What is Chief Rabbit

Life is hard, it doesn’t have to be.

Chief Rabbit is a weekly newsletter with stories and insights that help people get out of their own way, especially when they’re struggling and don’t know why.

What I Believe

I believe that people are capable of doing amazing things, they just need to understand what’s actually in their way.

Most people aren’t stuck because they lack answers. They’re stuck because they can’t see what’s really stopping them. Once you understand what’s in your way, the path forward becomes obvious.

What Chief Rabbit Does

Mission: To give people clarity when they’re overwhelmed, perspective when they’re stuck, and a way forward when everything feels too big.

Vision: To help millions of people get unstuck and do the things they’re actually capable of doing.

Every week, I share stories and insights that help you:

• See what’s actually stopping you (not what you think is stopping you)

• Understand why you’re struggling so you can stop wasting energy on the wrong solutions

• Get out of your own way and move forward

Problems I Help You Solve

• Feeling drained and scattered - Trying to focus on everything at once and wondering why nothing gets done

• Waiting for motivation that never comes - Thinking you need to feel ready before you can start moving

• Overcomplicating what should be simple - Adding unnecessary complexity when the answer is straightforward

• Not knowing what’s actually wrong - Struggling but unable to figure out what’s really causing it

• Perfectionism paralysis - Can’t start because you think it needs to be perfect from the beginning

Why is it Called Chief Rabbit?

I spent a few days brainstorming the name. I wanted something fun, unique, personally meaningful, and not offensive. The word “chief” comes from the Old French “chef,” meaning “leader” or “head.” No cultural appropriation, just etymology.

But the real reason? Watership Down by Richard Adams.

I revisit it every few weeks. The scene where Bigwig fights Woundwart in the warren and says, “My Chief Rabbit has told me to stay and defend this run, and until he says otherwise, I shall stay here” gets me every time.

That’s the spirit. Stay. Defend. Keep moving forward.

Core Principles

Ever Forward. Setbacks happen. Keep moving. The only way out is through.

Raise the Tide. When you help others succeed, everyone wins. Share what you know.

Start Before You’re Ready. Waiting for the perfect moment keeps you stuck. Begin now, adjust as you go.

Less Thinking. More Doing. Overcomplication kills progress. Strip it down and take action.

Never Underestimate the Power of Just Showing Up. Half the battle is being present. Consistency beats talent.

You Can’t Solve a Problem You Won’t Admit Exists. Awareness is the first step. Be honest, then take action.

Every Day I’m Hustlin. Get 1% better every damn day.

Chief Rabbit is free. Always will be.

But if you’d like to support this work, you can upgrade to a paid subscription. You’ll get:

• Monthly Q&A threads

• Behind-the-scenes notes

• Vote on topics

$5/month or $50/year

Everything I write stays free for everyone. Paid subscribers just help keep it sustainable.

Get Started

Subscribe now and get the free Chief Rabbit Productivity Guide plus full access to the newsletter and archives.

Let’s make progress simple.

Ever Forward,
Derek