The visual analogy of the caterpillar weaving its cocoon and then metamorphosing into a beautiful butterfly is so overused that it’s gone past the level of cliche. But sometimes things become cliche for a reason (because they make sense), and this is my blog so I can use cliche if I want, dammit.
So then, my thoughts for the day:
I have become increasingly convinced that development in life is not a linear path. For many people, the most important learning and growth is not a gradual and continual process. Oh sure, as we age we gain experience and from this comes a certain kind of wisdom, but it does not necessarily impart significant growth as a person. I have come to believe, through what I have been taught and from my own recent experiences, that we as humans often can shift into a kind of pupating process of growth. What I mean by this is that often the most significant and important changes that can happen in life do so throughout a process that is not outwardly noticeable.
Humans are capable of shifting into extended periods of deep personal reflection and introspection, during which no major personality or behavioral changes take place. However, there is a certain point at which the internal change and growth is complete, and a very rapid outward transformation then occurs. My own experience in this aligns quite well with what I have been taught regarding the four phases of growth and change in a person’s life.
Briefly, they are: 1) the doldrums. You have reached a point where you feel lost, bored, or dissatisfied with the direction in your life. You decide that a change is necessary. So you 2) cocoon, and spend a period in self-reflection looking at values and examining your emotional feelings on things and what makes sense to you. People often develop mission statements or core values at this point, and achieve a much greater understanding of who they are as a person and how they can impact the world. After a period of doing a lot of internal growth and change, you’re set for 3) getting ready, experimenting, and trying out new things. At this point, you may not be fully committed to one goal, but are instead feeling out different paths and seeing what makes the most sense to you and what aligns best with your core values. And finally, once ideas have been tested and a clearer picture is in place of motivations, drives, and what really feels right to you, you’re ready to transition into the 4) go for it phase. You may create a set of 1, 5, and 10-year goals, and may develop your own personal hedgehog (which is a guide to aligning your passions and talents into an effective economic engine.) With these goals in place, and this great personal knowledge, a person can really produce some amazing results both personally and career-wise.
I have been fortunate enough to be able to move through those phases as I’ve been undergoing a pretty intense career and life path change. My experience with this is that it hasn’t been easy, and many people won’t or don’t understand it – after all, our traditional societal values don’t exactly put much emphasis on nonlinear growth. But overall the experience has been really positive for me and I hope I can move into the go for it phase with greater confidence, some new skills, and a newfound drive and motivation for what I’m doing in my life. It’s something I would encourage to anyone who feels lost or stuck in their life.







