Admiral William H. McRaven

None of us is immune from life's pain and disappointment. But if you doubt for even a second that you have the courage necessary to confront the evil in the world or that weakness that resides deep inside all of us - you're wrong.

As a leader, you must always appear to be in command, even on those days when you struggle with the pressures of the job. You must be confident. You must be decisive. You must smile. You must laugh.

None of us are immune from life’s pain and disappointment. But if you doubt for even a second that you have the courage necessary to confront the evil in the world or that weakness that resides deep inside all of us—you’re wrong.

We all have our lines in the sand, those fears that keep us from being courageous. But all you have to do to overcome those fears, those obstacles, those challenges in your life is to take one step forward. Just one.

Take one step forward and face your inner demons. And if you take that one step forward you will find the courage you seek, the courage necessary to overcome your fears and be the hero you long to be.

We all have our lines in the sand, those fears that keep us from being courageous. But all you have to do to overcome those fears, those obstacles, those challenges in your life is to take one step forward.

Follow the Golden Rule: Treat others as you would have others treat you. If this sounds a bit Pollyannaish or like you’re in Sunday school, so be it. Being a person of high integrity is what separates the great leaders from the commonplace.

The power of humility is that it brings us closer together, and the role of every hero is to unite people, not divide them. Be humble. It will serve you well.

If you want to change the world... get over being a sugar cookie and keep moving forward.

I believe history will show that success is not just a function of brains or brawn, of talent or intellect, of skill or resourcefulness, but of perseverance. Genius without resolve is just another passing person with a bright idea.

Be the hero we need you to be—live the Hero Code.

If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed.

If you want to change the world... measure a person by the size of their heart.

If you want to change the world... be your very best in the darkest moments.

If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed.

Be the hero we need you to be—live the Hero Code.

For the next thirty-seven years, I would compare every tough situation I was in to the rigors of Hell Week. Throughout the rest of my career I was never as cold, or wet, or exhausted as I was in Hell Week, and therefore I knew whatever life threw at me, I could make it.

In my journey, I found that there was always someone better than me: someone smarter, stronger, faster, harder-working, more talented, more driven, more honest, more pious—just better than I was. It was humbling, but at the same time immensely reassuring. There were so many problems in the world that I could not solve, but maybe someone else could.

I believe history will show that success is not just a function of brains or brawn, of talent or intellect, of skill or resourcefulness, but of perseverance.

If you want to change the world... find someone to help you paddle.

When in Doubt, Overload.

Whenever you were in doubt about the amount of explosives to use—always overload. Always put more energy, more force, more power into the solution than seemed necessary. It was the only way to guarantee success in the face of uncertainty and doubt.

As terrible as it sounds, every SEAL longs for a worthy fight, a battle of convictions, and an honorable war. War challenges your manhood. It reaffirms your courage. It sets you apart from the timid souls and bench sitters. It builds unbreakable bonds among your fellow warriors. It gives your life meaning.

If you want to change the world... start singing when you’re up to your neck in mud.

Always put more energy, more focus, more power into the situation than [seems] necessary. It's the only way to guarantee success in the face of uncertainty and doubt.

If you want to change the world... don’t be afraid of The Circus.

Having a set of moral principles and being a person of integrity are the most important virtues for any leader.

If you want to change the world... slide down the obstacle head first.

If you want to change the world... don’t ever, ever ring the bell.

If you want to change the world... don’t back down from the sharks.

I learned that life is actually pretty simple. Help as many people as you can. Make as many friends as you can. Work as hard as you can. And, no matter what happens, never quit!