The Jackrabbit Factor: Why You Can (book)

The jackrabbit factor is a term which refers to a particular philosophical success principle, based on an analogy of a dog chasing a rabbit. The term was originally coined by Leslie Householder, author of The Jackrabbit Factor: Why You Can.

Principle

If a person sees a dog chasing a rabbit, but could not see the rabbit, s/he would see the dog darting, barking and leaping around. To the bystander, the dog would seem crazy. This first part of the analogy compares the dog to a person with a dream for success. The person may seem to do erratic, crazy, irrational things in pursuit of the dream. If a bystander cannot "see" that person's dream, the person's behavior will Appear crazed as well.

Taking the analogy one step further, if another dog wanted a rabbit too, and decided to simply mimic the same steps as the first without "seeing" a rabbit itself, it would actually repel all rabbits as it jumped and barked erratically (hoping that doing so would somehow produce a rabbit). This compares directly to people who try to do precisely what another person has done in an effort to achieve the same success. It is claimed that this strategy will tend to repel the very success s/he seeks.

The term "jackrabbit factor" refers to the importance of having one's "eyes" fixed on one's objective. According to the book, a person must be able to visualize the success they seek, and feel the success as though they have already achieved it before beginning the chase. Doing what someone else has done in order to duplicate his/her success is said to be as futile as is jumping and barking to produce a rabbit. The claim is that if the goal is in clear view, the actions needed to capture the prize will actually become instinctive.

The book

The Jackrabbit Factor: Why You Can was ranked #5 on BarnesAndNoble.com on the day the book was launched, and the author credits the success of the book to the very principles contained in it. It is an extended version of this analogy, which follows the fictional Goodman family as they struggle financially and have a number of encounters which help them learn the laws of thought related to success.

The story begins with Richard and Felicity having a heated discussion about finances. Felicity berates Richard for his inability to provide for the family. Defeated, Richard disappears into the woods behind their home and Felicity fears he has gone to end his life. Frantically she searches for him, trying to keep little Matthew unaware of the possible tragedy. Richard has embarked on a strange and enlightening journey where he discovers the secret behind the voice of inspiration. Felicity also learns certain things that even she must do before she is able to find him.

The epilogue outlines a recommended pattern for goal setting, and the reader learns the importance of word selection. For example, it claims that to set a goal to "lose weight" will likely backfire, as a person's subconscious mind associates "lose" with something it must help him/her find; and "weight" with heaviness. Hence a goal to "lose weight" is said to be a direct command to one's subconscious mind to help him/her "find heaviness". Also, to set a goal with the words, "I will (do, have, or be)..." keeps the attainment of the goal forever in future tense, merely by the selection of the word "will".

Alternatively, the principle of the jackrabbit factor teaches a person to compose the same goal statement in a different way, such as: "I am so happy and grateful now that I am slender and energetic. It feels great to be able to wear the clothes I love."

It is suggested that to concentrate on how the attainment would feel actually reprograms a person's subconscious mind, and the accomplishment of the goal comes more naturally. These premises are based on the philosophy that our subconscious mind ultimately controls our tendencies, habits, and decisions.

About the Authors

Trevan and Leslie Householder are the parents of seven children. They are the founders of ThoughtsAlive.com, ProsperYourFamily.com and have also published “Hidden Treasures: Heaven’s Astonishing Help with Your Money Matters.”

While they have conducted seminars and provided personal success coaching since 2002, the age and stage of their young family was Leslie’s motivation to compose a message which will continue to reach and empower their audience even while she spends time with her preschoolers and changes diapers at home (approximately 38,990 diapers so far and still counting).

Audiences have been inspired through numerous classes they have created including, “Working with your Subconscious Mind to Achieve your Goals,” “Leaning on the Lord in a Financial Crisis,” and “Tuning in to the Abundance God has for You.”

They have held numerous teleclasses servicing participants around the world, and also conducted live seminars facilitating Bob Proctor’s Life Success programs in several states in the continental U.S. Leslie is a contributing author to the “Chicken Soup for the Soul” series, and her articles have circulated in internet ezines and print magazines alike.

You can learn more about Trevan and Leslie and their message at ThoughtsAlive.com. Sign up for the ThoughtsAlive Newsletter and/or their Insight of the Day to encourage you and strengthen your resolve to reach your highest potential.