Start with this One Little Thing to Change the World
“One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.” — Luke 16:10
Technology has made things a lot easier, given us much independence and brought us closer together than ever. The rate of innovation, which we sometimes refer to as disruption, is scaringly fast that it is hard to keep up. I “Uber” a cab in Johannesburg. About two minutes later, a private car pulls up to take me to my destination. I started a conversation with the driver about how it is hard to imagine what life was without all these new techs and industry disruptors. Hailing a cab has never been this easier. Who would have thought that I could be booking a hotel room as I walk to board my flight to my next destination? Information and learning media and platforms have never been this pervasive. Udemy, Qoura and Youtube, to name a few.
Starting a movement is equally made easier. Thought leaders can share their ideas on numerous platforms and media. Authors no longer need publishing houses to get their books out into the world. Simon Sinek’s — “Start with Why”. The 5 AM club and morning routine, Robin Sharma. The Five Seconds Rule by Mel Robbins. I can go on. Still yet, I think we are about to see the rise of another movement or is it just me? Or I am even late to the party?
The “Make Your Bed” movement may just be gaining steam. We even debated this concept in one of my WhatsApp group. Thanks to Admiral William H. McRaven’s 2014 commencement speech at the University of Texas in Austin. As at the time I was writing this piece, the YouTube video has had over 9.2 million views. That number is likely to be much more by the time you check the video out. I wrote my first piece about that speech which you can read below.
I may have watched that YouTube video about five times or more. Chances are, I will watch it a few more times to refresh on the invaluable lessons. I could not resist an offer of the follow-up book from a friend who had read my post above. “Make Your Bed” by William McRaven expanded version of the YouTube video with the same ten lessons. There are a few tear jerkers sprinkled 130-page short read. But this book is a reference manual of timeless philosophies for better, happier and successful living.
“Little things that can change your life… and maybe the world.”
Reading the front cover as I closed the book, I pondered on what “making one’s bed” could mean. Does it mean I should start making my bed? And if I did, there is no way I can match the military precision of the SEALs. It is the act that will matter, not the dexterity of the execution. In any case, how can such a simple, small task change you? Making my bed is what housekeeping is paid to do. It is one of the comforts of living a hotel life, in Kabul. But what if I do not take the Admiral’s advice literally? That’s it. I could hear mama’s voice in my head as if she was in the room.
“Making your bed will also reinforce the fact that the little things in life matter. If you can’t do the little things right, you will never be able to do the big things right. And if by chance you have a miserable day, you will come home to a bed that is made. That you made. And a made bed gives you encouragement that tomorrow will be better” — Admiral William H. McRaven
Mama’s voice re-echoed one of her favourite proverbs. “As you make your bed so you must lie on it.” Be ready to face the consequences of your actions, can be one way to interpret this idiom. I look at it this way. You enjoy the comfort, rewards and success that you prepare for yourself.
May 2014 was time for me to say goodbye to Kabul after three years. The goodbyes were emotional. Some jokingly asked me to stay, at least a bit longer. But there was no stopping me. The distance from family, the restriction in movement and the hassles of frequent flying had taken a mental toll on me. All the send-off parties, the gifts and kind words from friends were heartwarming. My colleagues made me feel like I was leaving a family behind. The outpouring of appreciation humbled me. I did not feel that my leaving was creating a vacuum. I was proud of the team I was leaving behind. They had the skills and the drive to carry on without me, an expat, as the Senior Manager of Financial Operations.
My Afghanistan experience was a closed chapter in my life’s book. At least that is what I told myself at the time. As it turned out, I had only made my “bed.” Four years later, I was returning to Afghanistan; to the same company. But this time, as their Chief Financial Officer. I was returning to a bed that I had made. If I did not make my bed during my first stint, coming back would have been uncomfortable, uneasy and most likely impossible. I was delighted to come back to the team that I had coached; to an organisation that made me feel like a family away from home. The CEO and management trusted me with greater responsibility, and I accepted to return because I knew I had made my bed well.
My first stint was me doing the little things well, just like making my bed. My second stint is my opportunity to do the big things well, building on the confidence of the small things that I did well.
“If you don’t design your own life plan, chances are you’ll fall into someone else’s plan. And guess what they have planned for you? Not much.” — Jim Rohn
What is your bed? Make it when you wake up. Do not leave it to housekeeping. Your bed can be your career, your business or your life. Be faithful and committed to it when it is little so you can face a greater future comfortably and with pride.
“Sometimes, the simple act of making your bed can give you the lift you need to start your day and provide you the satisfaction to end it right.” — Admiral William H. McRaven
