Monarch Caterpillars: Masters of Transformation
By Heidi Sadecky, MA,PCC – Executive Coach & Director, Townsend Leadership Program
Over the past six months, I’ve heard from more leaders than usual who share that they are exhausted, angry, and feel trapped. They’ve been in jobs, roles, or behaviors far too long and are grieving the loss of purpose and fulfillment. These people are hungry for something different, something life-giving, and something that makes a difference.
Ten years ago, I felt the same way. After working for a fantastic organization for over 25 years, it would seem I had it all. Position, prestige, respect of my co-workers, excellent comp package… with all of these benefits, why would I walk away? The truth is I was hollow on the inside, and I had lost my zeal for work. Something needed to change, so I decided to walk away. It was a tough transition but a good decision.
Today I have lots of enthusiasm for work as well as time for interesting hobbies. One of my joys this time of year is raising Monarch caterpillars into butterflies. The metamorphosis that takes place is beyond comprehension. This transformation is considered to be the greatest change in form in the natural world. The caterpillars hatch from eggs with all the information needed deep in their cells to become butterflies — it just needs to be unlocked. This unlocking takes place in the safe and protected environment of their chrysalis. Their bodies turn into goo, and the transformation begins. The new butterfly starts to form. In about fifteen days, the butterfly will emerge, actually with ease. The struggle is to pump blood into their wings and hold on for dear life until they are ready to fly. I experience so much joy releasing the monarchs and watching them fly for the very first time!
This female monarch is the 29th butterfly I raised and released this season. I’m still in awe of the transformation process!
Caterpillars are busy staying close to the ground, eating and moving slowly. While they have a purpose, they are not yet all they are created to be. Once they go through their inside-out change, they are ready to spread their wings, be free, and go further faster!
The parallels to human change are striking. We often stay close to the ground doing the same thing day after day, perhaps being a little anxious about making a change until we’re exhausted, angry, and feeling trapped. We need to find a safe place to unlock the potential deep inside of us — a place where we can take a step back, re-evaluate and spread our new wings.
Here’s what I recommend to my clients:
Find a group of growth-minded, supportive, and wise people.
Invest in regular time away from your current role to re-evaluate what you want.
Get balanced feedback from trusted individuals.
Begin to take appropriate risks toward your new purpose.
Celebrate the first next steps in your new freedom!
If you’re hungry for something different, something life-changing, and want some help putting these five steps into place, consider joining a TLP or E4 team. Go here to find out when the next one begins. heidisadecky.com.
Heidi Sadecky is a highly-trained executive coach with over 30 years of combined corporate and coaching experience. She helps her clients operate at a higher level, overcome workplace challenges and achieve measurable results.
She is an in-demand facilitator of the only Townsend Leadership Program, a unique and highly effective group coaching program located in the North East United States.
In-person, virtual and hybrid leadership groups are now forming.