‘Summer House’ Star Carl Radke Insists This Simple Morning Habit Sets Him Up for Success

Carl Radke starts his morning with one simple habit, and it comes with a surprising backstory.

The Summer House star appeared on the October 28 episode of the Good Enough vodcast and shared his thoughts on business, sobriety, his podcast, More Life With Carl Radke, and more.

During the conversation, Carl told Good Housekeeping editor-in-chief Elspeth Velten that he has one task he does every day to set himself up for success.

“Every morning I make my bed,” he told Good Housekeeping editor-in-chief Elspeth Velten. “I literally have not [not made it] maybe once or twice in the last five or six years—since I got sober. But I make my bed first thing when I get up. It's that same principle as keeping a clean house, keeping a nice home. Because if you have those little pieces in order, I think it sets yourself up for success.”

The Soft Bar + Cafe founder credits the 2017 self-help book Make Your Bed with the idea.

“[The book] was originally a commencement speech at the University of Texas, given by this Admiral William McRaven—keeping it tidy and keeping it like honoring yourself, like respecting yourself,” he added. “But the first task you accomplish in the morning is making your bed. It's a small win. It builds that confidence. It builds a little bit of esteem.”

For him, the habit goes beyond just tidying up the blankets and pillows.

“Make your bed and get a top sheet,” he insisted. “Make sure you have proper pillows. I have a flat sheet—if you don’t have a flat sheet as a man, you’re clearly single. But you need a top sheet because it protects your comforter and blankets.”

Well said!