I put today’s topic squarely in the category of things I thought were stupid but tried anyway. I was never very good about making my bed when growing up. My mom tried her best, but I’m stubborn, and the habit didn’t stick. I always subscribed to the notion that, “‘it’s just going to be unmade again tonight.”

Given this, it’s safe to say that I was skeptical when I heard Tim Ferriss say that making his bed every day was an important part of his daily routine. Nevertheless, he said it was a big help to him when he was going through a period of his life that felt particularly scattered, so I figured I would give it a try too.

At first I found my mood and my morning were largely unchanged by having made my bed. I kept it up though, and after a few days, I left my room feeling unreasonably proud of this small amount of work. It’s nice to start the day out by completing the first task attempted, and I really enjoy adding a little dose of neatness into day that inevitably slides into disorder.

Here is Admiral William H. McRaven elaborating in a commencement speech:

…and here is Hindu priest Dandapani describing how bed making can improve your willpower:

Plus, it’s never too late to start listening to your mom.