Embrace Change and Grow - Lessons from Lobsters. By Jonathan Broekman

Recently, I came across a short reel on Instagram-a punchy video using the analogy of lobsters to describe personal growth. You can view it here. Lobsters have a coarse and rigid exoskeleton that does not grow with their bodies.

An analogy for personal growth

Just like lobsters, our personal growth as individuals require us to shed our comfortable shells and embrace new challenges. Sensing this discomfort, they embark on a process called moulting, where they shed their old shells and grow new, larger ones to accommodate their expanding bodies.

And as human beings, we tend to become comfortable and complacent in our familiar surroundings, including our homes. We create a sense of security and stability within the walls we've built around us. However, staying in our comfort zones for too long can hinder our personal growth and limit our potential.

Just as lobsters require the discomfort of outgrowing their shells to grow larger and stronger, we must challenge ourselves by venturing beyond our comfort zones. The process of moving homes is a perfect metaphor for shedding our shells and seeking new experiences, environments, and opportunities that push us to learn, adapt, and expand our horizons. Closing one door to open the next.

Moving is a challenge, but change is an opportunity to grow

People move for various reasons, often driven by the changes and opportunities life presents. One common motivation is the growth of their family. As households expand, individuals seek larger homes or neighbourhoods with better schools and amenities to provide a nurturing environment for their loved ones. Shedding their shells for the bigger and better.

When we move to a new home, we are thrust into unfamiliar territory, forcing us to adapt to different surroundings, meet new people, and navigate unknown challenges. It can be daunting, but it also presents us with opportunities for personal growth. We may acquire new skills, broaden our perspectives, and discover hidden talents we didn't know we possessed.

By continuously seeking new challenges and embracing change, we create the conditions necessary for personal development and self-improvement. Like the lobster's moulted shell, each new home becomes a stepping stone in our journey, propelling us forward and enabling us to acquire the tools and experiences needed to grow as individuals.

Remember, it is through facing discomfort and embracing change that we find the motivation to challenge ourselves, learn from our experiences, and ultimately reach our full potential. As the saying goes, "A comfort zone is a beautiful place, but nothing ever grows there."

Take care,
Jonathan Broekman