[June 20, 2026] We all tend to focus our lives on the exception: vacations or special occasions. That’s foolish. Your life is what you do every day; the mundane things you do every single day. That’s nearly everything you do in your life. You want to get those things right.
At your job, maybe you don’t want to talk with your boss except once a month because it’s miserable or perhaps you don’t want the boss to see you as not up to the job. That’s clearly not good because you need to spend time with your boss getting guidance and direction and maybe a reality check about what you’re doing or not doing.
“Stop and smell the roses.” — commonly attributed to Walter Hagen, a famous American golfer from his 1956 book The Walter Hagen Story
Focusing on your ordinary, mundane life doesn’t mean ignoring your goals; it means learning to see value in the everyday moments that make up your days. Philosophers, mindfulness practitioners, and self-help experts agree that meaning often hides in plain sight, and that cultivating presence can transform routine into richness.
Focus your life on your every day.
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NOTE: Many of these ideas today are from Dr. Jordan Peterson and the philosophy of Stoicism.
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Excellent post, sir. Everyday routines shape our character more than rare events. Embracing the mundane builds real discipline and meaning. Stoic wisdom and Peterson’s insights align perfectly here. Focus on daily excellence over chasing highs. Stop and smell the roses, as Hagen advised. This is another solid rule for a good life.
Thanks Sillyman for the thoughtful comment. Glad the everyday focus resonates with you. Daily discipline is truly key to strong leadership. I appreciate your continued support of Gen. Satterfied’s site. Keep leading well in your own life.
Sounds like Jordan Peterson, as Gen. Satterfield gets lots of his ideas. 🫡
CLASSIC GEN. SATTERFIELD “RULES” …………..
Is this another of Gen. Satterfield’s philosophical “rules”? Or something else? We all appreciate this.