“Be the person who breaks the cycle. If you were judged, choose understanding. If you were rejected, choose acceptance. If you were shamed, choose compassion. Be the person you needed when you were hurting, not the person who hurt you. Vow to be better than what broke you — to heal instead of becoming bitter so you can act from your heart, not your pain,” so advised Lori Deschene.
Stephen Covey added,, “Chasing after the poisonous snake that bites us will only drive the poison through our entire system. It is far better to take measures immediately to get the poison out.” Let’s reflect on avoiding acts that expose you to the snake chase effect.
Do you constantly react to perceived threats and indulge in unending pursuit of revenge? Are you distracted by minor issues while ignoring more significant ones? Are you in a state of pursuing perceived threats with an intensity that blinds you to more significant opportunities and long-term goals? If you answered “Yes” to any of these or similar questions, you may be a victim of a detrimental pattern that a writer called “Snake Chase Effect”—a metaphor for expending valuable energy and resources on something that is ultimately elusive, harmful, or simply not worth the chase. The fact is that getting caught in a prolonged pursuit of something unhelpful, drive for revenge, or sustained devotion to settle “scores,” diverts your attention from your actual journey, consumes your energy, and leaves you vulnerable to other, more pressing matters. Bitten by a “snake,” you may embark on the angry pursuit to kill the “snake” or choose to attend to the bite to reduce the escalation of the venom. In life, these “snakes” can take many forms: minor criticisms, unproductive conflicts, obsession over trivialities, etc. You may be tempted to magnify minor setbacks or insignificant details, allowing them to derail your focus from the bigger picture. You may become perpetually reactive to external stimuli, constantly putting out small fires instead of proactively building robust systems. The danger is that such a way of life leads to a feeling of being overwhelmed and being perpetually behind.
So, enhance your capacity to spend your energy on what yields the best outcomes. Reject the temptation to pursue elusive or harmful goals. Know that, sometimes, the “snake” isn’t a threat but a mirage. Be conscious when your chase merely consumes your most precious resources: time, energy, and emotional well-being with no commensurate reward. Be alert that by fixating on the “snake,” you often neglect the path you were originally on, and that may result in delayed personal growth and over-looked long-term aspiration. Clearly define your priorities, goals, and values. Know that having a strong sense of direction helps you discern what is worth your attention and what is merely a distraction. Know when to practice strategic disregard. Remember that not every criticism warrants a detailed defense, and not every trend demands your participation. Learn to selectively ignore that which does not serve your higher purpose. As a source couselled, “Ask yourself: ‘Will engaging with this move me closer to my goals or further away?'” Be proactive – avoid constantly reacting to problems. Recognize that not every battle is yours to fight. Cultivate emotional resilience to avoid getting entangled in unproductive conflicts. Periodically step back and assess where your time and energy are being spent.
As you step out, be aware of the perils of misdirected focus, reactive behaviour, and obsessive pursuit of perceived threats that ultimately lead to wasted effort and missed opportunities. Never indulge in impulsive pursuits that give instant gratification but distract you from your goals and/or subsequently make you a victim. Know what to let go and let it go.
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Prof. (Engr.) Esang Esitikot is a professor of occupational health and safety, a COREN-registed chemical engineer, public affairs analyst, UN Ambassador for Peace, certified management consultant, World Safety Organization Ambassador, recognized Environmental Ambassador, marriage counsellor, youth mentor, reviewer for some international research journals and volunteer lecturer at the Institute of Health, Safety, Security and Environment, University of Uyo. He is a manager in the oil and gas industry and was recognized by Highstone Global University, USA as the occupational health and safety personality of 2024. He can be contacted via 08035103559 (Whatsapp only) or email (esitikot@gmail.com).
