Which wolf is winning in your life?


Reader, you're here! Thanks for opening this email.

In 2022 I published my book, Show Up Positive. It's a simple playbook to increase the positive experiences in your life by choosing daily actions that foster positive behaviors in the world around you.

It is a battle plan to feed the good wolf* inside you.

*A grandfather describes to his grandson a battle between two wolves within oneself. In this metaphor for inner conflict, one wolf is kind and good, the other is mean and bad. The boy asks, "Which wolf wins?" The grandfather answers, "Whichever one you feed."

For the past three years, I've been naming the inner wolf battles and showing people how to feed the good wolf.

Reader, I have witnessed how easily our human nature results in thought cycles that feed the bad wolf:

  • victim narratives
  • subjugation of self
  • chasing fame, wealth, materialism, happiness, etc.
  • avoidance strategies

Your bad wolf looks outside of you for gratification. The mantra of the bad wolf begins, "I'll be happy when..."

The Good Wolf

Your good wolf focuses within because she understands that when you are centered and gratification flows from within you, you are the strongest, most resilient version of yourself.

She knows the wisdom of asking, "What do I need right now?" and prioritizing it.

One secret you should know from the science of happiness is that your good wolf feasts when you focus on what brings meaning to your life.

It is too easy to fall into the trap of routine and obligation. It sounds like this, "(sigh), I have to..."

"I have to" phrases are traps that feed your bad wolf, leading to obligation, frustration, and resentment.

So Reader I want to offer you a simple reframe to shift from feeding your bad wolf to feeding your good wolf:

"I Get To..."

I have to stay late to finish this report becomes I get to honor myself by delivering this report on time, as promised

I have to go to my family cookout tonight becomes I get to show my family how much I value them by spending time together tonight

I have to start over becomes I get a second chance to apply what I learned the first time and do even better this time

​

Reader, hear me. I'm not promising that you will feel joyful just because you convert your "I have to" to an "I get to."

It will, however, feel less sucky because now you are operating from a why that is bigger than obligation.

And don't be surprised, as you start this practice, to hear your bad wolf saying, "You can't fool me, this is BS." If she's been well fed, she's not going to give up easily.

So, stick with it for June. Make a real effort to convert your 'have' to a 'get', and then judge the results.

I'm looking forward to hearing how it's going.

​

NOTE:

This "meaning" practice is part of my Star Treatment💫5-point System which applies the latest insights from neuroscience and psychology to deliver LONG-TERM RETENTION: Retain the best people without the added cost of perks; COST SAVINGS: Retain institutional knowledge and reduce the expense of talent replacement; PERFORMANCE: Full discretionary effort from employees and resilience in the face of any challenge.

​

​
Have an extraordinary week!

Subscribed to The Story I'm Telling Myself Podcast

Give us a 5-star review and share an episode with a friend: Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube Music​

​

How to Leave a 5-star review

​

​

The Story I’m Telling Myself is for anyone who wants to overcome the limitations of self-doubt and live a life of purpose and fulfillment.

Through candid conversations, you'll discover:

  • The hidden costs of listening to your inner critic: How fear and doubt sabotage your confidence, happiness, and success.
  • Transformational strategies for silencing the negative voice: Learn how to overcome self-doubt, embrace vulnerability, and step into your true potential.
  • The power of a mindset shift: Discover how changing your internal dialogue can lead to extraordinary results.

Real-life stories of courage and resilience: Gain inspiration from everyday people who overcame their negative self-talk to live a life of purpose and fulfillment.

Listen to the podcast on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube Music.

​

Rita Ernst, Positivity Influencer

My weekly emails are for you if you want a transformational SHOT OF POSITIVITY that makes you think, gets you laughing, and sparks a positive change. Start each week inspired.

Read more from Rita Ernst, Positivity Influencer

Reader, stop pushing the boulder. My client: "The two new city managers are doing a good job of holding people accountable. I'm not sure some of the team members like it. We might lose a few, but they've got to take swift action to get the revenue up." Me: "You know that's the hard way. Managers don't want to be babysitters. This isn't generating job satisfaction for them or their staff. But there is an easier way that realigns, reengages, and recommits the team to working together."...

Reader, have you ever felt so seen that it made you cry? My youngest daughter is a high school senior. We've done all the things--senior pictures, senior prom, college decision. Last Friday was Senior Luncheon, a tradition where parents and students gather to hear school faculty members speak about the students. Faculty members select the students for whom they speak. Sports coaches often spoke for the members of the team they coach. Extra-curricular and specialty subject teachers also choose...

Reader I bet you can relate to this one. It's Wednesday morning pickleball in my neighborhood. There are only four of us, and the other three are seasoned players. My internal narrative about not being good enough and letting my partner down starts playing. I focus on my breathing and remind myself to play my game: stay present, accept your errors, celebrate others, have fun. We are rotating through the same partner pairings. Everyone is making their fair share of missed shots. I'm working on...