I just read Brian Johnson’s “Optimize” message for the day and I am in total agreement with his recounting of a “#1 tip for life,” courtesy of a Navy seal named Admiral McRaven. (See how we need a community to live in this world? You are getting this tip 4th-hand – unless you read http://www.optimize.me, in which case it would be 3rd. Thanks to Brian today!)

In considering the”dark moments” in our life, McRaven offers a “protocol that will ensure I have the emotional stamina and antifragile confidence when I need it most.” This dedicated and disciplined Navy seal says (in capital letters): MAKE YOUR BED! Here’s the reasoning. As most directives in the military, everything must be done precisely and perfectly. Were the corners tucked in just right…the pillow centered at the top of the bed and intersected at a 90-degree angle with the blanket at the bottom, etc. This practice, according to McRaven “demonstrated my discipline. It showed my attention to detail, and at the end of the day it would be a reminder that I had done something well, something to be proud of, no matter how small the task.” The bottom line of all this is, of course, a reminder that if you can’t do the little things right, you will never do the big things right.

Each of us can probably think of something like this – a routine that was taught to us sometime earlier in life that remains with us today. If you come up empty when you think about that, think of something to start doing today. If nothing else, the example given is a good one: MAKE YOUR BED.

And trust that it will be a good day!