As we head into the holiday season, with all the challenges and emotions that brings, I’m reminded of an a-Minute that Jefferson Sturkey shared. This a-Minute imparted some great lessons, but I’m particularly interested in #1. As things start to get hectic with the holidays, it’s important to keep our routines. Consistency keeps us grounded! I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday and remembered to make your bed.
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As we hit the ground running, motivating ourselves and others to be our best, I can’t stop thinking about a simple book I read back in 2017 – Make your Bed, by Admiral William H. McRaven. My wife and I both read the book, as did our daughters. We all loved it. This simple book really sums up many basic life lessons in an easy to understand way.
Admiral William H. McRaven retired from the Navy after 37 years as a Navy Seal and Commander of all U.S. Special Operations Forces. He gave the graduation commencement speech to his alma mater, the University of Texas at Austin. That speech motivated him to write and publish a book based on that commencement speech.
In the book, McRaven shares the ten lessons he learned from Navy SEAL training that can help overcome the challenges we face every day. Summarized, the lessons are:
1. Start your day by completing a simple task, like making your bed.
2. You can’t go at it alone, we all need a team.
3. Measure people by the size of their hearts.
4. Life isn’t fair, don’t blame others and keep moving forward.
5. Don’t be afraid of failure, it makes you stronger.
6. Overcome your fears, it’s the only way to achieve your potential.
7. Stand up to bullies, be courageous
8. Be your best in your darkest moments, rise to the occasion
9. Give others hope, lead with your attitude
10. Never give up, life is what you make of it
These lessons remind us what really matters in life – leadership, attitude, teamwork, accountability, and commitment. When the going gets tough, the tough stay put and help their team through it.
Sometimes we search for complicated answers to life’s day to day challenges. Oftentimes, the answers are staring us in the face. This book speaks to that. Maybe I liked it because it only takes about 2 hours to read. But just because it’s an easy read doesn’t mean it isn’t powerful. As is often the case, simple is better.
I would encourage you to read the book and start each day with a small task completed – make your bed.
Until next time…we are Advoco, make every minute count.
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