Hunting Antelope

Inspired by "The Antelope Principle" at SahilBloom.com

The regular season is over. Everyone's record is 0-0. 

Opposing forces say, "dream big" and "be realistic." That's called cognitive dissonance (CD). CD is the psychological discomfort experienced when a person holds two or more contradictory beliefs, ideas, or values simultaneously, or when their actions conflict with their beliefs. A classic example is Aesop's fable about "sour grapes," where a fox jumps trying to reach grapes. He can't reach them. So he tells himself that they were sour anyway. 

Bloom tells readers that lions can't survive hunting field mice. Hunting antelope creates problems and opportunity. He writes:

"Hunt antelope. The big, important problems and opportunities that require a much more methodical, thoughtful approach."

This recalls situations and sayings:

• "No guts no glory." 
• "Life is about the management of risk."
• "Match your work to your dreams."
• "A man's reach must exceed his grasp or what's a heaven for?" - Robert Browning
• "Small risk, small reward." 
• "Reach for the brass ring."

But it takes supreme focus. Learn the Confucian proverb, "The man who chases two rabbits will catch neither." 

And it takes execution, attention to detail, and limiting mistakes. You can't foot fault on lines, fail to communicate, be late to the block. Leave no meat on the bone. 

Lagniappe. Take lessons away wherever you can. Listen. Read widely. Challenge yourself to be curious.