I recently saw a retired Navy Admiral interviewed on TV promoting his book. I recognized him because he had also been on TV several years ago. He had gained some notoriety because of the popularity of a commencement address he had delivered. Video clips of his speech were all over the news. He was a good speaker and a commanding presence. I never saw the whole speech at the time, but seeing him again prompted me to look for it on the web to find out what had so captivated the audience.
I did find a video of it and watched all 20 minutes. His name is Admiral William McRaven and he spoke at the University of Texas commencement in 2014. The core of the speech was sharing ten lessons that he had learned in six months of basic Navy Seal training. He saw these lessons as valuable for anyone, including graduating students who might aspire to change the world.
All the lessons were thought provoking, especially when he explained the grueling challenges through which the Navy taught most of them. But the lesson that got the most attention on the news was the first, because it seemed too simplistic. It was: “Make Your Bed”. As he explained it, the Navy required the students to make their bed perfectly every morning and the result had to pass inspection. At the time he thought it was a ridiculous thing to focus on, but later came to appreciate the wisdom of it. He said when the first thing you do every morning is make your bed, it means you’ve already accomplished your first task of the day. It gives you a small sense of pride and encourages you to do more tasks. It also reinforces that the little things matter. If you can’t do those right, you are less likely do the big things well.
The other nine lessons and the stories behind them were compelling but, like the TV reporters in 2014, I was most hooked by the quirky “make your bed” because of the seeming contradiction that such a mundane practice can be listed among the lessons to recommend to graduates. I think what I appreciated the most was he gave me another way to look at a chore that I don’t love. I like the idea that making your bed can be viewed as not just a daily chore to endure, but the first completed task of the day, a quick win the helps build the day’s momentum.
Anyway, it is kind of a funny thing to write about, but I can see the Admiral’s point. It seems a little ridiculous at first, but I can see that it might hold some wisdom too.
Ron, I can relate to that because of my wife. She finds it very important for the bed to be made (I admit she is often the one to make it). When she was receiving treatment, I noticed it was one of the things I could use to gauge how she was feeling. If the bed wasn’t made, it was a really bad day. If the bed was made it meant she had a better day. Another gauge was breakfast dishes – if they were in the dish washer it was a better day than if they were sitting in the sink. It is often the little things that can make you feel good and can be telling if you are not.
Thanks for your insight Annette. That’s a really good point.
Ron, ever since hearing this quote a few months ago, I have made it a point to make my bed carefully every day, and even ironing the top sheet to make it look neater. I really do have days when I think to myself that I didn’t accomplish anything I wanted to, then I walk into the bedroom and think “at least I made my bed”. It seems so ordinary, but it makes a big difference. Thanks so much for sharing that it has made a difference for you too.
Thanks for sharing Sandie. I agree with you. It’s nice to come home to a made bed on those difficult days.