The wolf is hungry.

The research shows that 90% of all that we do is rooted in habit. This includes not only our observable behaviors but also our attitudes and the way in which we interpret and interact with the things that happen to us. Rooting our behavior in habits is efficient and allows us to live relatively efficient lives by saving time and energy. There's great economy in habits and it only makes sense that the strength of our habits is rooted in what wolf we feed most often. The stronger the wolf, the stronger the habit.

That we're creatures of habit is not news. We live most of our days on automatic pilot ... interacting with and interpreting the world in very predictable ways. The question is not whether we are rooted to our habits but, rather, what habits are we rooted to. The answer to the question has big implications for not only the kind of life we lead but also how we set ourselves up for success or failure.

It's important and appropriate to take a personal inventory of what habits we rely on. What habits (read "behaviors and attitudes") do we rely on? Are they the positive ones that bring out the best in ourselves and others? Or do we lean on the negative ones that set us up to struggle in the things that we do and pursue? This brings to mind the old saying, "if attitudes are contagious, is yours worth catching?"

I'm always amazed that, regardless of circumstance, the same people most always seem to rise to the top; while, others, despite their apparent gifts and advantages, seem to struggle. Could this be because one group is making the right choices and assuming a successful mindset? Are they feeding the right wolf? My experience as a coach, student-athlete, and parent tells me that this is so. Denison swimmers like Aaron Cole, Mollie Parrish, Adam Ulrich, Amy DeVito, and Darius Grigaliunas always exhibited this "can-do, my time is coming" optimism that fueled their efforts and ultimately led to their succeeding both in and out of the pool. Many of our current athletes share this same quality and I have little doubt that they'll be successful once again this year simply because they set themselves up better than their peers.

Everyday, two wolves will scratch at our soul's door asking to be fed. Which one will you be feeding today?