Category: Admiral William H. McRaven

The Hero Code

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“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” — Anne Frank

We all love heroes. I was a “Superman” fan as a kid. 9:00 a.m. on Saturday mornings with George Reeves. At 9:30, it was “Sky King.” Today – each one of us has heroes who have made a difference in our worlds – teachers, friends, parents, strangers. I have posted on two of Admiral William H. McRaven inspiring works: Make Your Bed (April 20, 2017) and The Wisdom of the Bullfrog (November 21, 2023). And now I write on a third — The Hero Code. Admiral McRaven opens the book with those poignant words of Anne Frank. And he continues with a series of chapters – each addressing the qualities of heroes. The opening chapter is on Courage. . . .

“Courage is rightly esteemed the first of human qualities because it is the quality which guarantees all the rest.” — Winston Churchill

In a nutshell, Admiral McRaven speaks of ten qualities of heroes: courage; humility; willingness to sacrifice; integrity; compassion; perseverance; dedication to duty; maintaining hope; using humor to help others; and a willingness to forgive. I want to be a hero. So do you. And the requirements for being one are not rocket science. Have courage. Be a hero. . . . .

Taylor Swift

On By scottpetersenIn Admiral William H. McRaven, Taylor SwiftLeave a comment

Did I get your attention?

On November 15, 2022, I posted “Make Your Bed” — a discussion of the bestseller of that title by Admiral William H. McRaven. Wonderful – inspiring – book. Fast forward. . . . .

I just finished Admiral McRaven’s new book – The Wisdom of the Bullfrog – which addresses the topic of leadership. Wow! I’m a sucker for inspiring narratives. And this book is one. Each of the 18 chapters begins with a quotation. Some of the more poignant:

“The most tragic thing in the world is a man of genius who is not a man of honor.” George Bernard Shaw

“It isn’t enough to believe in something; you have to have the stamina to meet the obstacles and overcome them.” Golda Meir

“Initiative is doing the right thing without being told.” Victor Hugo

“You have competition every day because you set such high standards for yourself that you have to go out every day and live up to that.” Michael Jordan

“If you make listening and observation your occupation, you will gain much more than you can by talk.” Robert Baden-Powell (Founder of the Boy Scouts)

“Nothing ever comes to one, that is worth having, except as a result of hard work.” Booker T. Washington

Sooooo. . . I think you will enjoy. . . . oh wait . . . . Taylor Swift. Would you believe that Admiral McRaven – a decorated Navy SEAL – began Chapter 10 with a quote of . . . Taylor Swift. And it is inspiring. And made me think. Her words – “Just because you made a good plan doesn’t mean that’s what’s gonna happen.” We all have plans. Intentions. Ideas. When they are of import, each one of us has to work – to make it happen.

Make Your Bed

On By scottpetersenIn Admiral William H. McRaven, Make Your BedLeave a comment

[A repeat from April 20, 2017] I read a Wall Street Journal review of a new book — Make Your Bed by Admiral William H. McRaven.  Then I saw Admiral McRaven interviewed on television about his new book.  Which prompted me to check the Amazon reviews.  94% of readers give his book 5 stars.  Pretty impressive.  The book quickly became a best seller.  I figured if the book is so good, I gotta have one.  And maybe a few more to pass around.  So I ordered three copies.  And read one.  Gave away two.  Today, I just ordered four more copies. To give away. . . .  

In 125 pages, Admiral McRaven shares with readers the “little things that can change your life . . . . and maybe the world.”  

Admiral McRaven’s book is based upon a commencement address he delivered to the University of Texas in 2014.  If you want to watch an inspiring 19 minute call to action – check out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxBQLFLei70   

I don’t need to distill Admiral McRaven’s offering for you since if you get this book – you will be able to read it in a few hours.  At least you can get an idea if you invest 19 minutes to watch the video.  Is it worth it?  Yes.  Is it inspiring?  Yes.   Will it help you to change the world?   I believe it could.  But the “change” part is really up to you. . . . 

Make Your Bed

On By scottpetersenIn Admiral William H. McRaven, Make Your BedLeave a comment

I read the Wall Street Journal review of a new book — Make Your Bed by Admiral William H. McRaven.  Then I saw Admiral McRaven interviewed on television about his new book.  The t.v. interview prompted me to see what Amazon had to say.  94% of readers give his book 5 stars.  That’s pretttttty impressive.  And the book is now a best seller.  I figured if the book is so good, I gotta have one.  And maybe a few more to pass around.  So I ordered three copies.  And read one.  Gave away two.  Today, I just ordered four more copies.  

In 125 pages, Admiral McRaven shares with readers the “little things that can change your life . . . . and maybe the world.”  

Admiral McRaven’s book is based upon a commencement address he delivered to the University of Texas in 2014.  If you want to watch a 19 minute call to action – check out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxBQLFLei70   

I don’t need to distill Admiral McRaven’s offering for you since if you get this book – you will be able to read it in two or three hours.  At least you can get an idea if you link to the video.  Is it worth it?  Yes.  Is it inspiring?  Yes.   Will it help you to change the world?   I believe it could.  But the “change” part is really up to you. . . .