The #1 Habit of Navy SEALs
How a simple 2-minute habit can build mental toughness and transform your day.
The U.S. Navy SEALs are among the most elite special forces in the world. Their intense training is legendary. But do you know the secret habit to their success?
Making their bed.
Yes, that simple act that takes about 2 minutes is the #1 habit of Navy SEALs to start their day.
At first glance it seems insignificant, but making your bed each morning is the ultimate productivity hack. It provides momentum for discipline, fuels a sense of accomplishment, and clears your mind for focus and effectiveness.
A Small Win To Energize Your Day
Making your bed provides an immediate win that energizes you for bigger challenges ahead.
After accomplishing one productive task — even a small one — your motivation and momentum build. This energy propels you into your routine with a positive mindset, ready to achieve more.
The Navy SEALs know that small wins lead to victory. And your daily wins can start with something as basic as straightening your sheets and smoothing your blanket.
A neatly made bed will give you the confidence and clarity to push forward with your day.
Tidy Space, Clear Mind
A made bed leaves you with a clean, organized space to start your day.
This decluttered environment reduces distractions and makes it easier to focus. Your mind will feel clearer and calmer, allowing important tasks to feel more achievable.
A tidy space leads to increased productivity and efficiency.
Build Your Discipline Muscle
Making your bed each morning requires discipline and commitment.
However, the act of doing it daily — without excuses — helps build mental toughness in a small way. This discipline transfers to other areas of life and gives you grit to accomplish bigger goals.
Making your bed teaches the power of habit and routine.
Make It A Habit In 30 Days
To make bed-making a habit, commit to doing it every day for 30 days straight:
Set an alarm for 5 minutes earlier to ensure you have time.
Time yourself to keep it under 5 minutes. Start with 2-3 minutes and build up.
Reward yourself after the first week to stay motivated.
Track your progress to hold yourself accountable. Use a calendar to check off each day.
The return on investment for making your bed each morning is surprisingly substantial. For just a few minutes of effort, you will eventually gain hours of increased productivity, focus and discipline.
I challenge you to try it for one month and experience how this simple habit transforms your mornings and days.
A made bed is the first step to your most productive day yet.
So straighten those sheets, throw back that blanket and get ready to start your day like a Navy SEAL!
PS. You can take a deeper dive into this topic by reading Admiral William H. McRaven’s bestselling book, Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life... And Maybe the World