with our health, finances, employment, sobriety, happiness, stress from the pandemic or any of a number of stressors. It’s the “most wonderful time of the year!” Or at least that’s what everyone says you should be feeling. What if you’re not?
Make your bed. Wait. What?
Make your bed
The thing I take away from that speech is… “One step at a time.” If you’re trying to quit some addiction you don’t have to take on the huge challenge of overcoming whatever controls you. You just have to not give in to it today. That’s all. Then try again tomorrow.
If you’re trying to change your outlook on life you don’t have to suddenly try and put on a happy face for forever. You just have to do it today. Then try again tomorrow.
There’s also something to be said about that sense of accomplishment. I wrote in my book about the early days of my stroke rehab. Making my bed was about the only thing I could get done that first week home, but at least I accomplished something. I’m also a big advocate for making a list of what you want to accomplish and then cross it off when you do. “Yes! I did it!” It’s just a visual reminder of what you got done.
When you want to hide
And yes we all have the occasional miserable day. Isn’t it nice to climb into a well made bed? Everything is nice and snug as you slip in. It’s not all a big mess with half of the covers on the floor and your favorite pillow missing. You can sleep peacefully. Then try it again tomorrow.
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