Make Your Bed
£6.00
| ASIN : | B078Z2J7HR |
|---|---|
| Language : | English |
| ISBN-10 : | 0718188861 |
| ISBN-13 : | 978-0718188863 |
| Best Sellers Rank: | Best Sellers Rank: |
| Customer reviews: | 41,968 ratings |
| ASIN : | B078Z2J7HR |
|---|---|
| Language : | English |
| ISBN-10 : | 0718188861 |
| ISBN-13 : | 978-0718188863 |
| Best Sellers Rank: | Best Sellers Rank: |
| Customer reviews: | 41,968 ratings |
Anna –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Simply good
I heard the admiral’s speech on YouTube and it was just inspiringSo once I saw this book, no question was lingeringIt simply is inspirationalAnd what’s most important – those 10 lessons are worth more than any preaching
Happy Chappie –
4.0 out of 5 stars
Nice little book with important messages.
Written with people at the start of career in mind but useful messages for all. A little repetitive and perhaps a little short for headline price…but a worthwhile read for sure. It was worth the discounted kindle price I paid but not for the full price.
chris lever –
5.0 out of 5 stars
THE BOOK EVERY ONE SHOULD READ
THIS BOOK IS A MUST READ, IT IS LIFE CHANGING..HAVING READ IT ,I ASKED MY 20 YEAR OLD SON TO READ ITHE WAS AS IMPRESSED AS I WAS,IM NOW ORDERING HIS NEXT PUBLICATION
Jonathan –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great book
Easy to read, to the point …. Proper good book, well written .. first time writing a review btw yolo
Keith Rowland –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Make Your Bed!!
Wonderfully written book with message for everyone. Inspirational. No glorification just plain common sense and will to succeed no matter what you encounter.
Shashvat DayalShashvat Dayal –
3.0 out of 5 stars
A Very Quick Read
This book is full of life lessons. There are many interesting examples and anecdotes. One could almost be critical and say that these anecdotes could have been dealt with in more detail or there could have been more. I found the style a little disjointed at times but the overall message does come through. The book includes the speech it is based on. It is a very quick read (one long flight or afternoon).
3 people found this helpful
Federico –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Nice reading
I enjoyed the book. It’s quick and easily written. However, it’s full of precious advices and lessons from a man who has visibly gone through many adversity in life.I’d recommend it.
ANTHENIA-NIKOLETA DIMITRIOU –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Inspiring
I just completed a tough 8 weeks training with the fire service and this book inspired me to keep going and overcome all those things that probably affected me mentally and emotionally during the training. I also recommend the book to anyone. I loved how simple and easy to read is.
Amazon Customer –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Better than the video!
The first thing I saw was the ‘making your bed’ section on a YouTube video. Then I found out there was a whole speach. So now the good Admiral has expanded each of his 10 points and written them down for us and, to make it better, I’ve got him reading it to me as well. The points are simple, as the best truth is, but it’s an iceberg with much more underneath. Your time could be spent on much worse.
30 people found this helpful
Aimee McCourt –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great book
Extremely easy to read i found the book very helpful and positive would definitely recommendI came across this book randomly but i love the thinking behind it
Arn –
5.0 out of 5 stars
tiny tiny book
i would have rather found it online instead of buying it but still
Paschalidis Apostolos –
3.0 out of 5 stars
Ok. Check His YouTube video instead.
Small, Short, ok for kids and youngsters. It does not reinvent the wheel. Easy read.
2 people found this helpful
Katie –
4.0 out of 5 stars
Motivational
Motivational & inspirationalPunch and to the point, easy to read and great for the mindsetEnjoyed the book and it’s purpose
Matty Groves –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great for school assemblies
A great little book. It is a quick read but one that will have you thinking. Most of it is more than a little obvious but that shouldn’t stop you liking it. I found the first chapter about the bed to be the most interesting. However, the speech at the end summarises everything in the book in just a few pages – so you could read that and ignore the rest if you must. I’m planning on using it in school assemblies, I teach, as there are messages here that young people might get a lot from.
One person found this helpful
Mrs Joanna Thomas –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Inspirational
Common sense in a crazy world. The world would be a better place if more people read…and followed through on Admiral William’s advice.
MR RA STANNARD –
5.0 out of 5 stars
This is a wonderfully inspirational book
This is a wonderfully inspirational book. The advice is practical, motivating, and do-able. Each chapter has a headline message which is then illustrated by an anecdote. ‘Make your bed’ is the first exhortation from which everything else follows. Towards the end, Admiral Raven tells us to ‘never, ever, give up.’ By the time you get to this bit in the book, you feel that whatever happens in life, you will not. If you get a chance, look up on YouTube the clips of the speech he gave which gave rise to this book. You will want to follow him!
10 people found this helpful
Kait Walker –
5.0 out of 5 stars
100% Recommend
I have been in a dark place at the moment worrying over work and starting a nursing course, I work with challenging people and have recently hated it and dreaded going to uni, also constantly relating myself to models on social media and putting myself down every day! this book has showed me a different perspective of all the above and has put me in the spotlight! Easy and great to read! Wish there was more pages!
One person found this helpful
Cori Scanlan –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Order a dozen for gifts. Wonderful book based on iconic speech
We ordered a dozen + of these to give as gifts to friends. A wonderful book to give as a gift for graduation, new career, retirement – or just as encouragement for anyone. This book is based on the iconic speech Admiral McRaven gave at the University of Texas – Austin Commencement Address in 2014. If you haven’t seen the Youtube video of the speech you need to watch and listen to it.One of the all time best speeches ever given. Do as we did and order a dozen or more and keep them tucked away for those occasions when you need a perfect gift for someone. You won’t be sorry.
45 people found this helpful
Joe Claxton –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant and true!
I’m sixty six and I recognise everyone of these truths from my own life and my loved ones in civilian life. Oh How I wish I had heard these words at 18. But hear them or not, you will one day learn them because it’s the only way to stay sane and make a difference!
Marsha Kirichek –
3.0 out of 5 stars
Good, but summarised in the speech
Some good insights for life, however slightly repetitive. May be better suited to being published as a collection of essays or papers.
Kaspar –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Inspiring
I bought this book as I was so inspired hearing McRavens graduation speech and also because I needed to find a great book to kick me out of a hitting rock bottom funk. This book is fantastic and inspired me to begin changing my life around by making my bed and then implementing each lesson. I have begun to change my life around from the inspiration coming from each page and would recommend this book to everyone. Fantastic book!
One person found this helpful
Amazon Customer –
4.0 out of 5 stars
Simple steps with hidden depths.
I enjoyed the stories that punctuated the message, it was concise. Simple steps with hidden depths, enjoyable read. I would recommend it.
Leonard Mtweve –
4.0 out of 5 stars
Uplifting book
The author provides a great approach to prepare self for dealing with challenges of life and come out on top
Michelle Imuere –
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good read
I was really inspired by the courageous words in this book. This book will give you the courage and strength to keep keeping on in life no matter the stage you are in.
Craig Stephenson –
5.0 out of 5 stars
A relatable guide on overcoming the obstacles of life
A great read and reminder on the right attitude towards life and it’s challenges. Easy to read, a shirt snippet that can be picked up whenever you need a shot in the arm of inspiration
nazareno –
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good book, enjoyable read, just expected a bit more.
Although I heard the speech some time ago and I listened to that speech several times, I was expecting a bit more from the book.Don’t get me wrong the book is alright has a fair share of anecdotes and it’s an easy read, so that’s why I gave it 4 stars, mcraven is awesome every time he talks, just so wished him wouldn’t given this a bit more anecdotes and pages maybe.
2 people found this helpful
Hally –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Book
This is a short and easy to read book that provides more useful guidance than ten other self help books. It really helps me to stay sane and to do my best to lead a good and useful life.
Sue James –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Thought Provoking
An inspirational and commanding book. I will buy this book for my grandson who struggles with discrimination because of his disability. I hope this book will guide him to use the courage he possesses.
Ms. A. Longworth –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Easy to read yet motivating
Absolutely loved this book! So many motivational messages that really work
Odelia Yu –
4.0 out of 5 stars
Nice easy read with actionable points
Nice easy read with some very good points to take away and action in your life!
mr andrew p –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great book to live by
Short book – only took me 2 hours to read. 10 life lessons to always take with you.
John Curley –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Inspirational ‘Little Book’
Perhaps its the ex RAF in me but this is an inspirational little book basedon a famous motivational speech that the Admiral William H. McRaven gave to a graduating class of the University of Texas. All good stuff.
Pj –
4.0 out of 5 stars
Face life the SEAL way
An easy read – a great way to engage any one of us, to find their inner strength and focus on moving forward despite all the challenges and change our own lives and those of others.
One person found this helpful
Stephanie –
4.0 out of 5 stars
A quick and interesting read
An enjoyable quick read. Not sure everyone could follow McRaven’s mode of thinking and training!! Still some useful ideas for the ordinary person to consider…A fun read, but the mind set would be tough.
One person found this helpful
Gampy –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very brief ,to the point,valuable.
I was a little bemused initially to discover that I’d read this book on my kindle in about 45 minutes. Don’t be dismayed by its shortness,like its heroes the seal “munchkins” it packs a punch. I was drawn to it after the viral YouTube post of the author speaking at the University of Texas. The talk was quite brilliant. The uplifting simplicity,the call to moral arms is excellent. Just off to re read!
6 people found this helpful
Patrick C –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Relevant to anyone from anywhere
There’s a YouTube video where the Admiral gave his speech to the university of Texas graduates. The book mirrors those same life lessons that specifically relate to the testing and lessons learned in Navy SEAL training. All lessons are relevant to anyone from anywhere doing anything in their daily lives. Simple, short and suitable for young teens, male or female and adults alike. Not a self help book, more a common sense book with practical life lessons from the Admirals life experiences.
26 people found this helpful
A.K. –
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good read
I got the audiobook of this. It was quite easy to listen to and quick to get through. Pretty good for during my plane rides.
Elie E. –
4.0 out of 5 stars
good advice. tried the approach after I finished the …
bought the book after I saw the interview on the Beeb and watched the speech. quick read, good advice. tried the approach after I finished the book. had some of the most productive days ever.
2 people found this helpful
H-T –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Inspiration for life
This book is the best self help book I have read. It is full of amazing personal experiences from the author which then provides simple but effective life lessons that work! Having dealt with depression and finding comfort from this book I now use these life choices to help others I come in to contact with during my work. Mr McRaven thank you for providing a small book that has changed my life.
14 people found this helpful
Roger N. –
4.0 out of 5 stars
The message was clear and easy to understand
The message was clear and easy to understand. I felt that there could have been more thoughts, especially to help those who have not experienced being in the military world.
One person found this helpful
Ron Immink –
5.0 out of 5 stars
10 rules for success
You can learn a lot from Navy SEALsPeople that follow me know I am a fan of Navy SEALs. Hence the reason I picked up “Make Your Bed: Small things that can change your life… and maybe the world” by William H. McRaven. He is a former United States Navy admiral who last served as the ninth commander of the United States Special Operations Command. He was part of SEAL Team Six and commander of Commander of SEAL Team Three. Overall he was part of the SEALs for 36 years.Ten rules to live byHe did a speech at the University of Texas at Austin 2014 Commencement Address and wrote a book about it. Ten rules to live by:Start your day with a task completedYou cannot go it aloneOnly the size of your heart mattersLife is not fair, drive on.Failure can make you strongerYou must dare greatlyStand up to bulliesRise to the occasionGive people hopeNever, ever quietStart your day making your bedI have heard that before. According to psychological research, people who make their bed in the morning are happier and more successful than those who do not. If that is not enough, here’s more (picked it up from a blog with 50 live tips, the link is here.71 percent of bed makers consider themselves happyWhile 62 percent of non-bed-makers are unhappyBed makers are also more likely to like their jobs, own a home, exercise regularly, and feel well restedWhereas non-bed-makers hate their jobs, rent apartments, avoid the gym and wake up tired.Find someone to help you paddleWhich is a reference to the famous paddling exercise Navy SEALS have to do. Can’t be done alone and needs to be in complete sync with your teammates. The classic there is no “I” in “Team”.Talent is overratedOnly the size of your heart matters. A long time ago we used “Talent is overrated“. Talent will only get you so far. It is grit, determination and perseverance.We will all be sugar cookies sometimesWhich a reference to a Navy SEAL punishment where you are told to jump into the surf zone, roll around in the sand, and make yourself a “sugar cookie.” In all of the SEAL training, there is nothing more uncomfortable than being a sugar cookie.Being a sugar cookie tests your patience and your determination. Not just because you spent the rest of the day with sand down your neck, under your arms, and between your legs, but because the act of becoming a sugar cookie is completely indiscriminate. There is no rhyme or reason. You become a sugar cookie at the whim of the instructor. Life sometimes is not fair. Get used to it. Sometimes no matter how hard you try, no matter how good you are, you still end up as a sugar cookie. Don’t complain. Don’t blame it on your misfortune. Stand tall, look to the future, and drive on!The attitude of “The obstacle is the way”. Become a Stoic.Join the circusIn SEAL training, when you failed a challenge or standard, you were exposed to what is called “The Circus”. Two more hours of hard exercise. If you can stick it, you will end up stronger by being part of the circus. It will make you stronger, fitter, better. Failure is good for you. As “Brilliant Mistakes” will tell you, failure is essential for growth.Head firstSEALs have an exercise called “slide for life”. Head first is the quickest way. Life is a struggle and the potential for failure is ever present, but those who 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 your life.SharksSEALs have regular long swims in shark infested water. The SEALS are taught to send their ground punch the shark on the snout. Don’t back down from bullies. Courage is a remarkable quality. Nothing and nobody can stand in your way. Without it, others will define your path forward. Without it, you are at the mercy of life’s temptations. Without courage, men will be ruled by tyrants and despotsUnderwater missionsNavy SEALs to practice underwater attacks in full dark. The lowest part of a ship is also the darkest part. So you need to be able to rise to the occasion and be your very best, even in the darkest moments.Hell weekI am sure you have all heard of Navy SEALs hell week. Including the mud flats. Singing helps. Start singing when you are up to your neck in mud. Hope is the most powerful force in the universe.Don’t ring the bellWhen Navy SEALs recruits give up, they have to ring the bell three times. Don not ever, ever ring the bell. Never quit. You will regret it forever. Life constantly puts you in situations where quitting seems so much easier than continuing. Where the odds are so stacked against you that giving up seems the rational thing to do.Life is full of difficult times. However, someone out there always has it worse than you do. If you fill your days with pity, sorrowful for the way you have been treated, bemoaning your lot in life, blaming your circumstances on someone or something else, then life will be long and hard.If on the other hand, you refuse to give up on your dreams, stand tall and strong against the odds—then life will be what you make of it—and you can make it great. Never, ever, ring the bell!Mind over matterIt is all about mind over matter. Entrepreneurs should read this book. You are the SEALs of the business world.
26 people found this helpful
Angie Burrows –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good read
Good book enjoyed it
Stuart M –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Take anywhere book of encouragement
I am so glad that he decided to write this small, take it with you anywhere, book. An inspiring man. I found the book a real encouragement to continue to strive to be my best self and to keep on trying to make a difference to those around me. Strongly recommended.
One person found this helpful
Crussell83 –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Ten Simple, Worthy Life Lessons
Inspired by a speech he was asked to give for the graduation ceremony of his almer mata the University of Texas, Make Your Bed is a collection of ten lessons McRaven learned from his 34 year career in the US Navy. Each lesson has roots in his time in training, where he learned the basics of regimen, combat, discipline and strength; but also has an illustration of how he applied those lessons later in his career, sadly all revolving around tragedy and how the lessons had prepared him in one way or another.The beauty of this little book is that you don’t have to be militarily minded to appreciate the lessons (I, for one, am far from that mindset), however the stories provided are done so in such a manner that regardless of your view on the armed forces there is plenty to take away here. These are, as all the best ones are, simple lessons – Make Your Bed (if the first thing you do is finish a task, the rest of the days tasks become easier – and if they don’t get done, at least you made your bed!), Stand Up To Bullies, Rise To The Occassion and Give People Hope – but their simplicity belies their effectiveness.In a world that seems to spend a lot of time adding ever increasing pressures and strains on to our daily lives, there is a lot of Inspiration to be found in these pages, which in turn can help motivate you to push on through whatever challenges you’re currently facing.I think the reason I enjoyed this as much as I did, is that it isn’t trite. It isn’t a bunch of baseless motivational quotes given by someone lacking any real substance. It’s a collection of thoughts, illustrated by real life examples from a man with more life experience than most of us will have. As much as I don’t subscribe to a lot of areas of military mentality, there’s an awful lot to be said for the resilience and mindset it can instill and the lessons than can be learned in humility and self-reflection.
2 people found this helpful
Huda –
4.0 out of 5 stars
good book for self-discipline
This book is a good read for self-discipline and how to overcome procrastination indirectly.Inspires you to belive in yourself.
3 people found this helpful
JC –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Utterly inspiring! The book goes hand in hand with watching the speech on YouTube
I had just started reading Robert Greene’s controversial book, The 48 Laws of Power, and was struggling with it’s radical, amoral take on the world of business. I flicked through the Amazon best sellers and found Make Your Bed, so decided to do something I’ve not done before and read two books side by side. The two authors seem to be polar opposites, and Make Your Bed seemed like it would be a bit of light relief.As it turns out, I was only an hour into Make Your Bed, when I knew I had to dump Greene’s book and never look at it again. Pitching real life experiences from a highly decorated long serving Navy SEAL admiral against an author selling the virtues of deception / deceit and turning everyone into Gordon Gekko, in my eyes is not a fair fight, although ironically they are neck and neck on Amazon reviews, both with approx 13,500! (enough on Greene’s book now)As for Make Your Bed, I believe this should be given out to every school leaver as a matter of course. It is truly inspiring and I strongly urge you to both watch the speech and read the book. Some previous reviews have said there is little extra in the book however I found it really brought the stories to life. Each lesson was full of inspiration, humour and great sadness, and I literally covered my mouth in shock when the author recounted the story of his parachuting accident!!!It is a fairly short book. I am not a fast reader and I read it in a day, but I will be ordering more copies for good friends of mine. I strongly recommend that you read this book and use all the lessons within it. My deepest respect to the author who is clearly a genuine, real life hero (ps worth watching President Obama’s video honouring Admiral McRaven)
13 people found this helpful
PictoPirate –
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Great Short Read
Make Your Bed: Small things that can change your life… and maybe the world is a short book but one that is engaging and packed with good advice. The author gives his ten top tips for overcoming challenges and being the best you that you can be.These self-help type books usually fall into the trap of coming across as preachy and holier than thou or being completely impractical for most people (I’m looking at you The 4-Hour Workweek). This book bucks that trend by being simple, practical and useful for almost everyone.Another downfall of these kinds of books that the author neatly swerves is feeling like they have to make the book a certain length. I’ve read lots of books that could, and should, have been half the length, but the author felt the need to keep adding extraneous fluff to make the book long enough. McRaven has ten pieces of advice, and each one has a couple of short anecdotes to illustrate it and then it is done. It never outstays it’s welcome which makes the advice that much more powerful.So, overall a great book with some excellent advice that is simple but worth repeating. A book that we should give to everyone when they leave school, in my opinion.
12 people found this helpful
MagdalenaB –
4.0 out of 5 stars
Short and sweet
I like the lessons and the short stories help to strengthen the message. You could skip the while book tho and just read the speech tho and You will come out with the same learning.
One person found this helpful
Mr G –
3.0 out of 5 stars
Good Story, but doesn’t cover what is stated on the back cover
I did enjoy the stories within this book and can’t help to respect the mental and physical strengths needed for these guys which is to be commended.I feel the major gap (and the reason i purchased the book) and 3 stars was around what it’s specifies on the back. ‘provides wisdom, practical advice and words of encouragement’The books fails on the above. The principles shared were really high level statements i.e’You can’t go it alone”Stand up to bullies’But the book does not arm you with the thought processes or mindset to adopt these… it’s like they expect you to flick a switch in your head and for it to just happen.
3 people found this helpful
Carol –
4.0 out of 5 stars
Quick and easy to to read self-help/motivational book
A quick and easy read with some practical tips. You won’t learn anything new if you’ve already seen the address McRaven made to college students on YouTube, but it does flesh it out a bit and may help it sink in (the address is included in the book). As a pacifist, I wasn’t happy about the glorification of war, but that’s to be expected from a book written by a Navy SEAL. I would recommended it as a very quick to read motivational book.
Sandy S –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Short but powerful
A short, easy read with a lot of inspirational kick to it. The author, despite his colossal achievements in life, is a man of modesty and integrity. I highly recommend this book for a fast and powerful blast of encouragement.
Raheem –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good book
Gives you that get up and go mindset
One person found this helpful
Loraine Wenham –
4.0 out of 5 stars
A feel good inspirational book
Small often simple things to help inspire us un the current climate. Admiral William puts things into easy bites which can be dipped into. Yes making ones bed is a good way to start the day and it makes it nice to go back to at the end of the day!
tony rea –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Absolutely inspirational!!
This is one of the most inspiring books you will ever read. What a speaker and what an inspiration this guy is! He should be President of the world! This book should be given to all bighead managers who think they are leaders of men! Think again…….William H. McRaven is a proper leader and manager of men and women!!!!
urs_red –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Compassionate and Strength
If you are looking for a book that inspires you in all walks of life… a Book that will give you the mental energy to get through situations in life which are tough to understand and get through… this is the book to read.I love the energy the book gives out. It’s compassionate and strong, yet does not ignore the, what sometimes seems to be ‘easy way out’. The writer just gives you the strength and energy and wisdom that ‘giving up’ is not really an option, and that there are always ways not to give up.He builds your mental strength just by reading about the examples and prepares your mind to want to try and adapt some of the strategies and thinking used and explained in this book.I am not American neither have I ever been in the Army… yet I found so much what this book gave me that I re-ordered it for some very special people in my life. I know I will come back to it over and over again.
18 people found this helpful
Angela Jones-Moore –
4.0 out of 5 stars
An easy read, and inspirational little book.
Make Your Bed is a pocket sized snippet of inspiration.Yes it is about one mans life and the experiences he has had, however; those experiences are not of the ordinary kind.Mr McRaven is a determined and inspirational man, I for one am grateful he chose to share his experiences.It was an easy read and some great quotes to carry forward in life.I really enjoyed it and have passed it along to a friend to read too.
One person found this helpful
Amazon Customer –
3.0 out of 5 stars
Display book
Looks great as a display book but the contents isn’t very interesting in my personal opinion.
Anita Banham –
3.0 out of 5 stars
Disappointing
This should be called Diary of a Navy Seal. I found it repetitive and self serving. Lost interest half way through. It is a series of events that happened during the authors SEAL career that are loosely attached to a life lesson. It is facile and not of doesn’t live up to it’s title of Little things that can change your life…and maybe the world.I suspect clever marketing to get on the band wagon
klly –
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good advice
Purchased as part of a reading challenge I set myself.. thoroughly enjoyed it. Easy reading. Would most recommend to others.. off to make my bed.
ESTHER DANQUAH –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Loved it
Loved it