The Story That Changed My Life
Almost 10 years ago, I was stuck in a rut—unhealthy, unhappy, and working a job in finance that didn’t fulfill me. I felt trapped, wanting to make a change but constantly telling myself all the reasons why I couldn’t.
That’s when I heard a story that shifted my mindset and my life. It was told by a man named Martin Rooney at a weekend seminar I’d saved over $1,000 to attend. At the time, I had just started exercising again and dreamed of working in the fitness space. But before the seminar, my self-doubt was winning.
After that weekend, I realized something profound: I had been feeding the wrong wolf.
Here’s the story that changed everything for me.
The Cherokee Parable: The Two Wolves
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, self-pity, 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, “Which wolf will win?”
The old Cherokee simply replied, “If you feed them right, they both win.
“You see, if I only feed the white wolf, the black one will be hiding around every corner, waiting for me to become distracted or weak and jump for the attention he craves. He will always be angry and always fighting the white wolf.
“But if I acknowledge him, he is happy, and the white wolf is happy, and they both serve me well.
“The black wolf has qualities I need—tenacity, courage, fearlessness, and strategic thinking. These are traits the white wolf lacks. But the white wolf brings compassion, kindness, and strength, and he knows what is best for all.
“Feed them both, and there will be no more internal struggle. When there is no battle inside, you can listen to deeper wisdom and choose what is right in every circumstance.”
Finding Balance: What This Means for Your Life
This story isn’t just about good versus evil—it’s about balance. The black wolf represents qualities that may feel negative but are essential in certain situations, like courage in the face of fear or determination when the odds are stacked against you. The white wolf symbolizes the traits we strive for, like kindness, love, and compassion, but it can’t thrive without the strength of the black wolf.
To live a life of peace and fulfillment, you must acknowledge and guide both wolves. Ignore one, and it grows uncontrollable. Feed only one, and the other will lie in wait, ready to disrupt you.
How This Applies to Your Health and Fitness Journey
In fitness, as in life, the two wolves represent the internal battles we all face. When you’re starting a new fitness routine, joining a gym, or signing up for personal training, you might hear conflicting voices in your head:
The black wolf might say, “It’s too hard. You don’t have time. You’re not ready.”
The white wolf might say, “You can do this. You’re strong. You deserve to feel better.”
But here’s the truth: you need both wolves. The black wolf’s tenacity pushes you to show up, even when it’s tough. The white wolf’s compassion reminds you to celebrate your progress and show kindness to yourself when things don’t go perfectly.
At The Trinity NYC, we help you balance those wolves. Whether it’s through group fitness classes or personal training, we provide the guidance and support to help you take action while building confidence and resilience.
Questions to Ask Yourself: Which Wolf Are You Feeding?
As you reflect on this story, consider these questions:
Which wolf are you feeding right now? Are you feeding self-doubt, fear, or negativity? Or are you feeding positivity, hope, and determination?
Which wolf do you need to feed more in your fitness journey? Do you need more courage to start, or more compassion to keep going?
The Lesson: Guide Both Wolves for Growth
The fight between the two wolves will always exist—it’s part of being human. But the goal isn’t to starve one and feed the other. The goal is to guide them both, allowing their strengths to serve you.
In fitness, health, and life, this means embracing challenges while showing yourself grace. It means stepping outside your comfort zone while staying grounded in what’s best for your overall well-being.
Which wolf will you feed today?
At The Trinity NYC, we’re here to help you feed the right traits for your fitness journey. With a balance of structured programs, expert guidance, and a supportive community, you’ll find the strength and compassion to achieve your goals.
P.S. Find Your Balance with Personal Training and Group Fitness
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to break through a plateau, our personal training and group fitness programs are designed to help you grow. Visit the best gym in Long Island City and let us guide you on your journey to health, balance, and peace.
