A Collection of Resources Related To Internal Conflict
Internal conflict, the mental struggle arising from opposing thoughts and impulses. Have you ever seen a cartoon with a person with two characters sitting on the shoulder giving different advice? One offering the right thing to do while the other offering advice that is only about desire. Well, that’s one way of look at internal conflict.
Internal conflict can also be thought of as struggling with making a choice.
For example:
You’re in the process of purchasing a new car. Should you purchase the car that is right for the family or should you purchase the sports car you’ve always wanted?
Thought:
The sports car is exactly the car I have always wanted, but it’s not the right car for the family.
Thought:
This is the only chance I’ll have to get the car of my dreams and if I miss this opportunity I’ll never get it.
Thought:
If I get it my wife will look down on me because I put my needs before the needs of the family.
Thought:
If I don’t get the car of my dreams I’m still paying for the new car, but it’s not something I’m happy with, and It’s the same payment for the car I want.
As you can see the internal conflict is an ongoing internal dialog that can go on for a long time and keep you from focusing.
