Mental Wellness
Become a Champion
By Erik Vermeulen
We all have those days at work when everything seems to be an uphill battle . It ’ s normal to feel demotivated or even tempted to throw in the towel . But champions aren ’ t built on the easy days , they ’ re forged in the fires of adversity .
Feeding the Right Wolf
By Glen Ross
We can learn a lot about ourselves from parables – stories used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson – like the one about the fight going on within ourselves every day .
An old Cherokee was teaching his grandson about life . “ A fight is going on inside me ,” he said to the boy . “ It is a terrible fight , and it is between two wolves . One is evil – he is anger , envy , sorrow , regret , greed , arrogance , selfpity , guilt , resentment , inferiority , lies , false pride , superiority , and ego .”
He continued , “ The other is good – he is joy , peace , love , hope , serenity , humility , kindness , benevolence , empathy , generosity , truth , compassion , and faith . The same fight is going on inside you – and inside every other person , too .” The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather , “ Which wolf will win ?” The old Cherokee simply replied , “ The one you feed .”
Think of your work journey as a marathon , not a sprint . Sure , there are days when you feel like you can conquer the world . Those are the good days , the days when motivation is high and everything falls into place . But real growth happens on the tough days . For example , imagine hitting a roadblock on a project , where it feels like you ’ ve hit a dead end and the urge to quit is strong . That ’ s when you need to dig deep . It ’ s in those moments of struggle that you grow the most – professionally and personally . Just like athletes push through pain to reach their goals , employees push through challenges to excel in their careers . It ’ s about resilience , perseverance and a growth mindset .
So , how can you apply this thinking ? Firstly , embrace challenges as opportunities . Instead of seeing obstacles as roadblocks , see them as stepping stones to success . Every challenge is a chance to learn , improve , and become better at what you do . Secondly , don ’ t be afraid to ask for help . Champions don ’ t go it alone . They have coaches , mentors and teammates supporting them . Reach out to colleagues or supervisors when you need guidance or support . Collaboration and teamwork are key to overcoming challenges .
Thirdly , stay focused on your goals . Remember why you started this journey in the first place . Visualise your success , and let that drive you forward , even on the toughest days . Lastly , celebrate small victories along the way . Progress , no matter how small , is still progress . Acknowledge your achievements , no matter how minor they may seem . It ’ s these small wins that build momentum and keep you motivated .
In conclusion , remember that champions aren ’ t born ; they ’ re made through perseverance , resilience , and a positive mindset . Embrace challenges , seek support when needed , stay focused on your goals , and celebrate your progress . You ’ ve got this !
Erik Vermeulen is a behavioural strategist focusing on employee engagement strategies , combining employee and customer engagement with his endurance endeavours in running , cycling , adventure sports , expedition races and mountaineering . This unique blend of knowledge and experience makes him a sought after coach and motivational speaker .
56 ISSUE 168 | www . modernathlete . co . za More at https :// ridgelineza . com .
Inner Fight
The two wolves represent different aspects of our emotions , thoughts and behaviour . The evil wolf embodies negative qualities that are often associated with distressing emotions and harmful behaviour that can bring about suffering , both for ourselves and those around us . On the other hand , the good wolf represents positive qualities such as joy , peace , love , and empathy . These qualities promote emotional wellbeing , harmonious relationships , and personal growth .
The key insight from this parable lies in the response of the old Cherokee to his grandson ’ s question . His answer implies that the wolf we nurture and give our attention to will ultimately dominate our thoughts , emotions and actions . In the context of our lives , this means that the more we focus on cultivating positive qualities , the more they will flourish within us . By consciously choosing to feed the good wolf , we can foster emotional resilience , build healthier relationships , and lead a more fulfilling life .
Feeding the good wolf involves practising self-awareness , mindfulness and self-care . It means engaging in activities that bring us joy , finding peace through relaxation techniques or meditation , and fostering loving and compassionate attitudes towards ourselves and others .
Glen Ross is a dedicated Brain Health Coach , Therapist , and Mental Health Ambassador . With a passion for empowering individuals , he guides you on a transformative journey towards improved wellbeing and personal growth , helps you to optimise brain health , enhance mental resilience , overcome challenges and unlock your full potential . More at www . glenross . co .
It ’ s important to acknowledge that the presence of the evil wolf is natural , and part of our human experience . We all have moments of negative emotions or unhelpful thoughts . However , by acknowledging these feelings without judgment and consciously choosing to focus on nurturing the good wolf , we can gradually shift the balance towards positivity and emotional wellbeing .
Power in Our Hands
Remember , this parable serves as a reminder that we have the power to shape our inner landscape by choosing where we direct our attention and energy . By consciously feeding the good wolf within us , we can cultivate qualities that contribute to our overall mental and emotional health .