The man who chases two rabbits, catches neither.
Imagine a very hungry man walking through a dense forest. He has travelled for days without finding any food, and just when he’s about to give up, he stumbles upon a clearing where hundreds of rabbits are roaming freely. Excited by the sight, he moves closer—but as soon as the rabbits sense his presence, they scatter, running in all directions. Desperate and determined to catch one, the man starts running left, then right, then left again, chasing one rabbit after another. But after an hour of exhausting effort, he collapses to the ground, empty-handed and still hungry.
The moral of the story? You can’t chase two rabbits at the same time—or, in this case, a hundred. If you want to catch a rabbit, you need to focus on just one, understand how it moves, and put all your energy into applying the right strategy to catch it. Otherwise, you’ll end up like the man: tired, frustrated, and still far from your goal.
This is exactly what happens to many people when it comes to setting goals and taking action. They try to chase too many “rabbits” at once and end up with nothing. But when you choose one rabbit and commit to it, that’s when the magic happens.
Why We Chase Too Many Rabbits?
Have you ever found yourself juggling multiple goals at the same time—trying to lose weight, start a business, learn a new language, and improve your relationships all at once? You’re not alone. Many of us fall into this trap because:
- We Fear Missing Out (FOMO): We don’t want to miss any opportunities, so we try to do everything.
- We Lack Clarity: We’re unsure of what we really want, so we keep switching from one goal to another.
- We Believe That More Means Better: We think that the more goals we pursue, the more successful we’ll be—when, in reality, the opposite is often true.
The Power of Choosing One Rabbit
When you focus on one goal at a time, you give yourself the best chance to succeed. Here’s why:
- Deeper Progress: Instead of making tiny, scattered progress in many areas, you make significant progress in one.
- Reduced Overwhelm: By simplifying your focus, you reduce stress and avoid burnout.
- Greater Mastery: When you dedicate your energy to one pursuit, you’re more likely to achieve mastery in that area.
How to Choose Your Rabbit
So how do you decide which rabbit to chase? Here are some questions to help you identify your primary goal:
- What Excites You Most? Think about what lights you up and makes you feel alive.
- What Feels Aligned with Your Long-Term Vision? Consider where you want to be in the next 5-10 years and choose a goal that moves you closer to that vision.
- What Can You Commit to Fully? Be honest with yourself about the time, energy, and resources you’re willing to invest.
Know Your Hunger – Identify Your Why
The man was hungry, and that hunger drove him to chase rabbits. But here’s the key: what is your hunger? What is driving you? If you’re setting a goal, you need to be crystal clear about why it matters.
Let’s say your goal is to earn an extra $2000 a month. Why? Ask yourself what that $2000 will give you.
- “I want to earn $2000 a month because it will pay for the dance class my daughter dreams of taking.”
- “An extra $2000 will allow me to travel overseas twice a year and experience new cultures.”
- “With $2000 more, I’ll finally be able to reduce my debt and have peace of mind.”
Your why is what will keep you going when things get hard. Write it down daily. Feed your why by keeping it at the forefront of everything you’re doing. Review it every morning and every night and remind yourself what you’re working toward.
Understanding and Catching Your Rabbit
Once you’ve chosen your rabbit, it’s time to catch it. Here’s how:
- Study Your Rabbit: Understand what success looks like in your chosen area. Research, learn from others, and get clear on the steps you need to take.
- Break Down Your Goal: Divide your goal into smaller, actionable steps that you can work on daily or weekly.
- Take Consistent Action: Success doesn’t come from one big leap—it comes from consistent, focused effort over time.
Become the Hunter – Who Do You Need to Be?
If the man wants to catch a rabbit, he needs to stop acting like a wanderer and start thinking like a hunter. Similarly, if you want to achieve your goal, you need to become the person who can achieve it.
Ask yourself: Who do I need to be to catch my rabbit?
If your goal is to earn that extra $2000, think about the habits, mindset, and actions of someone who already has that kind of income. Do they procrastinate? Do they waste time doubting themselves? Or do they show up daily, take small consistent steps, and stay focused on their why?
How To become the person who achieves your goal?
- Adopt the habits that align with your goal.
- Think and Act as if you already are that person. What would someone earning $2000 more per month do each day? How would they handle setbacks?
- Commit to growth by learning the skills, gaining the knowledge, and developing the discipline you need.
Avoiding the Rabbit Chase Trap
Even after you’ve chosen your rabbit, it can be tempting to chase new “rabbits” that cross your path. Here are some strategies to stay focused:
- Time-Blocking: Set aside dedicated time each day to work on your goal.
- Say “No” to Distractions: Learn to say “no” to opportunities that don’t align with your chosen rabbit.
- Keep a Progress Journal: Track your progress and reflect on your wins to stay motivated.
Protect Your Time – Set Boundaries Like Your Life Depends on It
Time is your most valuable resource. If you’re serious about catching your rabbit, you need to protect your time fiercely. Think of your time as sacred and set clear boundaries around it.
If you currently spend 10 hours a week on the phone with friends and family, can you cut that in half? If you have a bestie who calls to vent about her partner’s drama for hours, it’s time for a loving but firm conversation:
“I love you, but I’m working on an important goal right now, so I won’t be available as much. Let’s check in once a week instead.”
This isn’t about being harsh—it’s about prioritizing your goals and dreams. Every hour you free up is an hour you can invest in your rabbit.
Practical Tips to Protect Your Time:
- Create a “No List” of things you won’t do anymore (like mindlessly scrolling for hours or binge-watching TV every night).
- Communicate your boundaries to the people in your life so they understand and respect your new priorities.
Conclusion: Choose, Focus, and Thrive
The path to success isn’t about doing everything—it’s about doing the right thing with full commitment. So, take a moment today to reflect. Ask yourself: Which rabbit am I chasing?
Choose one. Focus on it. Understand it. And then, with all your energy and willpower, go catch it.
Because when you choose your rabbit and stay the course, that’s when you finally win.
With all my heart,
Salima
