[January 5, 2023] I looked back at some of the resolutions I proposed to myself here at www.theleadermake.com (see links here, here, and here) and got a good laugh about them. But I thought about that for a bit and then asked myself why I should create New Year’s resolutions for myself in 2023.
A New Year’s resolution is like wishing upon a star; sometimes unrealistic but essential nonetheless. People make resolutions (wishing for a higher-order goal) because they have some idea that by aiming above the normal, above the mundane is a better way of saying it, they have the potential to transform themselves into something better and more useful. And this is why they aim high.
Aiming at something, anything, is more important than one might think. If you aim at something, you can hit it, even if that chance is slight. Over a period of time, you are more likely to hit that goal. But the likelihood of hitting it is zero if you don’t aim.
Many folks will not aim at anything because they are afraid that if you specify what you want, you also have specified your conditions for failure. And you know when you fail. We don’t like to fail. They will say, better to keep my ambition foggy and undefined. That way I won’t be able to know I fail and turning my sight away from it at least makes me feel better at that moment.
A New Year’s resolution is something to aim for and can be a source of motivation and a positive sensation. Pick a valued goal. Aim at it. But the goal must be of value to you and better if it is a noble, higher-order goal, for there is more value. The motivation is not generated by achieving the goal because you are now left with the problem of what to do next. For example, the aim of graduating from school is terrific, and you are at the top of your game on graduation day but the next day, you might just be unemployed and looking for a lousy job at a grocery store.
The idea that accomplishing these resolutions will make you happy is a non-starter. Good luck with that way of thinking. But if you’re aiming at something worthwhile and you really believe it’s worthwhile and you thought it through and have done your homework on what needs doing, then when you make progress that gives you some more positive motivation to continue.
There are two things you will do when aiming at an important goal. First, you will get the thing that’s important and better to get it following the rules. Second, you make yourself better a pursuing goals. You will get both of those at the same time. You’re aiming at something, and you’re increasing your competence. What a deal. So yes, make your New Year’s resolutions for 2023 but chose them wisely and pursue them with focus.
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“But if you’re aiming at something worthwhile and you really believe it’s worthwhile and you thought it through and have done your homework on what needs doing, then when you make progress that gives you some more positive motivation to continue.” — Gen. Doug Satterfield, mentor to many, thinker, critic of stupidity, and real man, real soldier, real leader
Excellent article, made me think. 😉
Me too and exactly why I’m a regular reader.
As usual, Gen. Satterfield nails the idea on WHY we have New Year’s resolutions. They give us something to aim at. But also we make these resolutions as part of our being, not because someone tells us to. We want to be better and that is what they do for us. Just follow up and don’t forget about your New Year’s Resolutions of 2023.
I should have known that Gen. Satterfield was about to come up with something great and useful. He does that every day, so why should today be any different. Keep on reading his blog and if you can, get a copy of his latest book, “55 Rules for a good life.”
Pow, this is why I’m such a fan. Thanks Doc. Great to see you back in the leadership forums.
Yup! Just the reason I’m a fan of gen. Satterfield.
‘A New Year’s resolution is something to aim for and can be a source of motivation and a positive sensation. Pick a valued goal. Aim at it.’ This is why I love this website so much. Great, deep, accurate advice.
First, I’m a bit surprise you Gen. Satterfield didn’t list your new year’s resolutions. I would have loved to read them. Reconsider. Thank you.
Amazing. Never thought of it this way but makes sense.
Yep, aim high, and then you might actually hit that aim point. Don’t forget to put your main effort in achieving what you want, otherwise you will never make it.
That is, of course, the point and an important idea that is more crucial to our success in life that we might have given thought to in the past. Pick a goal in your life. Any goal. And then work diligently and hard to achieve the goal, large or small. And then see how your life is after that. Of course, it will be much better and you will have learned how to achieve goals and you will be more accomplished and efficient.
— and a great blog to boot. ❤❤❤❤❤
Yes, Ronny, I do believe you are correct. Pick a goal. Best to pick a noble goal. That is what will help motivate you to achieve it.
Another spot on article from Gen. Satterfield.
POW, this is the heart of Gen. Satterfield’s personal philosophy and it comes out big time.
“Aiming at something, anything, is more important than one might think. If you aim at something, you can hit it, even if that chance is slight. Overtime, you are more likely to hit that goal. But the likelihood of hitting it is zero if you don’t aim.” You cannot be more plain about life. Have aims in your life. Sit down and strategize how you will achieve them, even if that is a poor plan. At least you will be moving in the right direction. Watch out for “dragons” as they will make you life hard. But they are there for us all. Life is tough, get over it.
Don’t ya just ❤ this website on leadership?
Ha Ha, you got it.
Yep, thanks all for reading this blog with me. I love the forums because I can come here and get a great amount of clarification and have my questions answered.
Great article today, Gen. Satterfield. Thank YOU !!!!!!!!
I will point out that this article and much of what Gen. S. writes about is very Dr. Jordan Peterson-esk. Watch Peterson’s videos and you will get a similar view.
Right Winston and Gen. Satterfield acknowledges it in his book intro. Gen. S. is influenced by a number of psychologists.
I noticed it too. And that is why, IMHO, that Gen. S’s book is both so popular and useful and entertaining as well.
Yep, get your book now. Don’t wait. The longer you linger, the longer it will take you to get your act together and the longer it will take to become the savior of your family and community. This work here is the opposite of the socialist agenda to many espouse today.
I agree with you all on this. Keep up this forum. It has helped me in many ways.
And from the ideas of great thinkers like Friedrich Nietzsche, Karl Jung, Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, Jean Piaget, Erich Neumann, and Jordan Peterson, whose insight and brilliance have gotten millions worldwide to think about how to look for a good life. With their astute thinking, we’ve all gained a new appreciation of how to be stronger mentally and understand the strength of the human mind. – from page IX of his book “55 Rules for a Good Life.” This is what Winston is writing about.
… and it pays to get a copy. 😉
Right Max. Please get you copy of Gen. Satterfield’s latest book. You will be much better off for buying it and it is an easy read.
I just love this website. I will also be the next here to put in a plug for “55 Rules for a Good Life.” You get the kind of gems like this article in the book by Gen. Satterfield and you will be better just by reading it. Implement some of the ideas, and you have an endless successful future ahead of your.
“A New Year’s resolution is like wishing upon a star; sometimes unrealistic but essential nonetheless. People make resolutions (wishing for a higher-order goal) because they have some idea that by aiming above the normal, above the mundane is a better way of saying it, they have the potential to transform themselves into something better and more useful. And this is why they aim high.” —- Gen. Doug Satterfield, and he nailed it.
This paragraph is key and never ever forget it. 👍
Nick, you got that right and I noticed this para too. You beat me to the punch by highlighting it.
Excellent comments on this important article. This too is one of Gen. Satterfield’s best. If you are new to the forums, then make a comment and tell us what you think.
Yep, agree. ❤️✔️😎😃🙏
I made my list of New Year’s resolutions and maybe now I have a better understanding of why.