What if I told you that the secret to success in fitness, like anything worth pursuing that does not happen overnight, lies in the small, almost insignificant habits we build daily?
This is the core message of Admiral William McRaven’s book Make Your Bed— That small actions, done consistently, create ripples that leads to extraordinary results.
In this short, easy-to-read book, McRaven talks about how starting your day by doing something as simple as making your bed sets the tone for the rest of your day. It’s a small task, but it gives you a sense of accomplishment first thing in the morning. And once you’ve achieved that small win, tackling the bigger things is easier.
For me, this mirrors what I teach about fitness and life in general. It’s not just about hitting huge milestones, but about what you do every day, doing the work, and stacking what may appear as small wins.
Think about it. How many times have you woken up and felt like skipping your workout? We’ve all been there! But if you push yourself to get that session done, you’re setting the tone for the rest of your day. It’s like saying, “I’ve done the hard thing already; everything else is easy now.” That’s the power of small habits. It’s about doing the things that matter first—even when you don’t feel like it.
McRaven’s idea of discipline resonates deeply with me. He talks about how life is full of challenges, and his time in Navy SEAL training taught him that discipline is literally the difference between life and death. While we’re not in life-or-death situations, and I’ve definitely never been a SEAL, the concept is the same. If you want to be extraordinary, you can’t skip the hard stuff. You can’t rely on motivation alone. It’s the discipline of doing what needs to be done, day in and day out, that separates those who succeed from those who don’t.
It is similar to something as similar as brushing your teeth. It’s such a tiny, seemingly irrelevant habit. But, it becomes a symbol of discipline. If you can be consistent in something as small as brushing your teeth every day, that discipline can carry over into other areas of your life. It sounds ridiculous, but it makes sense. It’s the same with exercise. If you can be disciplined enough to show up to the gym regularly, even when you’re not feeling it, that discipline will spill over into your work, your relationships, and every other part of your life.
In the Bible, James 3:3-5 talks about how a small rudder guides a massive ship, just as a small bit in a horse’s mouth can control its entire body. The small things guide the big things. Don’t miss the message here, this applies directly to our fitness journey. You might think that missing one workout doesn’t matter, or that one cheat meal won’t make a difference, but those small decisions accumulate over time. If you let it, before you know it, your life is being steered in a direction you didn’t intend.
On the flip side, small positive actions—like showing up to the gym when it’s the last thing you want to do—also accumulate and guide you towards success.
Another critical lesson McRaven teaches in Make Your Bed is that success doesn’t happen in isolation. In SEAL training, teamwork is essential. You’re only as strong as the person next to you. In the same way, fitness is not just about individual effort. It’s about being part of a community that pushes you to be better. At Vasse Strength and Conditioning, we’ve built that community. Our members don’t just show up for themselves—they show up for each other. And that’s a powerful motivator. When you’re surrounded by people who want to see you succeed, it’s much harder to give up on yourself.
Consistency isn’t glamorous. There’s no shortcut to building an extraordinary life. But over time, these small habits add up. You’ll start seeing the results not just in your fitness, but in every aspect of your life. That’s why we encourage our members to track their progress. Every new personal best is a reminder that those small actions are working. Each time you push through a tough workout, you’re proving to yourself that you can do hard things. And that builds a kind of mental toughness that translates into daily life.
The main takeaways are that success isn’t about making huge leaps. It’s about the small, consistent steps you take every day. Just like making your bed in the morning, brushing your teeth, or drinking water. Committing to these small tasks sets the foundation for bigger achievements.
If you want to live an extraordinary life, you need to start with the small things. You already know this. You’ve probably felt it when you’ve stuck to a routine or pushed yourself to get through a workout. Now, it’s time to commit to it fully. Start with the small wins, make your bed and get to the gym. You’ll be able to get a lot further than you think.