ENCORE: Why It's Important to Feed BOTH Wolves

About this episode

Lisa Carpenter discusses the importance of embracing both the positive and negative aspects of oneself to achieve true success and well-being.

Have you ever tried to think your way out of a negative thought loop, only to find it got louder? You’ve probably heard the story of the two wolves, the one about feeding the good wolf and starving the bad one. It’s a compelling idea. But what if the whole premise is missing the point? What if the very thing you’ve been trying to eliminate is actually one of your greatest assets? In this episode, Lisa Carpenter shares an extended version of the two wolves story that goes far beyond the ending most people know, and into the territory that actually changes things. The high achievers Lisa works with didn’t get where they are by going easy on themselves. Their dark wolf, that relentless inner critic and drive to do more, produced results. It was rewarded. And that’s exactly why it’s so hard to step back from it. But there is a cost. Snapping at the people you love. Collapsing into bed with a mind that won’t stop. Hitting milestones and feeling nothing. Wondering quietly how much longer you can keep this up. That’s not ambition. That’s a war inside you that’s been going on too long. The work isn’t about destroying the parts of you that push hard or feel dark. It’s about learning to…

People in this episode

Host: Lisa Carpenter

Topics covered

• mental health
• self-criticism
• personal growth
• inner conflict
• high achievement

Keywords

• two wolves
• negative thought loop
• inner critic
• ambition
• self-leadership

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