2026: Build Real Capability, Not Resolutions

2025 is rapidly coming to a close, with the new year just around the corner. In our culture, this time of year is marked by reflection, optimism, and the familiar belief that this time things will be different. Gyms fill up. Diets begin. Goals are publicly declared with confidence.

And then—quietly and predictably—most of them disappear.

Not because people are lazy, but because most New Year’s resolutions are built on motivation, not structure. Motivation fades. Discipline endures. When structure is absent, even the best intentions collapse under inconvenience.

At Sentinel Combatives, we approach the new year differently.

We don’t ask, “What do I want to change?”
We ask, “What capability do I want to possess when it matters?”

For the past few years, I’ve revisited a 2022 blog post from a trusted instructor colleague: Becoming More Dangerous. Not dangerous in a reckless or paranoid sense—but dangerous in the sense of being capable, disciplined, resilient, and difficult to overwhelm, physically, mentally, and practically.

As we move into 2026, that idea is worth revisiting—with intention and structure.

What “Dangerous” Actually Means

Being dangerous isn’t about posturing or fear. It’s about capability—the ability to negotiate the inevitable obstacles of life without panic or collapse.

It means:

• You can protect yourself and those you’re responsible for
• You can operate under stress instead of freezing
• You are physically capable, mentally grounded, and situationally aware
• You don’t rely on luck, hope, or convenience

As Jordan Peterson once said:

“A harmless man is not a good man.
A good man is a very dangerous man who has that under voluntary control.”

That’s the standard.

Why Resolutions Fail (and Training Works)

Most resolutions fail for three reasons:

• They’re vague (“get in shape,” “be healthier”)
• They rely on motivation instead of habit
• They aren’t tied to real-world outcomes

Training works because it’s specific, measurable, progressive, and grounded in reality.

Instead of resolutions, we recommend capability goals—goals that answer one simple question:

What will I be able to do that I cannot do today?

There’s an old military adage: always improve your position. Right now, you have time, bandwidth, and opportunity. Use them.

One of the biggest mistakes people make with goal setting is letting goals grow so large they become overwhelming. Build a long-term plan—but break it down into small, manageable actions. Micro-goals keep momentum alive.

Just as important: measure progress. Ambiguous goals lead to ambiguous results. Quantify what success looks like. Track it. Adjust course when needed.

The Sentinel Combatives Goal-Setting Framework for 2026

Whether you’re a current student or considering training with us, here’s how to approach the year ahead.

Physical Capability (Non-Negotiable)

Your body is the delivery system for every skill you have. This isn’t about extremes—it’s about discipline.

You don’t need to be Jocko Willink. But you do need to build something that resembles consistency and self-respect.

Baseline goals:

• Strength training 2–3x per week
• Aerobic capacity (rucking, hiking, Zone 2 work)
• Mobility and joint health
• Reduced excess body fat and improved recovery

Action items:

• Schedule training like an appointment
• Walk or hike daily, even briefly
• Lift with purpose, not ego
• Eat real food; reduce processed inputs
• Be honest about alcohol and sleep

You don’t need to be an athlete. You need to be functional under stress.

Combatives & Self-Defense Skills

Fitness without skill is fragile. Simplicity wins.

Learn gross motor, high-percentage combatives first—then layer complexity.

Baseline goals:

• Striking, clinch, and ground survival
• Understanding common civilian violence patterns
• Decision-making under stress

Action items:

• Commit to consistent Krav Maga or combatives training
• Train scenario-based defense, not just isolated drills
• Pressure-test techniques responsibly
• Emphasize simplicity, aggression, and movement

This is why Sentinel Combatives exists—to turn training time into real capability.

Tactical & Practical Skills

Modern self-protection extends beyond empty hands. It requires a holistic approach.

Baseline goals:

• Medical self-reliance
• Responsible weapons literacy
• Environmental awareness and problem-solving

Action items:

• Obtain basic trauma medical training (TCCC / Stop the Bleed)
• Practice navigation, movement, and awareness
• Attend at least one external training course
• Build comfort operating under uncertainty

Skill doesn’t require obsession—just deliberate exposure and consistency.

Resilience at Home & in Daily Life

Preparedness starts where you live.

Baseline goals:

• Redundancy for essentials
• Clear family plans
• Reduced dependency on convenience

Action items:

• Develop and rehearse emergency plans
• Maintain first-aid, fire, and safety equipment
• Improve food and water resilience incrementally
• Build relationships with people you trust

This isn’t about isolation. It’s about strengthening the foundation of your household.

For Sentinel Combatives Students

If you already train with us, your challenge is simple:

• Identify one weak area and attack it deliberately
• Choose consistency over intensity
• Track progress quarterly—not emotionally

Skill compounds when training is boring, disciplined, and consistent.

For Prospective Students

If you’ve been “thinking about training,” 2026 is your opportunity to stop thinking and start doing.

You don’t need to be in shape.
You don’t need experience.
You need commitment and humility.

We’ll help you build the rest—methodically and sustainably.

Final Word: Capability Is a Virtue

Becoming more dangerous isn’t about preparing for the worst. It’s about becoming harder to overwhelm in an uncertain world.

I’ll leave you with a recent post I shared:

“Going into the new year—train more physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Invest in those who invest in you.
Cherish those who want to spend time with you.
Touch grass and Be thankful.”

As a close friend of mine often says:

“You can’t set yourself on fire to keep other people warm.”

Build capability. Build discipline.
And walk into 2026 ready.