Admiral William H. McRaven – If you want to change the world, start by making your bed

the Daily Quote

Welcome to The Daily Quote—a podcast designed to kickstart your day in a positive way. I'm your host, Andrew McGivern, and today is September the 11th.

Today is Patriot Day, a day to remember and honor the lives lost during the tragic events of September 11, 2001. It’s a day of reflection, a day of unity, and a reminder of how we came together in the aftermath of such a difficult time. As you go through your day, take a moment to reflect, be thankful, and hold close the people who matter most to you.

Now, I know that’s a heavy start, so let's shift gears. It's also National Make Your Bed Day. Yes, you heard that right—today is all about getting those sheets straight and fluffing those pillows. Making your bed might sound like a small, trivial task, but it can have a big impact on how you start your day.

This brings me to today’s quote, from Admiral William H. McRaven, who once said:

"If you want to change the world, start by making your bed."

Now, I know what you’re thinking. Really? Changing the world… by fluffing a pillow? Well, stay with me here. McRaven’s point isn’t just about the bed. It’s about the discipline and sense of accomplishment that comes from starting your day by completing a simple task. You’ve already achieved something within the first five minutes of waking up! That small win can set the tone for the rest of your day.

Plus, think of it this way: No matter how chaotic your day might get, at least you’ll come home to a well-made bed. It’s like giving your future self a little gift of order, even if the rest of your day felt like it was anything but. And hey, even if everything else goes wrong, at least you nailed the blanket tucking, right?

So today, remember the importance of the small things. Take a moment for reflection on Patriot Day, honor the lives we lost, and if you’re looking for a way to jumpstart your productivity, go ahead—make your bed. It could be the simplest path to changing your world, one corner fold at a time.

That’s all for today’s episode of The Daily Quote. Thanks for spending part of your morning with me. Until next time, I’m Andrew the McGivern signing off, reminding you that sometimes, the key to greatness is just lying there waiting for you... under the covers.

Take care, and I’ll see you tomorrow for another Daily Quote.