Are You The Gazelle or the Hunter?
The Savannah Hunter in Us: Why Humans (and Salespeople) Win Through Persistence
I once became fascinated by the African savannah bow hunter—tracking a gazelle under the relentless sun. What struck me wasn’t just the skill but the mindset—one that mirrors the very essence of why humans have become the dominant species on Earth.
The Hunt: A Test of Endurance
For early humans, hunting in the savannah wasn’t about brute strength or speed. It was a battle of endurance and persistence.
The gazelle, much faster than any human, could reach speeds of 50-55 mph (80-90 km/h) in short bursts. The hunter, on the other hand, could only sprint at 15-20 mph (24-32 km/h) for brief moments. However, while the gazelle relied on speed, the hunter had a strategy—and an advantage.
Preparation: Hiding Water for the Long Haul
The hunter knew the chase wouldn’t be over quickly, so he planned ahead.
Before the hunt, he strategically buried ostrich eggs filled with water along the hunting grounds. These hidden water caches ensured he could stay hydrated in the extreme heat, preventing exhaustion before the hunt was won.
Without water, he would overheat and be forced to quit. With it, he could keep going long after the gazelle had spent its energy.
The Chase: Persistence Over Speed
Once the hunt began, the hunter walked and walked, scanning the landscape for signs of his prey. When he finally spotted a gazelle, he carefully positioned himself, drew back his handmade bow, and fired an arrow.
A direct hit! But the gazelle didn’t fall immediately. Adrenaline kicked in, and the wounded animal bolted at full speed.
Most hunters would stop there. But not this one.
Instead of sprinting after the gazelle, the hunter played the long game. He followed the blood trail, moving forward at a steady 6-8 mph (10-13 km/h)—a pace that humans can sustain for hours, even in harsh conditions.
Each time he spotted the gazelle, it ran again. The cycle repeated itself—spot, chase, lose, track, spot again.
Until something fascinating happened.
The Turning Point: When the Gazelle Gives In
After running multiple times, the gazelle faced a new problem: overheating. Unlike humans, gazelles can’t sweat to regulate body temperature. Instead, they rely on stopping and breathing heavily to cool down.
The hunter, on the other hand, had an evolutionary advantage: he could keep running. His sweat cooled his body, and his water caches kept him going.
Then, at a certain moment, the gazelle stopped running. It had reached exhaustion, unable to flee any longer.
That’s when the hunter delivered the final strike.
And that’s why humans are here today.
The Business Lesson: Why Winners Don’t Give Up
This ancient hunting method teaches us two powerful lessons:
Strategic planning beats brute force. The hunter didn’t rely on luck—he prepared, hid water, and paced himself to ensure he could finish what he started.
Persistence breaks resistance. The gazelle was faster, but it gave up. The hunter did not. That single trait—the ability to keep going when others quit—is what makes humans different from every other species.
Sales Is Just Another Kind of Hunt
Sales is no different.
The best salespeople don’t panic when a prospect runs away. They stay in the game, knowing that persistence wins in the long run. They keep reaching out, following up, and staying visible. And eventually, just like the gazelle, the customer stops running.
Maybe they were avoiding your pitch. Maybe they had objections. Maybe they just weren’t ready.
But when they see you’re still there—still showing up, still providing value—they begin to think:
"Maybe I should listen."
That’s when you close the deal.
The Human Edge: Why We Outlast the Competition
If humans dominate the planet today, it’s not because we were the strongest, fastest, or fiercest species. It’s because we could grind longer than anything else.
In business, as in hunting, that’s what separates the best from the rest. The winners are the ones who don’t stop.
So, next time a deal seems impossible, ask yourself:
“Am I the gazelle or the hunter?”
