Fighting the Wrong Dragon

We like to identify the antagonists in our lives. Just as in a suspenseful thriller, we try to find out who the “bad guys” are. We want to clarify who and what we are up against.

All too often we get it wrong and end up fighting against the wrong dragon. We demonize a virus, a “bad market” or a weakening economy. We blame a boss for a bad work environment or a spouse for a rocky marriage. We hold our genetics responsible for our weight gain and confusing food labels for poor dietary choices (Who could know that a bunch of flour and sugar, deep fried in oil, could have so many calories?!?). We point the finger at a professor for our own bad grade. We may even think it’s the President’s or Congress’ fault that our career is stagnating.

While these variables may matter and can certainly have an impact, they aren’t the most significant factor in the equation of our lives. Nor are they the enemy. To find our true foe, we must look inward, not outward. The most important and difficult battle we fight is within, against our own instincts and self-destructive tendencies.

Make sure you are fighting the right dragon. At least you’ll know who you are up against.

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