Little Things That Can Change Your Life…and Maybe the World

A dear friend who knows my love for books gave me this small volume a while ago as a help through my ministry and coming international move. She probably wasn’t aware that I also love nonfiction military books, so it was a fitting gift that I truly enjoyed.

Based upon the text of his 2014 Commencement Address at the University of Texas, Admiral McRaven lists in this book ten “little things” a person can do to change his or her day, life, and ultimately the world. It’s an inspiring read based entirely off his experiences 36 years prior in training for the U.S. Navy SEALs.

Book Summary

His formula for each chapter is direct and engaging. Following each chapter title, he opens with the constant statement, “If you want to change the world…” followed by a memorable phrase and story from SEAL training. He then gives anecdote for how this advice has helped him throughout his military career, and he ends each chapter with a summary call to action.

Since the entire speech is available online as a transcript and video, I don’t feel too bad summarizing his main points here along with a few standout quotes. This summary lacks the depth of the author’s illustrations and anecdotes, so I still recommend reading the book yourself—or perhaps even better, gifting it to a graduate this May.

1. Star your day with a task completed – “If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed.” (2)

“Nothing can replace the strength and comfort of one’s faith, but sometimes the simple act of making your bed can give you the lift you need to start your day and provide you the satisfaction to end it right.” (9)

2. You can’t go it alone – “If you want to change the world, find someone to help you paddle.” (12)

3. Only the size of your heart matters – “If you want to change the world, measure a person by the size of their heart” (24) …not the size of his flippers.

4. Life’s not fair – Drive on! “If you want to change the world, get over being a sugar cookie and keep moving forward.” (36) This is a SEAL term for the guy who dives in the ocean and then rolls around in the sand so he’s even more uncomfortable all day. Life ain’t fair. Deal with it.

5. Failure can make you stronger – “If you want to change the world, don’t be afraid of The Circus.” (44) This is another SEAL term for the punishment reserved for those coming in last place. Enough of these, though, makes a person stronger. Endurance through punishment and pain has its rewards.

6. You must dare greatly – “If you want to change the world, slide down the obstacle headfirst.” (56) 

“Life is a struggle and the potential for failure is ever present, but those who live in fear of failure, or hardship, or embarrassment will never achieve their potential. Without pushing your limits, without occasionally sliding down the rope head first, without daring greatly, you will never know what is truly possible in your life.” (63)

7. Stand up to the bullies – “If you want to change the world, don’t back down from the sharks.” (66) This was a cool chapter about bullies like Saddam Hussein.

8. Rise to the occasion – “If you want to change the world, be your very best in the darkest moments.” (74)

9. Give people hope – “If you want to change the world, start singing when you’re up to your neck in mud.” (84) This chapter emphasizes the power of one person to inspire the rest to sing, to hold on, to endure.

10. Never, ever quit! – “If you want to change the world, don’t ever, ever ring the bell.” (96)

Conclusion

I’ve enjoyed other Navy SEAL books in the past, and I’ll never get over the intensity of their 6-month training in the mud and surf. I’ve been floored by their in-depth descripts in books like Lone Survivor by Marcus Luttrell with Patrick Robinson (2007), but also by their obvious life-applications from books like Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win by Jocko Willinck and Leif Babin (2015).

This is another great (and short) read to add to that list. I recommend it for anyone seeking inspiration for increasing their self-discipline and leaving their mark on the world.

©2024 E.T.