I fell asleep last night thinking about lobsters. Random? Not quite. I was reading a story from this little magazine I love to read every night before bed to inspire my dreams. The story painted lobsters as heroes of personal growth. Here’s why.

Seems our crustaceon friends of the sea are quite the risk takers. Their lives depend on their ability to change. As the lobster grows, its body becomes cramped in its shell. In order to grow it must shed that shell and find a safe place to wait while a new, better-fitting shell forms. During this time, it is in constant danger. The lobster must risk its life in order to grow.

Change is hard. We stay in our routines not necessarily because they fit well, but because they are familiar and we are used to them. But every time I question a habit I may have developed that does not serve my overall goals and decide to change it, I grow. I may be vulnerable during that time my new, healthier habit is growing. But once it’s in place, it feels way better than the old shell I was hiding behind and hesitating to give up.

Tip for the day. Make like a lobster and take risks as if your life depends on it. In this way, you will evolve into the best, healthy you you can be.