The Boiling Frog Theory

If you feel like some of the colour has gone out of your life lately, you probably might be stuck in a situation you have tolerated for too long. As you age, old markers of successful life no longer seem so meaningful. However, even though you feel uncomfortable and unhappy with your current situation, you prefer to ignore that little voice inside of you telling you it’s time to change. Why? Because most of the time, revolutionising our life would take too much effort. So we keep putting up with some circumstances without ever having become aware of the need to jump ship in time to save ourselves, ending up like that boiling frog.

Should I stay or should I go?

Urban myth says that if you put a frog in a pot of boiling water it will instantly leap out. But if you put it in a pot filled with pleasantly tepid water and gradually heat it, the frog will remain in the water until it boils to death. Allegedly, the frog is not able to detect the gradual increase in temperature until it’s too late.

This allegory is frequently used to illustrate an aspect of human psychology: we tend to accept things that creep up on us slowly but steadily, even when they take control of our lives. But one day we wake up and find ourselves in boiling water.

There are boiled toads who still believe that the key is obedience, not competence: might is right, and obey whoever is sensible – the Brazilian author Paulo Coelho writes in his blog-. From all this, where is the real-life? It is better to emerge from a situation from time to time, alive and ready to act.

To gain a new perspective, The Seleni Institute, a nonprofit organization working to destigmatize and transform mental health and wellness by addressing real-life issues that challenge the emotional health of women and their families, suggests to meditate or spend time alone and listen to your inner voice. If you can, travel or take a break from your daily routine to clear your mind and get distance from your current situation. Open yourself up to new people and ideas, and introduce regular physical activity into your routine. All of these changes will help you gain a new perspective on the future and what is possible. Don’t be afraid to start living your next chapter to the fullest.