Wolves and Productivity

​
“Be very careful what you say to yourself
because someone very important is listening . . . YOU!”
​- John Assaraf

Photo by Frida Lannerström on Unsplash

​[4 Minute Read or Listen Below]

New Path Productivity LLC · New Path Perspective Blog: Wolves And Productivity

We've all heard the internal voice saying, "I can't do this," or "I'm hopeless."

This voice, dripping with doubt, fear, and negativity, can become such a regular part of our inner dialogue that we don't even notice anymore. But it is always there, subtly influencing our thoughts, actions, and behavior.

​There’s a Native American parable attributed to the Cherokee people. It goes like this:
 
A grandfather is talking with his grandson. The grandfather says, "In life, there are two wolves inside of us which are always at battle. One is a good wolf, which represents things like kindness, bravery, and love. The other is a bad wolf, which represents things like greed, hatred, and fear." The grandson thinks for a moment and asks, "Grandfather, which one wins?" The grandfather replies, "The one you feed."
 
This story holds a powerful truth that can transform how we approach our inner dialogue.
 
Each day, whether we're aware of it or not, we engage in an inner battle between two forces: productivity and procrastination, confidence and doubt, positive self-talk and negative self-talk.
 
Negative self-talk is like the bad wolf. It thrives on fear and doubt and tells us we're not good enough, fast enough, or capable enough. It whispers, "Why bother starting? You'll just fail." This voice can lead to self-sabotage, causing us to put off tasks or work below our true potential. Feeding this bad wolf can make even simple tasks seem impossible.
 
On the other hand, the good wolf represents positive self-talk—encouragement, resilience, and self-compassion. This wolf urges us to believe in our abilities, to keep going when the work gets tough, and to acknowledge progress, however small. The good wolf tells us, "You've got this. Keep pushing. Every small step counts."
 
The key to productivity is recognizing which wolf we are feeding.
 
Negative self-talk is a huge culprit in undermining productivity. Let's explore an example. You have a big presentation to prepare and catch yourself thinking, "I'm terrible at public speaking. I'll mess this up." That thought alone might prevent you from even starting. Instead of working on your slides or practicing your speech, you might procrastinate, convincing yourself you'll fail anyway.
 
Over time, this internal dialogue builds into a cycle. The more you feed that bad wolf with thoughts of inadequacy and fear, the more powerful it becomes. You begin to internalize these beliefs, turning them into self-fulfilling prophecies. Tasks take longer, creativity stalls, and your productivity suffers.
 
Negative self-talk can also bring perfectionism with it. When we set impossibly high standards for ourselves and focus only on what we haven't achieved, the weight of our expectations can be paralyzing. We feed the bad wolf with thoughts like, "It's not good enough yet," or "I'll never get this right."
 
How do we shift from feeding the bad wolf to nurturing the good one? The answer lies in our awareness of our thoughts and consciously changing them.
 
This shift isn't about silencing the bad wolf completely—that's unrealistic. Instead, it's about choosing which wolf you feed and, by extension, which thoughts you empower.
 
Here are a few strategies to help you feed the good wolf and, in turn, boost your productivity:
 
Recognize Your Negative Thoughts
The first step in breaking the cycle of negative self-talk is simply noticing it. When you hear that voice saying, "I can't do this," take a pause. Recognize it as the bad wolf trying to gain control. Acknowledge the thought without judgment and remind yourself that it's just a thought—not reality.
 
Challenge the Negative Narrative
Once you've recognized a negative thought, challenge it. Ask yourself, "Is this true? What evidence do I have that contradicts this thought?" For instance, if you're telling yourself, "I'll never be able to finish this project on time," reflect on past instances where you've successfully met deadlines. Feeding the good wolf means countering self-doubt with truth and possibility.
 
Practice Self-Compassion
Feeding the good wolf also means showing yourself kindness and compassion. When things don't go perfectly, resist the urge to criticize yourself. Instead, try saying, "I'm doing my best, and that's enough." By treating yourself with the same compassion you'd offer a friend, you nurture the wolf of love and bravery.
 
Set Small, Achievable Goals
Productivity isn't about giant leaps; it's about small, consistent steps forward. Break down your tasks into manageable pieces, and celebrate each small win. This behavior reinforces positive self-talk and builds momentum, making it easier to keep feeding the good wolf.
 
Reframe Challenges
Instead of viewing obstacles as failures, try seeing them as opportunities to grow. When something doesn't go as planned, ask yourself, "What can I learn from this?" This reframing helps you shift from a mindset of fear and inadequacy (feeding the bad wolf) to one of growth and resilience (feeding the good wolf).
 
 
The battle between the two wolves is one we all face. Whether we're working toward a deadline, navigating a difficult decision, or simply trying to get through a busy day, our thoughts have the power to shape our actions.
 
By choosing to feed the good wolf, we can boost our productivity and foster a mindset of self-compassion, courage, and growth.
 
The next time you find yourself in that familiar tug-of-war between negative and positive thoughts, pause. Remember the parable. And ask yourself: Which wolf am I feeding today?