An admiral in the US navy has shared the one lesson which helps him to make sure he gets the day off to a good start.
It might seem like fairly small, but the admiral told how it would help to get his day off to a solid start.
Admiral William H. McRaven gave a commencement speech for students graduating at the University of Texas in 2014.
Speakers will often share some words of advice or wisdom for the new graduates, and in this case Admiral McRaven shared one particular lesson.
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This was concerning an aspect of his basic training when he went to become a US Navy SEAL.
It was one part of his training which he drew attention to.
Not the more exciting aspects such as survival, marksmanship, or combat training.
This was a simple act which the admiral believes can help set someone up for the day ahead.
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He described how every morning the instructors would inspect the recruits' bed.
This included having the corners square, covers pulled tight, the pillow centered, and the blanket folded folded neatly at the foot.
The admiral said: "It seemed a little ridiculous at the time, particularly in light of the fact that were aspiring to be real warriors, tough battle-hardened SEALs, but the wisdom of this simple act has been proven to me many times over."
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McRaven went on to explain that it was a way for someone to accomplish the first task and get themselves started.
He explained: "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.
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"If you can't do the little things right, you will never do the big things right."
Not only that, continued the admiral that it would also be some comfort to come home to a made bed after a tough day.
He said: "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.
"If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed."
Topics: Education, US News, Mental Health
Kit Roberts