Lessons From the Very Hungry Caterpillar

Sometimes, life lessons can come from tiny things. Published in 1969, the children’s book, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Author Eric Carle, sold over 41-million copies. On the surface, it looks like the story about a bug that over ate. While that’s true, a little digging will show there are underlying messages within.  If only we as a society could apply some of these self-care and personal leadership skills. The world around us could be a kinder place.

The caterpillar starts out by eating a little fruit, but forgets the value of SELF-RESTRAINT. The caterpillar soon has a stomach-ache and realizes the cost of overdoing it. The caterpillar later finds a nice green leaf to ease the discomfort. Here are some lessons we can learn:

1. You Don’t Need What You Don’t Need

You might think you’ll be happier with more stuff, but overdoing it can make you feel less than satisfied.

2. Deal With Stress

Daily tensions become more problematic if you try to treat them with habits like smoking, alcohol, drugs or emotional eating.

Find Healthier Ways to Relax

• Get some exercise
• Stay hydrated with water
• Take abdominal breaths or listen to music.

Don’t be like the very hungry caterpillar that overdid it.

3. Create Balance

• Make choices that align with your values and priorities.
• Manage your schedule.
• Set healthy boundaries.
• Avoid excessive overtime and make time for you and those close to you.

4. It’s Okay to Ask for Help

Communicate your needs. Let your family & friends know how they can assist you. Life can overwhelm us at times. We don’t have to stay there & run to an unhealthy habit.

5. Give Generously

Others will be more likely to come to your aid if you help them too. Share your time and talents. Help your friends, neighbors and coworkers. Volunteer in your community.

6. Build Healthy Relationships

• Make healthy relationships a top priority.
• Hang out with family and friends.
• Strengthen your professional network.
• Engage in meaningful conversations.
• Reach out to new acquaintances.

7. Be Humble

Anyone can be your teacher if you’re willing to listen with an open mind. Welcome feedback and use it to enhance your performance.

8. Believe in Yourself

• Adopt a growth mindset. Change is less scary when you have confidence in yourself and your abilities.
• Remember that you can persevere through obstacles and setbacks.
• Value learning from experience.

9. Think Positive

• Encourage yourself to take risk by focusing on the gain.
• Keep your eyes on the big picture.
• Temporary changes that feel uncomfortable could end up creating a bright future.

10. Be Proactive

Life is full of unexpected events, but some transitions you can plan for. For example, start looking for a new job before you feel burnt out or your industry starts to shrink.You’ll have more options if you take control.

11. Build Your Resilience

• Even rewarding changes can be challenging.
• Treat yourself with compassion.
• Take care of your mental & physical health, maintain a healthy diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep.

The book, “Very Hungry Caterpillar” has been around for more than 50 years. This children’s book can give us all tips to overcome life’s obstacles.

Are YOU Ready for Change?

While many of the lessons from this short book seem like easy things to apply to our lives, struggling to get there is a sign that you might benefit from hiring a coach to help you through to greater successes. Unlike many coaches, Anthony M. Davis has incorporated an important element not found in typical coaching scenarios.

Many of the challenges in your life, your worries, fears, and false beliefs that chip away at your confidence, originated many years earlier. Those things are the contributors to your habits or false beliefs that success is for someone else. He developed a series of sessions intended to discover the underlying causes of things that impede your success and interpersonal relationships. By doing his Transformative Life Centering work first, you can increase your coaching and goal-setting successes many times over.

If you’re ready to start making change today, contact him directly the Contact Page.