As the commander of US Special Operations Command, Admiral William McRaven has led some of the most complex and decisive missions ever conducted by the US Military, but in this speech to the University of Texas graduating class of 2014, he relays the simple lessons that leaders should never forget.

Excerpts:

“If you can’t do the little things right, you will never do the big things right.”

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

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

“You will fail. You will likely fail often. It will be painful. It will be discouraging. At times it will test you to your very core.”

“If you want to change the world, you must be your very best in the darkest moment.”

Published on The University of Texas’ Official Publication, The Alalde, by Tim Taliaferro.

HTTP://ALCALDE.TEXASEXES.ORG/2014/05/MCRAVEN-TO-GRADS-TO-CHANGE-THE-WORLD-START-BY-MAKING-YOUR-BED/