Summary of Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life...And Maybe the World

The speech struck a chord, quickly going viral with more than 10 million views, because the message was universal: greatness begins with small, consistent actions. In Make Your Bed, McRaven expands on those lessons, blending personal stories from his Navy career with inspiring examples of resilience, courage, and compassion from others he encountered along the way. From the value of discipline and persistence to the importance of teamwork and integrity, each chapter offers practical wisdom on how to tackle hardship and push forward even in the darkest of times.

What makes Make Your Bed so enduring is McRaven’s humility and optimism. He does not pretend that life is easy or that success comes overnight. Instead, he emphasizes that it is the steady commitment to doing the small things right—whether it’s literally making your bed each morning, offering encouragement when others falter, or choosing honor in the face of adversity—that paves the way for larger victories. Simple, clear, and deeply motivating, this book serves as a reminder that even the most overwhelming challenges can be overcome with discipline, courage, and faith in the power of small beginnings.

“Powerful,” wrote USA Today, and it’s true: Make Your Bed is more than a Navy Admiral’s memoir—it is a practical handbook for anyone determined to live with purpose and to leave the world a little better than they found it.