Chapter 1: The Inner Conflict

Life constantly presents us with opportunities and challenges. How we navigate these moments significantly influences our overall quality of life. At times, we may find ourselves at a crossroads, unsure of which direction to take. However, by stepping out of autopilot mode, being present, and consciously exercising our willpower, we can enhance our ability to identify the right path for ourselves.

A powerful Native American (Cherokee) tale about two wolves illustrates this inner struggle beautifully. An elderly Cherokee man shares with his grandson the ongoing battle within all humans. He explains, “Inside me, there is a persistent conflict — it’s a fierce battle between two wolves. One wolf embodies negativity: anger, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, and false pride.”

He then describes the other wolf as a force of positivity, representing joy, peace, hope, humility, kindness, generosity, and compassion. He tells his grandson, “This conflict exists within you and every person.”

After reflecting on this, the grandson asks, “Which wolf will emerge victorious?” The wise elder responds, “The one you choose to nourish.”

While my previous article, "Take Control of Your Mind — Don’t Let it Control You!" emphasizes awareness, the concept of feeding the good wolf leans more towards actionable practice. It’s about intentionally shifting away from negative thought patterns and embracing healthier perspectives, a commitment that may require daily effort throughout one’s life.

All emotions depicted in the “Two Wolves” parable reside within us, even if some might be reluctant to acknowledge this truth. Those who deny their capacity for negativity can be just as dangerous — if not more so — than those who openly admit it. When we’re unaware of our potential for harmful thoughts, we can inadvertently inflict pain on ourselves and others. Recognizing that we experience emotions like anger and jealousy allows us to shift our focus towards something positive when these feelings arise.

By cultivating self-awareness, we can nurture the positive aspects within us, even if they are not always at the forefront. Through consistent practice, we feed our “good wolf,” making positive emotions more accessible over time.

There will undoubtedly be moments when happiness feels out of reach or inappropriate, especially during difficult times for ourselves or those around us. The key is not to dwell in negative states for too long. Allowing unpleasant feelings to arise and dissipate without clinging to them is essential. Practicing the mental exercise of fostering positivity, regardless of its immediate presence, leads to a more optimistic mindset. While achieving a perfectly healthy mental state 24/7 is unrealistic, even a 1% daily improvement can yield significant behavioral changes over time.

To elevate ourselves, we must feed our minds with constructive thoughts. If we can consistently foster this mindset, both our quality of life and our relationships will flourish. Consider this: how much better would your life be if you focused on the positive aspects — or fed the good wolf — just 5% to 10% more each day? What changes would unfold over the course of a year, five years, or even a decade?

Chapter 2: The Journey of Self-Improvement

Vertis Williams is a Life Coach specializing in Positive Habits and Mindfulness Training. He frequently presents at corporate and team development events. For more information about his workshops or coaching services, reach out to him for a complimentary habit coaching session!

Read more from Vertis Williams III and thousands of other writers on Medium — Click Here! Your membership supports writers you enjoy and grants you access to all stories on Medium — Click Here to get started!