Prose Supplements - Shop now
Limited-time Offer
$0.99/month for 3 months
$0.99
  • Limited-Time Offer: Get Audible Premium Plus for $0.99 a month for the first 3 months.
  • You'll receive 1 credit a month to pick ANY title from our entire premium selection to keep forever (you'll use your first credit now).
  • You'll also get UNLIMITED listening to select audiobooks, Audible Originals, and podcasts.
  • After 3 months, $14.95/mo. Cancel online anytime.
Learn more about membership
Sold and delivered by Audible, an Amazon company
Your audiobook is waiting!
  • One credit a month to pick any title from our entire premium selection to keep (you’ll use your first credit now).
  • Unlimited listening on select audiobooks, Audible Originals, and podcasts.
  • You will get an email reminder before your trial ends.
  • $14.95 a month after 30 days. Cancel online anytime.
Learn more about membership
Sold and delivered by Audible, an Amazon company
List Price: $11.69
No Monthly Fees
By completing your purchase, you agree to Audible’s Conditions Of Use. and Amazon's Privacy Notice. Taxes where applicable.
Sold and delivered by Audible, an Amazon company

Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life...and Maybe the World Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

Admiral William H. McRaven (Author, Narrator), Hachette Audio (Publisher)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 47,617 ratings

Based on a Navy SEAL's inspiring graduation speech, this number-one New York Times best seller of powerful life lessons "should be read by every leader in America" (Wall Street Journal).

If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed. On May 17, 2014, Admiral William H. McRaven addressed the graduating class of the University of Texas at Austin on their Commencement day. Taking inspiration from the university's slogan, "What starts here changes the world," he shared the ten principles he learned during Navy Seal training that helped him overcome challenges not only in his training and long Naval career, but also throughout his life; and he explained how anyone can use these basic lessons to change themselves - and the world - for the better.

Admiral McRaven's original speech went viral with over 10 million views. Building on the core tenets laid out in his speech, McRaven now recounts tales from his own life and from those of people he encountered during his military service who dealt with hardship and made tough decisions with determination, compassion, honor, and courage. Told with great humility and optimism, this timeless book provides simple wisdom, practical advice, and words of encouragement that will inspire readers to achieve more, even in life's darkest moments.

"Powerful." (USA Today)

"Full of captivating personal anecdotes from inside the national security vault." (Washington Post)

"Superb, smart, and succinct." (Forbes)

Previous slide of product details
  1. Listening Length
    1 hour and 53 minutes
  2. Author
    Admiral William H. McRaven
  3. Narrator
    Admiral William H. McRaven
  4. Audible release date
    April 4, 2017
  5. Language
    English
  6. Publisher
    Hachette Audio
  7. ASIN
    B06XKDM3QL
  8. Version
    Unabridged
  9. Program Type
    Audiobook
Next slide of product details

Read & Listen

Switch between reading the Kindle book & listening to the Audible audiobook with Whispersync for Voice.
Get the Audible audiobook for the reduced price of $9.49 after you buy the Kindle book.
$0.99/month for the first 3 months
For a limited time, save 90% on Audible. Get this deal

Product details

Listening Length 1 hour and 53 minutes
Author Admiral William H. McRaven
Narrator Admiral William H. McRaven
Whispersync for Voice Ready
Audible.com Release Date April 04, 2017
Publisher Hachette Audio
Program Type Audiobook
Version Unabridged
Language English
ASIN B06XKDM3QL
Best Sellers Rank #1,068 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals)
#9 in Self-Esteem (Audible Books & Originals)
#36 in Happiness Self-Help
#65 in Motivational Self-Help (Books)

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
47,617 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers
Write a customer review

Customers say

Customers find the book easy to read and inspiring with great life lessons. They appreciate the simple concepts and roadmap for a good life. The book is described as a wonderful gift for anyone, even non-military personnel. Readers praise the author's honest journey and how the book breaks down lessons by chapters. They find the recommendations on life style, such as persevering and doing the right thing, helpful. Overall, customers describe the book as well-made and a guide for a stronger and more rewarding way of life.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more

ReadabilityInspirational contentSimplicityGift valuePacingLife styleStrengthValue for money
2,580 customers mention "Readability"2,556 positive24 negative

Customers find the book an easy and fun read with good things to think about. They say it's a quick read but the message is powerful. The book is a best seller and has generated a lot of buzz in a diverse range. Readers mention it's an inspiring book for all ages, with great stories including about a paraplegic.

"Great book with 10 principles to remember and applied in life. It is good to share one's experience with others...." Read more

"...Overall this is a inspiring book for all ages" Read more

"...speeches, but this one stood out as one of the most influential and eloquent I have ever heard...." Read more

"It’s great book! So inspiring and an easy read. My goal for 2025 was to read more and this was the first one! You won’t be disappointed!" Read more

1,955 customers mention "Inspirational content"1,916 positive39 negative

Customers find the book motivating and with good things to think about. They say the message is powerful and important for all aspects of life, from the military to any job. The book provides insight into the training Navy SEALs must endure just to become a SEAL. It sets the stage for the day and reminds us that the little things in life matter.

"Great book with 10 principles to remember and applied in life. It is good to share one's experience with others...." Read more

"...great inspiration through lessons on perseverance, the importance of doing small things well, and the value of seeking help during difficult times...." Read more

"...to many graduation speeches, but this one stood out as one of the most influential and eloquent I have ever heard...." Read more

"It’s great book! So inspiring and an easy read. My goal for 2025 was to read more and this was the first one! You won’t be disappointed!" Read more

195 customers mention "Simplicity"180 positive15 negative

Customers appreciate the book's simplicity. They find it easy to follow the concepts and examples, with an easy roadmap on what a good life looks like. The book provides powerful insights and simple but important rules to live by.

"...The book is motivating and accessible, providing powerful insights on overcoming challenges and achieving goals." Read more

"...The book is an easy and short read that can be passed on to anyone who may need a little reminder of some basic principles of life and success..." Read more

"This is a very easy, short read. It is quite clear that the author led a full life, but the book is not terribly profound...." Read more

"This is an easy read - can be read on one sitting. Great, simple concepts to follow." Read more

177 customers mention "Gift value"177 positive0 negative

Customers find the book a good value. They say it's a great gift for anyone, even non-military personnel like children and grandchildren. The book offers valuable insights for both military veterans and new recruits.

"This book is such a great gift...." Read more

"This was the best graduation gift I could have found...." Read more

"Awesome gift for youngsters and young adults. I've given away several copies. It's inspiring, an easy read, and life impacting." Read more

"...Great Christmas gift, graduation gift for a young person or anyone who needs a little inspiration." Read more

169 customers mention "Pacing"150 positive19 negative

Customers find the book's pacing engaging. They appreciate the author's true life experiences and how he breaks down lessons into chapters. Readers are able to integrate their own life experiences with Admiral McRaven's lessons. The book includes personal stories and also stories of other American heroes.

"...When I read his paper, I had to read the book. It brought tears to my eyes. It is painfully truthful in the very best way...." Read more

"...He was a remarkable officer, a strong husband to his wife, Karen, and a loving father to his daughter, Kate, and oldest son, Marine Major John Kelly...." Read more

"...I love the discipline aspect of it. And how the Admiral shared real life events and sequences that make up each chapter...." Read more

"...loved the book's one-hour reading time and were able to integrate their own life experiences with Admiral McRaven's lessons...." Read more

164 customers mention "Life style"164 positive0 negative

Customers find the book helpful for living a fulfilling and honorable life. It provides them with useful advice on persevering, taking care of others, and improving the quality of life for themselves and those around them. They appreciate the author's inspiring life story and the lessons learned from failures.

"Great book with 10 principles to remember and applied in life. It is good to share one's experience with others...." Read more

"...Excellent share of life experience, military experience, studies, knowledge and phrases...." Read more

"...My favorite? # 10: Never, Ever Quit! Personal true story if you're interested: A while back I retired from a military service...." Read more

"Great inspiration book to live a more fulfilling life. Makes excellent points on how to make the most out of life." Read more

97 customers mention "Strength"86 positive11 negative

Customers find the book well-made and in good condition. It provides a guide for a stronger and more rewarding life. They appreciate the author's courage, integrity, character, and faith.

"...Through ten impactful, straightforward lessons, he encourages readers to embrace resilience, discipline, and compassion...." Read more

"...They arrived in excellent condition with no markings on the inside as I noticed in some of the other reviews...." Read more

"...isn't particularly well written, it isn't sugar coated, but it is solid, unfiltered, and good...." Read more

"...It teaches you to be strong, and to to remember there are lessons to be taken from everything...." Read more

90 customers mention "Value for money"47 positive43 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the book's value for money. Some find it easy to read and worth the price for its motivational tips, while others say it leaves much to be desired, is underdeveloped, and misleading. The leadership advice seems average in quality.

"...Really resonated with me! For the price, how the book was written, how it’s not too long, easy to read and understand...." Read more

"...The chapters seemed too short and underdeveloped for my taste, but my students loved the capsule lessons...." Read more

"...public, the price of the book is the price of a gift --- cheaper than drinking water. Buy it without hesitation." Read more

"Very short and kind of expensive for what it is but a great read nontheless ...." Read more

The Best Advice I Have Read.✨️
5 out of 5 stars
The Best Advice I Have Read.✨️
I loved this book I learned a lot of new things from reading it.
Hide
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from the United States

  • Vinie Kouamou
    5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing book
    Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Great book with 10 principles to remember and applied in life. It is good to share one's experience with others. I believe each individual can change the world in his/her little way. Start your day with a completed task like making your bed. Be resilient in the midst of hardships, look into people heart. Be a hope to others.
    2 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Dennis
    5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent book everyone should read!
    Reviewed in the United States on December 1, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    While browsing YouTube one day, I came across Admiral William H. McRaven’s remarkable commencement address from 2014 at the University of Texas at Austin. Having taught at the university level for nearly 50 years, I have listened to many graduation speeches, but this one stood out as one of the most influential and eloquent I have ever heard. After learning more about him, I discovered he had written a book titled "Make Your Bed," so I decided to buy a copy. In this book, which includes his motivational speech at the end, Admiral McRaven presents ten principles that serve as a roadmap for leading a productive life while facing and overcoming life’s many challenges.

    Each short chapter in this book tells a story illustrating a specific characteristic or life trait the author aims to instill in the reader. The author draws on examples from his 37 years as a Navy SEAL, particularly his six months of intensive training at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado in California, to describe how he learned and applied these principles throughout his naval career. To dispel the notion that one must serve in the armed forces to benefit from these principles, Admiral McRaven emphasizes, “I have a few suggestions that may help you on your way to a better world. While these lessons were learned during my time in the military, I assure you it matters not whether you ever served a day in uniform.”

    This short book is powerful and thought-provoking. It was written by someone who has navigated many challenges in life, consistently finding ways to overcome obstacles and move forward. It's a book you can keep close and return to often. You may find yourself reading specific chapters whenever you seek inspiration or guidance. My copy always remains on my desk.

    In summary, this book is one that everyone should buy and read. The world would be a better place if everyone lived by the standards and guidance offered in this book.
    21 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • kjtriv
    5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring for those looking to go into the miltary
    Reviewed in the United States on March 17, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    This book provides great inspiration through lessons on perseverance, the importance of doing small things well, and the value of seeking help during difficult times. I read a chapter in the morning and then tried to apply everything I learned from that chapter in various situations throughout the day. I especially enjoyed the stories that he shared during Navy SEAL training and the lessons that went with it. Overall this is a inspiring book for all ages
    2 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Taylor Thompson
    4.0 out of 5 stars Read it!
    Reviewed in the United States on January 7, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    It’s great book! So inspiring and an easy read. My goal for 2025 was to read more and this was the first one! You won’t be disappointed!
    19 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Murl Litherland
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great message
    Reviewed in the United States on March 25, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Loved reading this book. Great message to take away from it
    Helpful
     Report
  • Benny r
    5.0 out of 5 stars inspirational
    Reviewed in the United States on March 17, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    quick read but very good, great stories including about the paraplegic man who is now an artist, inspirational
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Pearlgirl
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great motivational book
    Reviewed in the United States on March 16, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Great motivational book, all teens should read this. I bought as a gift to our grand daughter and she really enjoyed it.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Bridget
    5.0 out of 5 stars different in a good way!
    Reviewed in the United States on March 1, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I loved how it gave good advice and tips for life but shared life lessons through his time as a navy seal. It’s a quick and easy read!
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
  • eder serafim
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book
    Reviewed in Brazil on December 10, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Muito bom livro. O almirante nos mostra passo a passo o caminho para modificar o mundo e a nós mesmos.
    Report
  • David
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great quick read
    Reviewed in Canada on May 24, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Nothing earth shattering, just some good reminders and motivation. Awesome stories and analogies, I finished it on a plane ride.
    Report
  • MILNER 4X4 IBIZA
    5.0 out of 5 stars MILNER 4X4 IBIZA
    Reviewed in Spain on February 25, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    A1
    Report
  • Antonio Bruno
    5.0 out of 5 stars Un libro che spiega il potere dei piccoli cambiamenti
    Reviewed in Italy on November 27, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    "Make Your Bed" è un libro che nasce dal celebre discorso dell'Ammiraglio McRaven, diventato virale sui social grazie al suo messaggio potente e ispirante. Quello che in un primo momento sembrava essere un semplice consiglio su come affrontare le sfide della vita, si trasforma in una riflessione profonda sulla disciplina, la resilienza e il potere dei piccoli gesti quotidiani.
    Il libro è un concentrato di motivazione, scritto in un linguaggio semplice e diretto, che rende le sue lezioni accessibili a tutti, anche a chi non ha una formazione militare o esperienze di vita particolarmente dure. La sua scrittura lineare e chiara, in particolare in questa versione originale in inglese, permette di entrare subito nel vivo dei concetti senza ostacoli linguistici. La lettura è fluida e stimolante, con un ritmo che spinge a proseguire, pagina dopo pagina.
    L'autore, attraverso le sue esperienze personali, racconta come piccoli cambiamenti nella nostra routine quotidiana possano avere un impatto enorme sul miglioramento della nostra vita. Un esempio pratico e simbolico è il semplice atto di rifare il letto ogni mattina, un gesto che può sembrare insignificante, ma che, secondo l'autore, incarna il principio fondamentale di iniziare la giornata con un'azione positiva e sotto il nostro controllo. Ogni capitolo si arricchisce di aneddoti ed esperienze che offrono lezioni di vita universali, applicabili a chiunque voglia migliorare se stesso, affrontare le difficoltà e crescere come persona.
    Il punto di forza del libro sta proprio nella sua capacità di rendere le lezioni di vita più profonde facilmente comprensibili e applicabili. Non offre soluzioni miracolose, ma piuttosto suggerisce una serie di atteggiamenti e azioni quotidiane che, se adottati con costanza, possono portare a un cambiamento significativo. Non importa quanto difficile possa sembrare un compito, ogni piccolo passo verso il miglioramento personale è un successo.
    "Make Your Bed" è un libro che va letto tutto d’un fiato, ma che soprattutto invita a riflettere e ad agire. Consigliatissimo!
    Report
  • Leonard
    5.0 out of 5 stars Sehr gutes Buch
    Reviewed in Germany on November 23, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Sher informativ und interessant.
    Report