William H. McRaven Quotes:

If you can't do the little things right, you will never do the big things right.

source: - "Adm. McRaven Urges Graduates to Find Courage to Change the World". Remarks by Naval Adm. William H. McRaven, ninth commander of U.S. Special Operations Command, at the University-wide Commencement at The University of Texas at Austin, news.utexas.edu. May 16, 2014.

Topics: Littles, Little Things, Bigs, Admiral

I think the best way to get a good night sleep is to work hard throughout the day. If you work hard and, of course, work out.

source: - "The Man Who Led the Bin Laden Mission Teaches You How to Make Your Bed" by John Hendrickson, www.esquire.com. May 22, 2014.

Topics: Good Night, Sleep, Hard Work, Day And Night, Inspirational Good Night

You cant change the world alone - you will need some help - and to truly get from your starting point to your destination takes friends, colleagues, the good will of strangers and a strong coxswain to guide them.

Topics: Strong, Needs, World, Cant

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. . . . 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.

source: - Remarks by Naval Adm. William H. McRaven at the University-wide Commencement at The University of Texas at Austin, news.utexas.edu. May 16, 2014.

Topics: Graduation, Encouragement, Morning, Tomorrow Will Be Better

But if you want to change the world, don't be afraid of the circuses.

source: - William H. McRaven's Commencement Address at the University of Texas at Austin, news.utexas.edu. May 16, 2014.

Topics: Military, Want, Circus

If you want to change the world, find someone to help you paddle.

Topics: Military, World, Want

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

Topics: Want, Bed, World

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.

source: - William H. McRaven (2017). “Make Your Bed: Small things that can change your life... and maybe the world”, p.74, Penguin UK

Topics: Encouragement, Home, Giving, Tomorrow Will Be Better

Following is one of the most underrated aspects of leadership.... I have seen many a good [military unit] underachieve, because someone...thought the commander was incompetent, and quietly worked to undermine his authority.

Topics: Military, Authority, Aspect