Inner Pig-Dog

If you want to know how to make peace with your inner pig-dog then read on – here you will find some useful tips!

I don't know how you feel, but you have probably also encountered the phenomenon of the inner pig-dog. It always shows up when we have a goal but are not ready to take the necessary steps to achieve it.

We don't want any trouble with the tax office, but we procrastinate on our tax return for months. We wish for more clarity in life, but find no time to really think things through in peace. We want less stress, but do nothing to improve our time and self-management.

It's as if two voices are arguing within us: one knows exactly what to do – the other just doesn't feel like it.

This reminds me of childhood when you didn't want to clean your room: The mother was the part that set a goal, and you were the one who didn't feel like it. Today, we continue this game all alone in our heads.

The real problem with the whole 'pig-dog' story is, that we often don't understand what is happening inside us.

We believe there is a 'Good' in us that only wants the best for us, and a 'Bad', the inner pig-dog, that constantly blocks us.

Let's be honest: If you could get rid of your inner pig-dog with a snap of your fingers, would you do it? Never procrastinate again, no laziness, always disciplined? Many would say 'Yes' immediately.

That's exactly the point: If I were your inner pig-dog and you wanted to get rid of me constantly, I would also resist. Or would you behave differently if someone constantly rejected you?

Your inner pig-dog wants nothing bad – he wants your best, even if you may not (yet) understand his methods.

Maybe it's time to apologize to your inner pig-dog, because you have fought him for so long. And maybe you will no longer call him 'pig-dog', but your comfortable side or enjoyable side – that sounds much friendlier.

If you notice that you should do something but can't get yourself to do it, then give this side some space. Just be comfortable for a moment – without guilt. Tomorrow you can be disciplined again.

Every part of your personality needs its place. When you accept your comfortable side, it loses its power. It will no longer stand in your way when it matters to be active. Nurture this friendship – then it will support you instead of blocking you.

Your inner pig-dog cannot be defeated, because he is a part of you. But you can make peace with him – and then he will behave like a friend.