A Grandfather Tells – The Wolves Within
An old Grandfather said to his grandson, who came to him with anger at a friend who had done him an injustice, “Let me tell you a story. I too, at times, have felt a great hate for those that have taken so much, with no sorrow for what they do.
But hate wears you down, and does not hurt your enemy. It is like taking poison and wishing your enemy would die. I have struggled with these feelings many times.” He continued, “It is as if there are two wolves inside me. One is good and does no harm. He lives in harmony with all around him, and does not take offense when no offense was intended. He will only fight when it is right to do so, and in the right way.
But the other wolf, ah! He is full of anger. The littlest thing will set him into a fit of temper. He fights everyone, all the time, for no reason. He cannot think because his anger and hate are so great. It is helpless anger,for his anger will change nothing.
Sometimes, it is hard to live with these two wolves inside me, for both of them try to dominate my spirit.”
The boy looked intently into his Grandfather’s eyes and asked, “Which one wins, Grandfather?”
The Grandfather smiled and quietly said, “The one I feed.”
I spent 21 years in the solid waste and recycling (a nicer term than “garbage”) business. This is a very fast paced business filled with tough people, from drivers to competitors to regulators. Union issues and strikes, terrible accidents/injuries, violence (what did you think they based those shows on, Hollywood Wives?), deadlines, restructuring, and R.I.F.s – “Reduction in Force”. The R.I.F.s took place when the CEO/Board of Directors or owners would decide that they weren’t making enough money and issued a directive to reduce the workforce by a number big enough to increase their profits to an acceptable level. Of course, the burden was on the VPs in the field, like me, who had to make it happen. Don’t get me started on the garbage business! I WILL write a book about it someday. The point is that there was NEVER a shortage of drama, crisis, and negativity on a daily basis.
When I met Lori and attended her meetings (Extravaganza, Success Training Seminars, Leadership Development Weekends, Future President’s Team retreats, etc) and was amazed at the culture! After some months and many meetings I would often return to my company and tell them about the Herbalife culture; how everyone was positive and happy, supportive of each other and appreciative of the company…and how you couldn’t fire anyone! Imagine that! How would you run a business, how would you motivate people if you couldn’t fire anyone? I loved it!
In fact, I loved it so much I left the garbage business so I could work with her every day in this wonderful culture. Of course, as time passed and I spent more time in and around the Herbalife world, even before leaving the garbage business, I came to realize something. I realized that while the Herbalife company, business model, and marketing plan absolutely emphasize and even require positivity, support, etc., it is not without it’s own set of frustrations. Having worked all over the country in the garbage business I realized years ago that where you find people, you will find wonderful people and you will find “less-wonderful” people. As the Buddhist saying goes, “Where there are humans you will find flies, and Buddhas”. Herbalife is no exception…there are people here too!
NOW – we can either CHOOSE to focus on what is wrong; who is frustrating us, who isn’t doing it right, who isn’t very nice, etc, or even choose to entertain the negative blather issued by others about any topic, including Herbalife (despite the impeccable reputation and tremendous, envy causing growth!)…or we can feed the good wolf!!
As Tony Robbins says, “What’s wrong is always available, and so is what’s right!” Starve the bad wolf ya’ll!!!!
Have a great weekend!!
