Admiral McRaven addresses the University of Texas at Austin Class of 2014

Summary: Retired Navy SEAL Admiral William H. McRaven delivers a powerful commencement speech at the University of Texas, highlighting the importance of making a positive impact in the world through small actions and perseverance, drawing on his SEAL training experiences to inspire the graduating class of 2014.

Key Points:

• 0:00 Admiral McRaven expresses gratitude and addresses the audience, emphasizing the significance of the class of 2014.
• 1:08 He shares the University of Texas' slogan, "What starts here changes the world," illustrating how the actions of individuals can have a profound ripple effect.
• 2:59 Drawing examples from his military experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan, McRaven emphasizes that one person's decisions can have generational impacts.
• 6:13 He stresses the importance of starting the day by making your bed as a task that instills pride and sets the tone for accomplishing other tasks.
• 7:20 McRaven discusses the value of teamwork by highlighting the necessity of working together to achieve goals effectively.
• 8:35 The Admiral shares the importance of measuring a person by their heart rather than external traits, emphasizing the qualities that truly matter.
• 9:59 He talks about the concept of facing challenges, using the analogy of being a "sugar cookie" and overcoming setbacks.
• 11:30 McRaven discusses the idea of embracing difficult situations or "circuses" as moments that foster strength and resilience.
• 12:49 He reflects on the significance of approaching obstacles fearlessly and tackling challenges headfirst to achieve success.
• 15:38 The Admiral emphasizes the importance of remaining composed and performing at your best during the darkest moments.
• 17:50 In a powerful conclusion, McRaven urges the graduating class to persevere in the face of challenges, never giving up or "ringing the bell" when faced with adversity.