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 limit, without occasionally sliding down the rope headfirst, without daring greatly, you will never know what is truly possible in your life.
From the book
Why I picked this book?
I was looking for some books as a birthday gift for my son and found this one while browsing through books. I found the title interesting, and the book was also among the New York Times best seller list as well. Being a best seller is not my criteria of selecting and reading books, it was the title of the book and the author which made me buy this one.
the book
Make Your Bed is the speech that the author, Admiral William H. McRaven gave to the graduating class of University of Texas at Austin on May, 17, 2014. The speech became a hit, and the video of the speech went viral, and millions of people watched it and liked it. It talks about his experience in Navy and shared ten principles in learned during his long naval career. Later, in 2017 the book came out capturing his ten principles, which provides the readers some simple and practical wisdom.
Make your Bed simply tells the readers that start your day with a task completed. When you wake up and the first thing you do is make your bed, you have accomplished a task and when you do it everyday it becomes part of your routine, you start the day by accomplishing something. It is about discipline and developing constructive habits.
The author in his speech shares ten principles based on his experience of serving in the navy. It talks about the importance of team and teamwork and tells us that most of the time anything big is always a result of teamwork and cooperation. Based on real life stories and anecdotes the book talks about various qualities that can help us succeed in life and become a better person. Standing up to bullies, never quitting, giving hope to people around you, accepting failure and learning from them and many such things are told via real life stories.
The book is simple and straightforward to read with some real-life stories to make a point. It inspires the readers to be more than what they are by virtue of following simple yet powerful principles. The stress is on doing things, taking actions, and be disciplined. Making some simple changes in your thought process and following some steps diligently can make a positive difference to your life.
A good to read book for everyone and especially for children. Its all about developing constructive habits and discipline, the early the child can inculcate the better it is for her/him.
About The Author
Admiral William H. McRaven (U.S. Navy Retired) served with great distinction in the Navy. In his thirty-seven years as a Navy SEAL, he commanded at every level. As a Four-Star Admiral, his final assignment was as Commander of all U.S. Special Operations Forces. He is now Chancellor of the University of Texas System.
Our Verdict
A good to have book which can be read and referred occasionally. If you like to read motivational and inspirational books then you should add this to your bookshelf.