It’s All about Lobsters

It’s All about Lobsters

Someone recently discussed a situation with me that had made him feel somewhat uncomfortable. He had met with three of his work colleagues who discussed their hobbies and social interests. The three colleagues had similar social interests but none of those interests were shared by the other person. That made the person feel somewhat uncomfortable: a little “out-of-place.” It was not intentional on the part of the three colleagues but it did create a discomfort in the mind of the other person.

The same situation is often experienced by teenagers and young adults. They want to “fit-in” but their interests are not necessarily aligned with their peers. Unfortunately, many of them try to change and attempt to adapt to the interest (good or bad) of those with whom they want to “hang-out” in-person or on social media.

Irrespective of age or time in life, most of us still want to “fit-in” and will, inevitably, experience some discomfort at some time.

In my earlier years in business and, perhaps, beyond, I had often felt like that. Many of my colleagues, with whom I got along very well in the business setting, did not share the same hobbies or social interests as me. That was no reason for me to feel “out-of-place” but, inevitably, I did – at least until I started to think about lobsters.

It is a fact that, in the course of their development, lobsters grow too large for their shells and, as a result, they become extremely uncomfortable. They need to shed their current shell. Therefore, they go under a rock for protection until the new shell has grown.

Being uncomfortable is an essential part of our development, whether it be as a teenager or in our working lives. It doesn’t matter what age we are, there are times when we are going to feel uncomfortable. However, we should take comfort in the knowledge that this is all part of our development and growth.

Think about the lobster – but don’t hide under a rock.