Chasing What Matters [RERUN]
9 Ways to Live Like a Lion Chaser
“Chase the Lion” is a crucial mantra, or ethos, that directs my decision making. It serves as both motivation and a mission statement.
To Chase the Lion is to look what i’m afraid of in the eyes and run straight toward it. This mantra means identifying and addressing the things that stand in the way between where I currently am and where I believe I could be.
Chasing the Lion is embodied by not tolerating the things that are limiting my potential, my impact, my integrity, and my mission.
Below, you’ll find 9 suggestions for living like a lion chaser.
Almost always, success is on the other side of doing what scares you.
More importantly, we can only become who we're meant to be
by facing, not fleeing from challenges.
To Be a Lion Chaser
See obstacles as opportunities.
Every obstacle is an opportunity for an amazing outcome. There is deep satisfaction and fulfillment on the other side of overcoming the odds in pursuit of your vision.
Chase challenges — especially ones you have a high chance at failing.
Comfort will be your death by 1,000 cuts. You grow in accordance with the challenges you face and the obstacles you overcome.
You should have a 50/50 shot at success.
Step up. Don't wait.
You will not become who you’re meant to be, or develop the life you want by waiting for someone else to do the work for you. Pull up your sleeves and take action.
Understand every challenge you overcome provides strength for the next one — a harder one. Lion chasers become giant slayers, giant slayers become kings.
Your wins will provide confidence, courage, and capacity for greater ones.
Use the strength you develop to serve others.
Live in service to others.
Be capable of violence, then use it to protect.
A weak person can not protect those in need. Train your capacity for durability and danger, so that you can truly rise to the occasion if the need to protect comes calling.
Have a sound mind and, to the extent that you can control, have strong body.
Your biology, physiology, and neurology can be a detriment & deterrent, or it can be a benefit to your dreams. Do not be limited by things within your control. Practice habits that make you strong, able-bodied, and full of vitality.
Surrender yourself to a divine, objective, and enduring truth — to a mission that you must constantly evolve to serve.
Live for something greater. Become a part of a story that continues long after you are gone.
Enjoy the chase.
Pursue your dreams with a positive spirit & hopeful perspective.
Reflection
Spend some time listing out the “lions” in your life.
What are the things that create fear and anxiety for you that you could do something about?
What are the things you dream of that you’re even scared to say out loud?
Maybe it’s practical, maybe it’s professional, maybe it’s deeply personal.
Consider these and create a plan for what you’re going to do to address them.
References
Book 1, In a Pit With a Lion on a Snowy Day. Book 2, Chase the Lion - Mark Batterson.
The story of King David’s Mighty Man, Benaiah. 2 Samuel 23:20
The story of David, 1 Samuel 17:34-35