In this post: Thoughts that recommend you give this endearing and motivating commencement-speech-turned-book a dear read. Your heart will thank you for it.
Category: Success, Finding Yourself + Post College
Ramiah Recommended?
Yes! If you're anything like me, knowing that this book was written by a retired Admiral of the Navy SEALS intimidated you. It may have also spurred a thought in your head - "How will any of this apply to me?" I have very limited knowledge about the military lifestyle and never thought there were direct applications to my own - reading this book challenged both of those things!
In this #1 New York Times Bestseller, Admiral McRaven takes readers through various stories from his life to encourage productivity, risk-taking, and grit in theirs. This is a autobiography-type piece done well (for a foil, check out my review of In Conclusion, Don't Worry About It here). He builds upon the commencement speech he gave his alma mater (the University of Texas at Austin), ensures a careful explanation of any military terms non-military people would have difficulty understanding, and transforms seemingly specific army tales into practical lessons to become better people.
At only 79 pages, it's a short read but is a worthy one. Admiral McRaven's personality alone is enough reason to spend time with this book. He is endearing. He is humble. He is the person everyone wants to be without rubbing it in their face. As an example:
At that point in my career I had two options: quit and move on to civilian life, which seemed like the logical choice in light of my recent Officer Fitness Report, or weather the storm and prove to others and myself that I was a good SEAL officer. I chose the latter - Admiral McRaven (pg 33)
And one more for good measure:
As month after month of the overseas deployment wore on, I used my previous failure as motivation to outwork, outhustle, and outperform everyone in the platoon. I sometimes fell short of being the best, but I never fell short of giving it my best - Admiral McRaven (pg 33)
The motivational feelings are just the tip of the iceberg of the sentiments this book evokes. There are some heart-wrenching (yet still inspiring) moments. I won't spoil anything, but I actually had to stop myself from crying when reading the Adam Bates story; a man part of Admiral McRaven's platoon had two legs amputated after stepping on a pressure plate in Afghanistan but still found reasons to smile every day. I am not an easy crier, so that says something about the meaningfulness of the words in this book.
A negative review of this book is hard to find, and rightly so.
Ramiah Reflects
My New Favorite Life Quotes:
"As I was to find out, change is never easy, particularly for the person in charge" - Admiral William H. McRaven
I sometimes fell short of being the best, but I never fell short of giving it my best" - Admiral William H. McRaven
"But, for every failure, for every mistake, there were hundreds of successes" - Admiral William H. McRaven
"Overcome your anxieties and trust your abilities to get the job done"
Who Dares Wins" - British Special Air Service
"Quitting never makes anything easier" - Admiral William H. McRaven
"If you make your bed every morning, you will have accomplished the first task of the day. It will give you a small sense of pride and it will encourage you to do another task and another and another. By the end of the day, that one task completed will have turned into many tasks completed. Making your bed will also reinforce the fact that little things in life matter. If you can't do the little things right, you will never do the big things right. And, if by chance you have a miserable day, you will come home to a bed that is made -- that you made -- and a made bed gives you encouragement that tomorrow will be better" - Admiral William H. McRaven
Questions to Ask Yourself (and answer!):
What are your sugar cookie moments?
When were moments you have been shined in the darkness?
Food for Thought:
A great summary of the book: "remember… start each day with a task completed. Find someone to help you through life. Respect everyone. Know that life is not fair and that you will fail often. But if you take some risks, step up when times are toughest, face down the bullies, lift up the downtrodden, and never, ever give up -- if you do these things, then you can change your life for the better… and maybe the world!" (pgs 60-61).
Ramiah's Re-read When
Re-read when:
You need inspiration
You need reminders to take risks and be courageous
You need reminders to never quit or become about your life circumstances
You need a reminder to keep going
You need a reminder or a reason to make your bead
You need reminders that lifestyles different than yours do hold many similarities
See below for my book notes.
Check out my other posts and book notes here.
Until next time!
Montana Houston
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