The Turbulent and Beautiful Power of Transformation

We each have the chance to grow and evolve again and again through life—here’s why I embrace each opportunity.

Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

This past year, I’ve been going through a bit of a transformation. I’ve been thinking about the future, what it should look like, and more importantly – what it will take to get there. And what I’ve realized, is that if we want to make a better world of work for everyone and address the systemic issues that are plaguing our workplace cultures, we need to expand our well-being ecosystem from just the individual to the collective well-being of individuals AND organizations, society, and the planet! It’s what I (and many others) call human sustainability and it sits at the intersection of purpose and well-being.

Fortunately, I work for an organization that supports bold ideas and encourages its leaders to focus on the cutting edge. Which is why I’ll be pivoting my focus at Deloitte to building out a platform and point of view on human sustainability that expands beyond the walls of any single organization. I’ll be leading research and eminence, building relationships and collaborations, and creating a community that will help leaders make human sustainability a priority in their own organizations and beyond.

This transition got me thinking about one of my favorite creatures, butterflies 🦋! I’ll admit I’m kind of obsessed with them—I have a butterfly tattoo on my wrist, so that I’m always reminded of the power of transformation and metamorphosis. There is no better representation of that than the struggles this beautiful insect goes through on its journey from caterpillar to butterfly.

To me, it’s a perfect lesson for everyone: Personal transformation can be hard, but it’s a part of life. We’re all always evolving and growing and changing, but what we become can be even more beautiful than how we started. Sometimes we evolve because we must, other times we can choose to evolve, inviting new opportunities to learn or to grow.

My professional transition is exciting—but it’s also hard to move on. Even when we welcome change, it can mean letting go of things we valued. I’m reminded of this quote from Maya Angelou: “We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.”

Transformation requires courage, and giving yourself the time to step up and step into what’s next, and perhaps what’s meant to be. It gives you an opportunity to reflect and appreciate the good and the bad, because seeing both is an opportunity for growth. Though sometimes it’s challenging to know or discover what living with meaning and purpose means to you, doing so will help you fulfill your own unique life purpose. Just like butterflies, each with their own unique pattern and shape.

Of course, unlike the butterfly, we humans don’t get just one transformation in life. We have the beautiful opportunity to rebuild our chrysalises and transform over and over again throughout our lives. Whether you find yourself pushed into transition, or choose it willingly, here are the steps to making sure your evolution is one of learning and wonder:

• Recognize where you are now. Before you can become something new, you need to know where you are, who you are, and why this is the time for change.

• Do the work. Evolution is never easy—it always feels safer to stay in the chrysalis. Be honest with yourself and cultivate the courage and strength to say “this is hard, but I am going to do it anyway.”

• Believe in yourself and your dreams. Just because some people may not understand or see your vision the same way you do, isn’t a reason to not do it.

• Surround yourself with the right people. Just as a butterfly needs a supportive physical environment to emerge, you need a supportive space too. Create that space for yourself where you can grow, surrounded by people who support you and have your back.

• Don’t overstay your welcome in the chrysalis. You won’t get to some moment of perfection and know exactly when to emerge. Sometimes transformation can be messy. Do it anyway, knowing the end result will always be worth it.

The other beautiful thing about transformation is that it can inspire others—which to me is an echo of the butterfly effect, in which small changes have a major impact. Think about that: Your personal evolution is more broadly affecting the world in positive ways you can’t even imagine. Your journey, which may have been sprinkled with self-doubt and questions like “Am I doing the right thing? What if I fail?” is almost certainly an inspiration to others. That’s powerful stuff, for you and the world.

🦋 What I’m admiring: With every Instagram post featuring excerpts of their work, poet @butterfliesrising brings a bit of beauty and inspiration to my day. 

🖼️ What I’m framing: This “social butterfly” print from Miami artist Mo is gorgeous, colorful, and mesmerizing—ideal for transforming a blank spot on any wall.

📱 Who I’m following: Erin Gallagher, founder of Ella, an organization that’s all about transforming the world to be a place for women to thrive personally, professionally, and financially (and who also has a butterfly tattoo on her wrist)!

📘 What I’m reading: September Letters, by Brittany Snow and Jaspre Guest, is for anyone seeking to feel more connected with themselves and others. Featuring an inspirational collection of letters, notes, and conversations among friends, celebrities, experts, and the September Letters community, this book helps us clearly see that we are not alone.