Admiral William H. McRaven

In life you will face a lot of Circuses. You will pay for your failures. But, if you persevere, if you let those failures teach you and strengthen you, then you will be prepared to handle life's toughest moments.

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.

No matter how dark it gets, you must complete the mission.

Once again, we had learned an important lesson: the power of one person to unite the group, the power of one person to inspire those around him, to give them hope.

If you quit, you will regret it for the rest of your life. Quitting never makes anything easier.

Start Your Day with a Task Completed

Admiral William H. McRaven emphasizes the importance of beginning each day with a simple, achievable task: making your bed. This act sets the tone for the rest of the day, giving you a sense of accomplishment that can propel you forward. It's a ritual of discipline that demonstrates attention to detail and instills a daily routine of structure and order. By completing this small task, you create a foundation of discipline that can help you tackle larger challenges throughout the day. 'If you want to change the world… start off by making your bed.'

Teamwork is Crucial

McRaven underscores the lesson learned early in Navy SEAL training: the vital importance of teamwork. The physical and mental rigors of training are designed to teach that survival and success depend on mutual support. As illustrated by the shared efforts of his peers when someone was exhausted or unwell, teamwork is not just about working together; it's about lifting each other up during difficult times. 'No SEAL could make it through combat alone and by extension you needed people in your life to help you through the difficult times.'

Determination and Heart Overcome Physical Limitations

The book tells the story of individuals who defy expectations and stereotypes, demonstrating that heart and determination can surpass physical attributes. McRaven recalls a small, seemingly frail candidate who excelled in SEAL training despite his size, as well as the humbling encounter with Tommy Norris, a Medal of Honor recipient underestimated because of his appearance. These stories highlight that true strength and capability come from determination, resilience, and the willingness to prove naysayers wrong. 'It’s not the size of your flippers that count, just the size of your heart.'

Life Isn't Fair: Embrace It and Move Forward

One of the central themes in the book is the acceptance that life often isn't fair. McRaven emphasizes this lesson through the anecdote of becoming a 'sugar cookie' during SEAL training—a process where trainees are indiscriminately punished without specific reasons. This lesson prepares individuals for the unpredictability and indiscriminate nature of real-world challenges. 'Because, Mr. Mac, life isn’t fair, and the sooner you learn that, the better off you will be.' McRaven’s narrative highlights that complaining and blaming misfortunes are futile; instead, one should stand tall, look to the future, and keep driving forward.

Failure is a Stepping Stone to Success

McRaven explains how failure can make one stronger. He describes the rigorous and often brutal training exercises designed to push SEALs to their limits, such as 'The Circus,' a punishing regimen for those who fail to meet the day's standards. Instead of succumbing to these additional trials, McRaven and his peers used these experiences to grow stronger. 'Failure had a price.' This process of failing, learning from those failures, and improving is crucial, showing that perseverance through failure builds resilience and competence.

Daring Greatly is Necessary for Success

McRaven underscores the importance of taking calculated risks to achieve greatness. He shares how overcoming his fear of attempting the 'Slide for Life' headfirst on an obstacle course taught him the value of daring greatly, a lesson that served him well in more critical and dangerous situations later in his career. '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.' This willingness to take risks is portrayed as a vital attribute for success in both military operations and personal endeavors.

If you want to change the world... start off by making your bed.

Find someone to help you paddle.

Prove me wrong!

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!

Offer and Seek Hope

In challenging situations, a single act of kindness or inspirational gesture can make a significant difference. McRaven recounts the story during Hell Week when a single trainee’s song amidst the mud and cold inspired others to endure, illustrating the profound impact one person can make. 'If that one person could sing while neck deep in mud, then so could we.' This instance highlights how inspirational leadership and solidarity can uplift and motivate groups to overcome collective obstacles. Similarly, during a somber visit to families of fallen soldiers, the presence and empathy of Marine Lieutenant General John Kelly, who had also lost a son in combat, provided invaluable hope and strength.

Start with Small Tasks

Completing simple tasks like making your bed can set a productive tone for the day. 'If you make your bed every morning, you will have accomplished the first task of the day.'

Lean on Your Support Network

Cultivate strong relationships and don’t hesitate to rely on friends, family, and colleagues when facing challenges. Mutual support is crucial for overcoming difficulties and achieving goals.

Focus on Grit and Determination

Instead of worrying about limitations, concentrate on your perseverance and willingness to push through adversity. Success is often a result of continuous effort and unwavering willpower.

Face Unfairness Head-On

When confronted with situations that seem unfair or punitive, acknowledge the reality and focus on your next steps rather than dwelling on the injustice.

Take Calculated Risks

Identify areas in your life where fear holds you back and choose to take deliberate, calculated risks to push your limits. Start with small steps and build your confidence progressively.

If you want to change the world… start off by making your bed.

No SEAL could make it through combat alone and by extension you needed people in your life to help you through the difficult times.

It’s not the size of your flippers that count, just the size of your heart.

No matter how dark it gets, you must complete the mission. This is what separates you from everyone else.

Hope is the most powerful force in the universe. With hope, you can inspire nations to greatness.

Because, Mr. Mac, life isn’t fair, and the sooner you learn that, the better off you will be.

In life, you will face a lot of Circuses. You will pay for your failures. But, if you persevere, if you let those failures teach you and strengthen you, then you will be prepared to handle life’s toughest moments.

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.

Making my bed correctly was not going to be an opportunity for praise. It was expected of me.

No man could make it through training alone.

Proving that determination and grit were always more important than talent.

In that dark moment, reach deep inside yourself and be your very best.

If that one person could sing while neck deep in mud, then so could we.

In life you will face a lot of Circuses. You will pay for your failures. But, if you persevere, if you let those failures teach you and strengthen you, then you will be prepared to handle life’s toughest moments.

They all understood that life is hard and that sometimes there is little you can do to affect the outcome of your day.

You cannot paddle the boat alone. Find someone to share your life with. Make as many friends as possible, and never forget that your success depends on others.

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.

In life you will face a lot of Circuses. You will pay for your failures. But, if you persevere, if you let those failures teach you and strengthen you, then you will be prepared to handle life's toughest moments.

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.

No matter how dark it gets, you must complete the mission.

Once again, we had learned an important lesson: the power of one person to unite the group, the power of one person to inspire those around him, to give them hope.

If you quit, you will regret it for the rest of your life. Quitting never makes anything easier.

If you want to change the world... start off by making your bed.

Find someone to help you paddle.

Prove me wrong!

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!

If you want to change the world… start off by making your bed.

No SEAL could make it through combat alone and by extension you needed people in your life to help you through the difficult times.

It’s not the size of your flippers that count, just the size of your heart.

No matter how dark it gets, you must complete the mission. This is what separates you from everyone else.

Hope is the most powerful force in the universe. With hope, you can inspire nations to greatness.

Because, Mr. Mac, life isn’t fair, and the sooner you learn that, the better off you will be.

In life, you will face a lot of Circuses. You will pay for your failures. But, if you persevere, if you let those failures teach you and strengthen you, then you will be prepared to handle life’s toughest moments.

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.

Making my bed correctly was not going to be an opportunity for praise. It was expected of me.

No man could make it through training alone.

Proving that determination and grit were always more important than talent.

In that dark moment, reach deep inside yourself and be your very best.

If that one person could sing while neck deep in mud, then so could we.