Are you going through a transition right now? This time of year can be the beginning of changes with children returning to school and organizations preparing for their fall season. I recently learned about the stages that a caterpillar goes through in order to transform into a butterfly. The process reminded me of the stages of change that we face as humans.
Each stage of change has a purpose towards bringing about a greater transformation. I have a client who is right now facing a major transition in their organization. It is not uncommon for people to feel stress in change because of the unknown. Looking at the larger process of change can help bring context and hope.
Here is what we can learn from the butterfly:
Transformation Stage 1: Forming
The first stage for a butterfly is a very small egg that is placed on a leaf. If looked at carefully, especially with Monarch butterflies, you can actually see the caterpillar growing inside of it. It may seem small, but inside that egg is all of the potential of a butterfly.
Any change we face has a beginning. It can at first seem small, but any transformation has powerful potential attached to it. At this first stage of transformation, we can feel excited or fearful. Be aware of the change, make the decision to change and then see the opportunity for hope. Look beyond smallness and the unknown. This is a time to look towards possibilities and potential.
Transformation Stage 2: Storming
At this stage, the caterpillar is focused on eating. The parent butterfly would have placed the egg on just the right type of leaf for the caterpillar to eat. The Monarch caterpillars are placed on a milkweed leaf, which is poisonous to other animals. This helps to protect the caterpillar from predators. The caterpillar also begins to grow. Its skin does not stretch, so instead it must molt or shed the outer layers of skin.
In the second stage of transformation, information is important. We are learning and adjusting to the new. It is like we are continually “eating” new things all the time in this stage. In order to take on the new, we must also shed the old. This can be a challenging process, and can feel like we are in a storm.
It is also not uncommon for people to question and doubt the change at this point. They may want to give up or feel like they have to fight it. People become apathetic or angry. They may vocally challenge and complain.
It is critical at this stage to redirect people to the greater potential of the transformation. At this stage, people can easily give up or turn back. Casting vision and hope are important.
Transformation Stage 3: Norming
Once the caterpillar has reached its full growth, it now forms itself into a pupa. It becomes encased and hidden. It looks like it is just resting and not accomplishing anything. But, this is far from the truth. This is when the ‘metamorphosis’ happens. All of the caterpillar’s tissues and parts begin to change to form the butterfly.
At this stage in the transformation process, the new starts to become the normal. Often we want to rush ahead. We can get tired of the change. We want it to be over. You may even feel like you are in a time of wilderness with adjusting to the new. Instead of rushing, it is important to rest and reflect. Build margin time into your schedule. The change movement can begin to pick up its own flow. Be aware so that you can adjust.
Transformation Stage 4: Performing
At this stage, the butterfly emerges from the pupa. The wings will be folded against the body and it will begin to pump blood into them. Within three or four hours it will master flying and search for a mate to begin the cycle of reproduction. The Monarch Butterflies complete a migration from Mexico to Canada and back. This migration may take three to four generations of butterflies. Each butterfly has a drive to reach its purpose in this cycle.
At this final stage the new change becomes fully incorporated and something brand new has emerged. Maybe you have adopted a new lifestyle or maybe a team has developed a new culture. It is here that we begin to perform, fly and reach the next level of potential. The something better has emerged.
It is also a time to give back and drive towards your higher purpose. You could be providing a better service, more product or investing in others so they can be a part of the movement. Celebrate the victory and look for the next level of greater potential to be reached.
How can you apply the stages of transformation and change to your own life? Do you feel stuck or are you in the flow? Please contact me to help you asses and progress through the stages of change.