National Make Your Bed Day
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Overview
National Make Your Bed Day, observed annually on September 11th, encourages individuals to embrace the simple yet impactful habit of making their bed each morning. This day highlights the various benefits associated with this routine, from creating a tidy living space and fostering a sense of accomplishment to setting a productive and positive tone for the entire day. It serves as a reminder that small, disciplined actions can contribute significantly to overall well-being and daily structure.
Origin and story
Admiral William H. McRaven's widely-shared 2014 commencement speech at the University of Texas at Austin famously advised, "If you want to change the world, start by making your bed," emphasizing the importance of accomplishing the first task of the day.
Psychologists and productivity experts often suggest that making your bed can serve as a "keystone habit," a small change that triggers a chain of other positive habits throughout the day.
Quick facts
- DateSeptember 11
- TypeCultural / community observance
- Great forFriends, Families, Classrooms, Teams
Also on this date
Ways to celebrate
The case for making your bed got its most famous modern defense from a Navy SEAL commander, not a tidiness expert.
Meet the speech that made the case
Retired Admiral William H. McRaven, then commander of U.S. Special Operations Command, delivered a 2014 University of Texas at Austin commencement address built around a lesson from Navy SEAL training: instructors inspected recruits' beds every morning, corners square and covers tight.
Know the actual argument behind the habit
McRaven's point wasn't about neatness for its own sake — completing that one small task first thing gives a sense of accomplishment that makes it easier to tackle the next task, and the one after that, throughout the day.
Read the fuller story
Helpful resources:
Did you know?
McRaven's commencement speech has since been viewed more than 10 million times online and expanded into a New York Times bestselling book.
Fun facts
- Admiral William H. McRaven's widely-shared 2014 commencement speech at the University of Texas at Austin famously advised, "If you want to change the world, start by making your bed," emphasizing the importance of accomplishing the first task of the day.
- Psychologists and productivity experts often suggest that making your bed can serve as a "keystone habit," a small change that triggers a chain of other positive habits throughout the day.
- Surveys have indicated that individuals who consistently make their beds often report feeling more organized, having better sleep quality, and a stronger sense of control over their lives.
Sources and attribution
Adm. McRaven Urges Graduates to Find Courage to Change the World (UT Austin News)
External links may lead to third-party websites.
Continue your streak
Open one more holiday before you go to build daily momentum.
FAQ
- When is National Make Your Bed Day?
- It is observed on September 11 each year.
- What is National Make Your Bed Day?
- National Make Your Bed Day, observed annually on September 11th, encourages individuals to embrace the simple yet impactful habit of making their bed each morning. This day highlights the various benefits associated with this routine, from creating a tidy living space and fostering a sense of accomplishment to setting a productive and positive tone for the entire day. It serves as a reminder that small, disciplined actions can contribute significantly to overall well-being and daily structure.
- How do people celebrate National Make Your Bed Day?
- Make your bed first thing and consider Admiral William McRaven's 2014 commencement speech, which used the Navy SEAL habit of daily bed inspections to argue that one small accomplished task builds momentum for the rest of the day.
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