Life Priorities

 Newt Gingrich, the American politician and author, popularized the concept of prioritizing tasks using the “hunting Antelope vs. chasing Mice” strategy. Let’s delve into this metaphor:


Imagine you are a majestic lion in the African Savannah, hungry and needing sustenance for your pride. You have two options:


Antelope: A large, muscular prey that requires effort to hunt, but the reward is substantial—enough food to thrive.

Mice: Small, easy to catch, but with minimal meat. Chasing them would expend energy, yet the nourishment gained would only allow survival, not thriving.

Now, let’s apply this to our daily lives:


Antelope: Represents the critical priorities in your life—both personal and professional. These are the tasks that truly matter, move the needle, and contribute to growth.

Mice: Symbolize distractions—menial tasks that consume time but yield little meaningful results.

When you sit at your desk, consider the materials before you:


On the left: Key projects that align with major professional goals.

On the right: A scratch pad with minor to-do items.

The choice seems obvious: focus on the antelope—the critical projects that propel you forward and enhance your professional growth. Yet, if we’re honest, we often find ourselves chasing mice—easy tasks that don’t contribute significantly.


So, let’s be lions: hunt antelope, not mice. Prioritize wisely, and your efforts will lead to thriving, not mere survival.

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