6 Winning Strategies to Create Masterful Days

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

                                                              - Admiral William H. McRaven (retired) 

A few years ago, I picked up Make Your Bed by Admiral William H. McRaven, and it instantly became one of my favorite books. This powerful read, based on his legendary commencement speech at the University of Texas, is packed with timeless wisdom on how small, daily actions can set the stage for extraordinary achievements in life.

McRaven, who retired as the highest-ranking Navy SEAL, oversaw the operations that took down Osama bin Laden and Saddam Hussein. But what I love most about his book and speech isn’t just about those monumental achievements—it’s about a simple, yet profound lesson: how making your bed each morning can set the tone for a day filled with purpose and success.

Imagine starting each day by completing one simple task—making your bed. It might sound small, but McRaven explains that this simple act creates a sense of accomplishment right from the start. And here’s the magic: once you’ve succeeded at one thing, it becomes easier to keep that momentum going. It’s like a domino effect—one success leads to another, and another, ultimately setting you up for a productive and fulfilling day.

And let’s face it, even on those tough days when everything seems to go wrong, there’s something so powerful about returning home to a bed you made. It’s a reminder that no matter how your day unfolded, you accomplished something. You did something positive for yourself. And that small win can carry you into tomorrow with a renewed sense of hope.

I couldn’t agree more with Admiral McRaven.

In my own life, I’ve seen how starting the day with a sense of accomplishment helps me step into each new challenge with a positive mindset. It’s like laying the foundation for everything that comes next. And here's the thing: those positive, productive days build on each other, creating positive and productive weeks, months, and eventually, years.

But I don’t think it ends with just making your bed. I believe there are a few more simple daily practices that can transform your life, if you commit to them.

A few years ago, I created my own daily ritual—one that I call the 6 M’s of Morning Mastery. These six practices have been game-changers in my life, helping me stay focused, energized, and empowered, no matter what the day brings.

Here’s how it works:

1. Meditation: Start your day in stillness. Take time to quiet your mind and tap into the wisdom that’s always there, waiting for you.
2. Mind Treatment: Set the tone for your day by affirming your intentions. What do you want to create? Speak your desires into existence with positivity and belief.
3. Mental Imaging: Visualize your day, your goals, your dreams. Don’t just picture them—feel them. Feel the joy, the excitement, the sense of accomplishment as if you’ve already achieved them. One of my mentors once said, “If you’re going to fantasize, you might as well win!”
4. Movement: This doesn’t need to be a grueling workout—just get your body moving! Stretch, walk, or do some simple exercises. Our bodies are designed for motion, and it doesn’t take much to feel the benefits.
5. Motivation: Feed your mind with something uplifting. Listen to a podcast, read a book, or watch a video that inspires you to stay in a positive, focused mindset for the day ahead.
6. Memoir: Take a few moments to journal your thoughts. Reflect on your experiences, ask yourself empowering questions, and let your inner wisdom surface. You’ll be amazed at what comes up when you give yourself time to reflect.

I know, it might sound like a lot to take on at once. And if it does, no worries! You can start with just one or two of these practices and gradually build from there. The key is consistency. When you make this time for yourself, even just a few minutes each morning, you set yourself up for a day that’s intentional, focused, and full of possibility.

For me, these practices have become the bedrock of a life that feels meaningful, productive, and fulfilling. And I’m confident they can do the same for you.

So, what daily rituals will you begin practicing to “power up” your mornings and fuel your day?

If you're ready to dive deeper into these life-changing practices, I’ve put together a new resource, my brand-new ebook, The 6 M’s of Morning Mastery.

In this ebook, you’ll learn how to make each of these morning practices a powerful part of your daily routine—giving you the clarity, energy, and inspiration to transform your days and, ultimately, your life.

CLICK HERE to download your copy of The 6 M’s of Morning Mastery ebook for FREE by using discount code “6M2025” ($27 value).

And if you’re not ready to jump into the full 6 M’s, no problem—just start with the basics: make your bed! That one small action will carry you forward, and you’ll be amazed at how it can change your mindset and your day.

Let’s start strong, one day at a time.

Chris Natzke
Black Belt Leadership Speaking and Coaching