Today we’ll continue to discuss the different stages of a butterfly transformation and look closely at how it relates to our own transformation process. If you missed Part 1, click here to view it.
3. Transformation Stage: The Chrysalis (Cocoon)
This is the “transformation” stage of the butterfly. From the outside it looks like the caterpillar is resting, but inside big things are happening – remarkable transformation called metamorphosis is going on as the caterpillar is changing its shape and form.
Here’s how to get the most out of this stage… Create a safe space around you. Surround yourself with an environment that supports your growth. From friends and clients through to mentors, all will support the transformation process. Your main goal at this stage is to protect yourself from all negative influences and keep your focus on the process of transformation.
This is the stage where you most likely will become impatient with the process. You are no longer in the egg stage. You feel like you know enough, but you’re not yet ready to spread your wings and fly. This stage is ugly and uncomfortable. Others don’t like it, you might even face opposition. You know that you’re becoming someone, you know you’re one step away from the next level, you wanted to be there yesterday, but for some reason you are not there yet.
Here’s what I have for you… WAIT! Your time is yet to come. Trust the process. Hang in there. Your time WILL come, you don’t need to rush it. Allow the full transformation to happen.
4. Leap Stage: Learning To Fly
It takes effort to come out of the chrysalis and you have to do it on your own. Nobody else can do it for you. When your time comes, be ready to take action, take that step and get out there. You are the only one who can make it happen.
As soon as a butterfly has rested after coming out of the chrysalis, it will pump blood into its wings to get them working and flapping, then it will fly. Within 3-4 hours the butterfly will have mastered flying.
It might not take you 3-4 hours, it may take you 3-4 days, weeks, even months, depending on the size of transformation. But your focus at this stage is to “figure it out”. Master flying, keep on trying, persevere. Get all the facts and information from the previous stages and put them to use.
5. Productivity Stage: The Butterfly
This is the stage when butterflies are constantly on the look out to reproduce. In terms of transformation, we’re talking about you starting to live beyond yourself. Suddenly you start looking at how you can help others, exactly how Zig Ziglar summarizes so well in this quote…
“You will get all you want in life if you help enough other people get what they want.”
You’re at the peak of your transformation, at the stage where your goal is to be yourself, gather all you’ve learned, discovered and experienced and use it to help others.
Here’s something you need to understand about life… At any given time your Productivity Stage can turn back into a Resting Stage and the process can begin again. You are NOT a butterfly and the chances are high that there will be another transformation, and another level in front of you. Don’t ever stop growing!
Stay tuned for even more tips and insights on this topic!
Question: Can you recognize what stage you currently are at? Do you see what needs to be in place in order for you to move up to the next stage? Share your comments in the comment section below.
