The Wisdom of the Lobster

Rabbi Abraham Twerski has a wonderfully insightful 90 second YouTube clip discussing the growing capacity of lobsters. In a nutshell, in order to grow larger, lobsters must first become uncomfortable in their existing shell and then they must discard the old shell before they can grow a new and bigger one. (I encourage you to watch the full clip which I have posted below.)

Let me highlight two key take-a-ways. First, Twerski says, "The stimulus for the lobster to grow is that it feels uncomfortable." Next, he reminds us that "Times of stress are also ... signals for growth."

Both are powerful lessons.

If we want to create a better future for ourselves and our community, we must embrace this idea of being uncomfortable -- or what I call "getting into the discomfort zone." And, to do this, it is helpful to remember that stress is not a universally negative trait. In fact, there is a word for "good stress". It is called eustress.

If you're looking for a metaphor to motivate you to change look no further than the humble lobster--change may be uncomfortable and stressful but it is the only way to grow.