Review of Make Your Bed
by Johny McFliggen, PhD Literature & Business, Oxford
In the realm of motivational literature, where platitudes often masquerade as profundity, Admiral William H. McRaven's "Make Your Bed" stakes its claim with a refreshingly unpretentious audacity. One might think of it as the self-help book equivalent of a Navy SEAL operation: precise, direct, and with little room for frippery. McRaven, a man whose life story reads like a Tom Clancy novel—sans the fictional embellishments—offers his readers ten succinct lessons from his storied military career, distilled into bite-sized nuggets of wisdom.
The book opens with the titular act of bed-making, an emblematic gesture that McRaven insists sets the tone for daily triumphs. This is not merely about hospital corners; it's about the psychological momentum gained from a small victory, akin to Sisyphus finally getting his boulder to stay put at the top of the hill. The simplicity of McRaven's advice may indeed echo what your grandmother told you as she handed you a mop, but therein lies its charm—and its power.
While some critics dismiss these lessons as common sense, I would argue that common sense is precisely what we lack in an age obsessed with complexity. McRaven's insights are reminiscent of Stephen R. Covey’s principles in "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People", yet they are stripped down to their core, much like a Hemingway novel compared to a Victorian tome. Where Covey provides an intricate framework, McRaven offers a spartan toolkit.
The admiral’s anecdotes from his Navy SEAL training and missions are not just engaging—they're cinematic. One can almost hear Hans Zimmer's score swelling in the background as McRaven recounts tales of teamwork and perseverance under dire circumstances. Yet, unlike many authors who have worn the military uniform, McRaven refrains from being preachy or overly sentimental. His narrative style is more akin to that of a pragmatic Clint Eastwood character—stoic yet profoundly impactful.
However, for those in search of deeper psychological or scientific exploration akin to Charles Duhigg’s "The Power of Habit", McRaven's book might feel like an amuse-bouche rather than a three-course meal. His lessons are actionable right out of the gate, designed for immediate implementation rather than prolonged contemplation. This brevity is both the book's strength and its Achilles' heel, depending on one's appetite for depth.
"Make Your Bed" resonates because it taps into a universal human truth: that the path to greatness is often paved with small, consistent actions. It's a notion that might seem trite if not delivered by someone who has literally navigated life-and-death stakes. The book has not claimed literary laurels but has achieved something arguably more significant—a place on nightstands and desks worldwide, quietly urging its readers to start their days with purpose.
In sum, McRaven’s work is less a grand opus of self-discovery and more a no-nonsense manual for living with intention. Like a crisp salute from a seasoned officer, "Make Your Bed" commands respect through its straightforwardness and sincerity. It won't hold your hand through existential crises, but it will certainly give you a firm push towards making your mornings—and by extension, your life—a little more orderly.
Purchase Link: Make Your Bed on Amazon
