6 Winning Strategies to Create Masterful Days

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

                                                                                       - Admiral William H. McRaven (retired)

One of my favorite books that I read/listened to in the last few years, was Make Your Bed by retired 4-Star Admiral William H. McRaven. 

McRaven retired from the Navy in 2014 as the highest-ranking Navy Seal or “bullfrog” in the corps and was the commander in charge of the missions that felled both Osama bin Ladin and Saddam Hussein.

The book is based on his now famous commencement speech that he delivered to the graduating class at the University of Texas on how to change the world (check out an excerpt from the speech here, but then please come back and finish reading this blog.)

In his speech, McRaven explains that undertaking the simple task of making one’s bed in the morning will set the tone for success throughout the day.  Accomplishing one task, leads to accomplishing another, and then another, which invariably leads to a fulfilling and productive day.

He went onto say, “And if by chance you will have a miserable day, you will come home to a bed that is made – that YOU made……..a made bed gives you encouragement that tomorrow will be better."

I absolutely love the admiral’s words of wisdom.  I know in my experience, getting something positive accomplished begins my day on a trajectory that leads to other positive experiences and accomplishment throughout the day.  It also serves as a basis for living a happy and fulfilling life as…..

Positive and productive days lead to positive and productive weeks, which lead to positive and productive months, which lead to positive and productive years, which lead to positive and productive lifetimes.

While the habit of making one’s bed is certainly a positive habit that supports this idea, I believe it does not stop there.  It has been my experience that there are other key practices, that when done daily, set us up for happiness, fulfillment and success in all areas of our lives.

Several years ago, I began a daily practice of morning rituals that were transformative in my life; I now share these with audiences and coaching clients.

I call this daily morning routine my 6 M’s of Morning Mastery, and it includes the following practices. 

• Meditation: Begin each day taking some time to be in the quiet. Allow your mind to be still and listen for the inspiration that is always there for us.
• Mind Treatment: Set the intentions of your day by positively affirming what you want to create for the day and in your life.
• Mental Imaging: Spend time visualizing what you want to create for the day and beyond. It is important to not stop at just the mental picture but actually feel what it is like to receive what you desire. Make it positive and uplifting. I always remember what one of my teachers once told me, "If you are going to fantasize, you might as well win."
• Movement: This doesn't have to be two hours at the gym. It just has to be simple activities that get your body moving like stretching, walking or calisthenics. Our bodies were designed to move.
• Motivation: Read something, listen to an audiobook or watch a video that is inspirational, positive or uplifting that will set your mind in a positive frequency for the day ahead.
• Memoir: Take some time to journal your thoughts. Ask yourself questions and then allow your mind to flow and provide you with the answers. You'll be surprised by the wisdom that is inside of you.

If embarking on all of these practices seems a bit overwhelming to you, begin with one or two and then build up from there, if you choose.

It has been my experience that starting my days in this way serves a solid launching point for me to dive into my days and make them meaningful, productive and fulfilling in the process.

What daily foundational routines could you practice each day to make sure you are focused and in your most empowered state?

And if you choose not to embark upon any of the 6 M’s of Morning Mastery, at lease start making your bed :).

Chris Natzke

Black Belt Leadership Speaking and Coaching

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