Admiral William H. McRaven, the Navy SEAL who oversaw the mission that led to the capture of Osama bin Laden, delivered what would become one of the most viewed commencement speeches in history. He structured his address around ten lessons from Navy SEAL training, and the first — make your bed — became so iconic it spawned a bestselling book. The lesson came from the daily bed inspections in basic SEAL training, where instructors who were Vietnam veterans demanded hospital-corner perfection every morning. It seemed ridiculous for aspiring warriors, but McRaven argued it contained a profound truth: small disciplines compound. One completed task creates momentum for the next, and by the end of the day, one small act of discipline has multiplied into many. The corollary — 'if by chance you have a miserable day, you will come home to a bed that is made' — added an emotional dimension. Even on the worst days, having accomplished at least one thing provides a foundation of dignity and hope that tomorrow can be better.