Success isn’t about running faster; it’s about running in the right direction. 

Yet, how often do we find ourselves stretched too thin, trying to explore every business opportunity that comes our way? We convince ourselves that keeping all doors open is the safest strategy, but in reality, it can leave us stuck in place.

I didn’t realize how much this applied to my own journey until I picked up Stop Chasing Two Rabbits by Pat Hyland. It isn’t just another business book; it was a wake-up call. A reminder that in franchising, as in life, clarity is everything.

A Book That Hit Home

I don’t usually stop what I’m doing to read a book cover to cover, but this one felt different. From the first page, I felt like Hyland was speaking directly to me—like he understood the inner tug-of-war between ambition and focus.

As a franchise consultant, I guide aspiring business owners through life-changing decisions every day. But after reading this book, I started looking at my own decision-making differently. And that shift changed everything.

If you’ve ever felt torn between opportunities, keep reading. This might just be the perspective shift you need.

Clarity Amidst The Chaos

The franchise industry thrives on opportunity, but with opportunity comes an overwhelming number of choices. As someone who’s built a career in helping others navigate the franchise landscape, I know firsthand how analysis paralysis can set in. Pat Hyland’s book put this into perspective in a way I hadn’t considered before.

The message is simple yet profound: Focus is everything. The proverb that inspired the book—"If you chase two rabbits, you will not catch either one"—resonates deeply in franchising. Whether you're frustrated in your current job, retired, an emerging franchisor, a multi-unit owner, or a consultant advising potential franchisees, the principle holds: that trying to do too much at once often leads to stagnation.

Applying The Four-Box Approach To Franchising

One of the most impactful takeaways from the book was the Four-Box Approach. In franchising, we often talk about alignment—aligning a candidate’s goals, lifestyle, and values with the right business model. Hyland’s framework forces you to distill what truly matters:

1. Dreams: What do you ultimately want to achieve?

2. Goals: What measurable steps will get you there?

3. Needs: What are your non-negotiables?

4. Quality of Life: How does your business choice impact your lifestyle?

It’s a process I’ve always intuitively followed when advising clients, but seeing it structured so clearly made me rethink how I approach franchise matchmaking. Too often, candidates chase the hottest franchise trend rather than the right franchise for them. This book reinforced my belief that success in franchising isn’t about choosing the biggest brand—it's about choosing the best fit.

The Power Of A Single Decision

While Stop Chasing Two Rabbits isn’t a franchise book per se, its insights are directly applicable to this industry. It helped me refine my consulting approach, ensuring that I help clients eliminate distractions and focus on the right opportunity.

Beyond business, it also transformed how my wife and I approach major decisions together. We’ve learned that clarity leads to confidence, and confidence leads to action.

In an industry where options abound, this book is a powerful reminder that success isn’t about chasing every opportunity—it's about having the discipline to pursue the right one.

The right decision isn’t about doing more; it’s about choosing wisely. 

If you’re not sure, or a future franchisee, or an entrepreneur trying to find your next move, I can’t recommend this book enough. It might just be the perspective shift you need.

You can learn more about the author and order your book here.