Peter is no longer simply an intern around here. My man has come a long way. He’s writing guest posts more frequently, running a successful business in Southern California and generally inspiring folks around him daily. And he’s doing it all before age 25. I’m betting on him to be on the world’s public radar in short order. For all of those reasons and more, providing him a platform to share his thoughts is an absolute pleasure; even if his advice is the same as your mother’s. The floor is yours, brother.

We have already touched on organization and clutter, but what we haven’t touched on is making your bed and the multitude of positive benefits we get from this daily activity.

Everyone remembers their childhood chores. Each morning, as I was racing around to get out the door, I remember hearing my mom or dad calling out irritably, “Peter, don’t forget to make your bed before school.”

I never actually did it. Sometimes, I’d run back into the bedroom with my backpack on, shuffle around the comforter until it resembled something close to neat and call it done. I don’t think I was a bad or rebellious kid, but there were always plenty of things I’d rather have done with my time than make up a bed that was just going to be unmade that evening.

It wasn’t until college and living on my own where I can began to value the importance of being organized. The benefits extend far beyond the bed and out to the classroom, office or baseball field. I wasn’t simply hearing it from my parents anymore; my coach, Dan O’Brien, also stressed making my bed. It is a simple concept; if you are organized in your living environment, it will allow your mind to focus more on the task at hand whether it is baseball or school/work.

Making your bed can give you a sense of accomplishment and pride to begin your day. I’m not asking you to take my word for it. We can hear it from one of the most badass people around, the Navy SEALs and Naval Adm. William H. McRaven, ninth commander of U.S. Special Operations Command.

Every morning we were required to make our bed to perfection.  It seemed a little ridiculous at the time, particularly in light of the fact that were aspiring to be real warriors, tough battle hardened SEALs—but the wisdom of this simple act has been proven to me many times over….If you make your bed every morning you will have accomplished the first task of the day.  It will give you a small sense of pride and it will encourage you to do another task and another and another. By the end of the day, that one task completed will have turned into many tasks completed. Making your bed will also reinforce the fact that little things in life matter.

Now, this certainly isn’t suggesting that by making one’s bed, a positive and productive day is guaranteed. We all have days that are frustrating or filled with negative energy.

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

And, if by chance you have a miserable day, you will come home to a bed that is made—that you made—and a made bed gives you encouragement that tomorrow will be better.

Who would have thought that such a mundane and small action could have such a powerful impact on your day-to-day life?

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

Going to make my bed,

Peter