“If You Want to Change the World, Start Off by Making Your Bed!”

US Navy Admiral and former Navy Seal William Raven’s famous line at the University of Texas at Austin 2014 Commencement Address still resonates with me deeply to this day.

Admiral Raven says that accomplishing the 1st task of a day will give you a sense of pride and encourage you to do another task, and then another, etc.

This also emphasizes that the little things in life do matter.

As a leader, my 1st task of a day in the office (pre-Covid!) is to walk the office and say hello to people who are there. When I do this, I feel energized and proud to stay true to my value of respecting people. I admit that the days where I do not do that tour, because of early calls or meetings, I feel ashamed that I could not find these 5 minutes in my day.

My 1st task of a day at work matters a lot, because it creates an environment of respect and trust with my colleagues. This is the foundation of what I believe leadership is about, and how as a leader, I want to change the world.

And for you, what is your 1st task of a day that matters to you and to others? Tell me in the comments.

PS: I do recommend that you watch the video of the address if you haven’t already. This is very inspiring.

For comments or questions, please visit my website or contact me at pascal@p-m-coaching.com