PRODUCTIVITYDays to result

Make Your Bed

Start with small wins

Problem it solves

low productivity

Best for

Individuals looking to build discipline and productivity habits

Not ideal for

Those who are already highly disciplined and productive

Overview

Why this framework exists

The framework emphasizes the importance of starting with small, achievable tasks to build momentum and confidence. By making one's bed every morning, an individual can create a sense of pride and accomplishment, which can then be applied to other areas of life. This framework is based on the idea that small actions can have a significant impact when consistently applied over time.

Core principles

3 total
  1. Start with small, achievable tasks to build momentum and confidence.
  2. Consistency is key to building discipline and productivity habits.
  3. Small actions can have a significant impact when consistently applied over time.

Steps

7 steps
  1. Make Your Bed
    Start by making your bed every morning, without fail. This simple task can help to build discipline and a sense of accomplishment.
    Pro tipMake your bed as soon as you get up, before doing anything else.
    WarningDon't underestimate the power of small tasks - they can have a significant impact on your productivity and discipline.
  2. Find Someone to Help You Paddle
    Recognize that you can't change the world alone and find people who can help you achieve your goals.
    Pro tipSurround yourself with people who support and motivate you.
    WarningDon't be afraid to ask for help - it's a sign of strength, not weakness.
  3. Measure a Person by the Size of Their Heart
    Don't judge people by their appearance or background - instead, look at their character and heart.
    Pro tipFocus on building strong relationships with people who share your values.
    WarningDon't underestimate the power of diversity and inclusion - it can bring unique perspectives and strengths to your team.
  4. Get Over Being a Sugar Cookie
    Don't get discouraged by setbacks or failures - instead, learn from them and keep moving forward.
    Pro tipPractice resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity.
    WarningDon't give up - every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow.
  5. Don't Be Afraid of the Circuses
    Life is filled with challenges and setbacks - but don't be afraid to face them head-on.
    Pro tipDevelop a growth mindset and view challenges as opportunities for growth.
    WarningDon't avoid challenges - they can help you build strength and resilience.
  6. Slide Down the Obstacle Head First
    Sometimes, you need to take risks and face challenges head-on in order to achieve your goals.
    Pro tipDevelop a sense of courage and willingness to take calculated risks.
    WarningDon't be reckless - but don't be afraid to take risks either.
  7. Don't Back Down from the Sharks
    There will always be obstacles and challenges in life - but don't back down from them.
    Pro tipDevelop a sense of confidence and self-assurance.
    WarningDon't let fear hold you back - face your challenges head-on.

Checklist

Saved in your browser

Examples

2 cases
Admiral McRaven's Experience in Navy SEAL Training

Admiral McRaven's experience in Navy SEAL training is a great example of how the 'Make Your Bed' framework can be applied in real life.

OutcomeHe was able to build discipline and a sense of accomplishment, which helped him to succeed in his training and later in his career.
The Munchkin Crew

The'munchkin crew' in Admiral McRaven's SEAL training class is another example of how the framework can be applied.

OutcomeDespite being smaller and less physically imposing than the other boat crews, they were able to out-paddle and out-run them through their determination and teamwork.

Common mistakes

3 traps
Underestimating the Power of Small Tasks
Don't underestimate the power of small tasks - they can have a significant impact on your productivity and discipline.
Giving Up Too Easily
Don't give up too easily - every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow.
Not Surrounding Yourself with Supportive People
Surround yourself with people who support and motivate you - it can make a big difference in your success.

Origin story

How this framework came to be

The framework is based on Admiral McRaven's experience in Navy SEAL training, where making one's bed was a required task every morning. He found that this simple task helped to build discipline and a sense of accomplishment, which was then applied to other areas of training.

Source

Traced to primary
Source · SPEECH
Make Your Bed
Admiral William McRaven · 2014
Open source →

Related frameworks

Browse all Productivity →