Success Starts By Making Your Bed
I don’t know about you, but have you noticed some people don’t make their beds first thing in the morning? How do I know this? I don’t mean to look into flat windows as I go by on the train. I can’t help noticing whether a bed is made or not.
I only started noticing this after listening to William McRaven, who said if you want to change the world, make the bed first thing in the morning.
The Naval Officer
Admiral William McRaven gave a commencement speech to a group of graduates. It might have seemed like an unusual topic for the commencement speech, but it went viral. The video has been watched over millions of times.
Admiral McRaven’s advice might impact a simple act of tidying up your sleeping area, but it’s a metaphor for discipline and order. It’s about taking charge of your life, one small step at a time.
When you make your bed, you’re not just arranging pillows and smoothing sheets; you’re setting the stage for a day characterised by organisation and a sense of accomplishment.
https://youtu.be/TBuIGBCF9jc?si=PU6hqLPQDgmVW90b
The Ripple Effect of Small Wins
Completing a small task, like making your bed, creates a ripple effect. It encourages you to take on another task and then another.
Before you know it, these small wins accumulate and transform into significant achievements. This is the power of starting your day with a made bed — it’s not just about making things look great, but about instilling a mindset geared towards productivity and success.
Setting Stretch Goals
But let’s not stop at making the bed. This principle applies to all areas of life. Setting stretch goals that push you beyond your current limits.
Just as making your bed can be seen as a metaphor for order and discipline, setting ambitious goals symbolises our commitment to personal growth and pushing our boundaries.
Breaking Down Big Goals Into Manageable Steps
The beauty of McRaven’s advice lies in its simplicity and applicability. The same principle of breaking down tasks applies to larger goals.
Want to write a book? Start with a page. Are you looking to run a marathon? Begin with a short run. Every significant achievement starts with small, seemingly insignificant actions, like making the bed.
The Psychological Benefits
There’s more to this than just organisation. Psychologically, completing a task, even as small as making your bed, gives you a sense of achievement and sets a positive tone for the day. It instils a mindset of taking action, which is crucial for success in any field.
Call to Action
A simple yet effective action exercise you can try is the “Five-Minute Journaling Exercise.” This exercise will help boost your productivity, focus, and overall well-being. It’s straightforward and can be done daily, ideally in the morning.
Here’s how you do it:
Five-Minute Journaling Exercise
Duration: 5 Minutes
Materials Needed:
- A notebook or journal
- A pen or pencil
Steps:
- Date Your Entry: Start by dating the top of the page. This helps keep track of your progress over time.
- Gratitude (1 Minute): Spend one minute writing down three things you’re grateful for. These can be as simple as a sunny day, a good cup of coffee, or a supportive friend.
- Daily Goals (2 Minutes): Write down three goals or tasks you want to accomplish today. These should be specific, measurable, and achievable within the day.
- Affirmations (1 Minute): Write down one or two positive affirmations. These could be related to your strengths, goals, or mindset. For example, “I can handle any challenge that comes my way.”
- Reflection (1 Minute): At the end of the day, reflect on how the day went. What did you achieve? What lessons did you learn? This can also be done the following day.
Benefits:
- It helps set a positive tone for the day.
- Encourages a mindset of gratitude and mindfulness.
- It keeps you focused on your daily goals.
- Boosts self-confidence and motivation.
This exercise is simple and quick and can have a profound impact on your daily routine. You may notice increased clarity, productivity, and a more positive outlook on your day-to-day life by consistently practising it.
Parting Comments
So, next time you overlook your unmade bed, remember Admiral McRaven’s words. It’s not just about the bed; it’s about setting yourself up for success each day.
By starting with such a simple task, you’re priming yourself for productivity, focus, and, ultimately, achieving your larger goals.
Make your bed, set your intentions, and stretch yourself. Success, after all, starts with the smallest of actions.
Thank you for your attention.
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https://readmedium.com/ink-the-link-the-power-of-journaling-55afb6375a25