Get your day off on the right foot with this simple chore.
My dad believed in doing things right. That work ethic was instilled in him growing up on a farm in Ravenna, Michigan, in the 1950s and serving in the Army during the Vietnam War, where he was stationed in Bamburg, Germany. Like most parents, he was fond of using sayings to make his point: “Cut once. Measure twice.” “Keep your eye on the ball.” “Finish what you started.”
When I heard an inspirational speech by Four-Star Admiral William H. McRaven, the ninth commander of U.S. Special Operations Command, at the Commencement at The University of Texas on May 17, 2014, I thought about the lessons my dad taught me. Here’s an excerpt from the speech:
“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.”
Admiral McRaven’s original speech went viral with over 10 million views. Building on the core tenets laid out in his speech, McRaven, a former Navy SEAL, wrote a book titled Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life…And Maybe the World. McRaven’s lessons are:
- Start Your Day with a Task Completed: Begin your day by making your bed. This simple task can provide a sense of accomplishment and set a positive tone for the rest of the day.
- You Can’t Go It Alone: Teamwork is essential. Success in life and work often requires collaboration and support from others.
- Only the Size of Your Heart Matters: Physical strength is important, but it’s your determination, grit, and resilience that genuinely make a difference.
- Get Over Being a Sugar Cookie: Life is unfair, and you will face challenges and setbacks. Accepting this and moving forward with determination is crucial.
- Don’t Be Afraid of the Circus: Failure is inevitable and can lead to growth. Embrace your failures as opportunities to learn and improve.
- Slide Down the Obstacle Head First: Taking risks and confronting challenges head-on can lead to greater rewards and personal growth.
- Don’t Back Down from the Sharks: Stand your ground and confront your fears and bullies. Courage is essential in overcoming obstacles.
- Be Your Very Best in the Darkest Moments: Strive to be your best self during difficult times. This resilience will help you overcome adversity.
- Start Singing When You’re Up to Your Neck in Mud: Maintain hope and a positive attitude even in dire situations. A positive outlook can inspire others and help you persevere.
- Don’t Ever, Ever Ring the Bell: Never give up. Persistence and tenacity are key to achieving your goals and overcoming challenges.
Fortunately, I had a dad who taught me the value of doing things right. One of his other sayings was, “The little things matter.” Whether it’s making your bed or the myriad of other minute tasks that make up your day, do them right, consistently, and in a way that would make your dad proud.
