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

Remarks by Naval Adm. William H. McRaven, B.J. '77, ninth commander of U.S. Special Operations Command, Texas Exes Life Member, and Distinguished Alumnus.

Admiral McRaven offered advice for changing the world from his 36 years of experience as a Navy SEAL: Ask for help when you need it, respect everyone, persevere through failures and, perhaps surprisingly, make your bed every day. Thanks for the sage words, Admiral. Hook 'em Horns!

Footage courtesy of the Longhorn Network.

[parkjoe]

2014, 2019, 2024...no matter what year or when one discovers this video, these words will always resonate. Thank you Admiral McRaven

[darlenecrawford]

I am alive for one more day because I found this beautiful speech 2 weeks ago. I had a bad accident 10 months ago and did not think I would even be able to get out of bed much less make it. Today I got out of bed and tomorrow I will drag my painful body out of bed again because if for even 1 day tell my gazillion doctors and physical, speech, neurologists that I don't want to i will have dishonored the incredibly hard work they have done to keep me alive. Bless you admiral. Thank you for swimming under water for 2 miles in the dark to complete a mission that kept me safe enough to be able to complain about crawling out of bed today to relearn how to tie my shoes and brush my teeth on my own.

[dochudson]

I found this speech in 2016. I still revisit it sometimes to remind myself that when things get tough, my opportunities to change my situation are closer than ever.

[tungusbadungusdepardeux]

1:01 He didn’t think he could make a memorable speech: little did he know that it would be hailed as one of the greatest motivational speeches of the modern era.

[markshealy]

What a speech. I just made the bed and I'm in a hotel!!!

[davidendres]

I suffer from extreme pain and as a result severe depression at my absolute lowest I listen to this speech and feel better this has saved my life so many times

[JP-mcbv]

1. Start each day with a task completed.(Making beds 4:43)
2. Find someone to help you through life. (Row together 6:14)
3. Respect everyone.(The Munchkins 7:28)
4. Know that life is not fair. ("Sugar Cookie" 8:38)
5. You will fail often. (The circus 10:04)
6. Take some risks. (New record, head first 11:30)
7. Face down the bullies. (Sharks 12:52)
8. Step up when the times are toughest. (The dark keel 14:02)
9. Lift up the downtrodden. (Song of hope 15:38)
10. Never ever give up. (Don't ring that bell 17:50)

[lessonsins]

If you're watching this, you're probably more awesome than you think ❤

[wilbertjohnson]

That's the man who should run for president a real leader for our nation

[eatportchops]

As I was watching this he seemed familiar. Checking his biography I discovered why he was familiar. We graduated and were commissioned as Naval Officers at UT Austin in May 1977. We spent 4 years as Navy ROTC classmates. Strange that after 43 years my memory recognized the older face and not the name.

[MattDragovits]

Amazing speech. This is the caliber of person we need leading our country. I would vote for him as President in a heartbeat.

[stephensalas]

It’s 2024 and I’ve listened to this amazing Warrior more than 12 times. Each time it keeps my attention as if it was the first time hearing it. I’m a veteran of the Navy but nothing like this amazing Seal / Warrior / Admiral but his words and entire speech is captivating beyond anything I’ve ever heard. Thank you Admiral. God Bless You.

[michaelblinks]

2023 here. I still visit to listen to this impressive speech and it's new every time. Thank you Admiral!

[rebeccahyche]

A friend of mine sent this to me six years ago during a deep depression I had during law school. This video inspired me then and it still inspires me today.

[mikeparks]

Absolutely incredible! This man is one that I will forever look up to. I cry during this entire speech EVERY time. And ever since I first heard it 2 years ago, yes I start each day by making my bed. There is no doubt that Admiral Mcraven has changed the world for the better. Thank you

[larrybelken]

I've listened to this speech several times over the years and it is hands down the best that I have ever heard. Full of good life advice. Congratulations Admiral.

[HPTM]

Thank you Admiral McRaven! Checking on this speech every half a year or so for the last ten years

[Refreshing-dfqj]

Am facing depression and his words give me my everyday strength

[dustybadgerriverrats]

I am not a Navy SEAL. Just an old Marine grunt. All I have to say is Semper Fidelis. This man is beyond words

[travisaaron]

I never get tired of listening to this speech I am encouraged every time I hear it