THIS WILL CHANGE YOU! Navy Seal Admiral William H. McRaven [MOTIVATIONAL SPEECH]

The speaker reminisces about their graduation day from UT, highlighting personal memories such as a headache from a party, a serious girlfriend (later his wife), and getting commissioned in the Navy. They humorously admit to forgetting the commencement speaker and their speech, using this to segue into the importance of making an impact rather than being memorable. They propose a hypothetical scenario where each graduate positively influences ten people, leading to a vast, global change over generations. The narrative is tied back to the university slogan, 'What starts here changes the world,' and the speaker shares personal experiences from military service to illustrate the power of individual decisions.

The speaker emphasizes the importance of starting each day with a completed task, using the mundane example of making one's bed to perfection. They argue that this simple act provides a sense of pride and momentum, encouraging further productivity. It also serves as a lesson in the significance of small details, suggesting that mastery of minor tasks is foundational to success in larger endeavors. The metaphor extends to the idea of personal resilience and preparedness, like coming home to a made bed after a bad day, symbolizing encouragement for a better tomorrow.

The narrative shifts to the power of teamwork, using the SEAL training experience of paddling through surf as a metaphor. It underlines the necessity of synchronized effort and equal contribution from every team member to achieve a common goal. The story of the 'Munchkin crew'—a diverse, smaller group that outperformed others—serves to illustrate that success is not determined by size or background but by collective will and determination. The speaker encourages the audience to seek help in changing the world and values people for the size of their heart, not their physical attributes.

The speaker discusses the inevitability of failure and the value of perseverance. They recount the 'circus'—a punishing exercise for those who did not meet physical standards—highlighting how those who faced the extra challenge grew stronger. The story serves to illustrate that failure and the struggles that follow can build inner strength and resilience. The speaker encourages the graduates not to fear failure but to view it as an opportunity for growth and to continue moving forward despite the obstacles.

The speaker concludes with a reflection on 'Hell Week,' a grueling part of SEAL training, where camaraderie and hope sustained the group through shared hardship. They highlight the 'bell,' a symbol of quitting, and urge the graduates to never ring it, to never give up. The speech ends with a call to action, encouraging the class of 2014 to start their journey with small, meaningful tasks, to seek and provide help, to respect all individuals, and to persist despite life's unfairness and inevitable failures. The message is one of optimism and empowerment, challenging the graduates to leave a positive mark on the world.