The Lobster Opportunity
This past Saturday I had the opportunity to cook my first whole live Lobster. I boiled it. So for those of you who may be thinking "what's the big deal?" My experience really has more to do with everything leading up to actually cooking it then cooking it itself. You see, I actually decided four days prior that I was going to do it. So I spent that time getting prepared. So not being a huge world renowned cook (as I assumed you have figured out), I had to mentally prepare myself for this.
Going to this huge Supermarket in Cincinnati called Jungle Jim's, I actually found myself lost trying to find the exit and walked into the seafood section. In this place they have 6 or 7 tanks with different live seafood items. In one of them there were about 100 live lobsters and they were on sale ($8.99 per pound if you care that much for details). So when I saw them it hit me! I should cook one of those. So I left without the lobster and vowed to come back after the new year. As you see, I chose to wait because a decision that big I had to let marinate in my mind. So I spent about 4 days telling everyone what I was going to do, about an hour or so on the internet looking up how to cook it. I went back to Jungle Jim's to purchase it, they put it in the bag without water (you can laugh). I got it home boiled the water (with carrots, celery, parsley, sea salt) and tossed him in. The results:
TWELVE MINUTES TO COOK!!
That was it. Twelve minutes he (or she) was red, tender and ready to be eaten. I spent more time thinking about it than doing it. Just as a quick note, Lobsters don't have central nervous systems so that's not screaming when they are cooking. They can't feel a thing.
Which takes me to my bigger point. How many times have we allowed ourselves to spend more time thinking, planning, talking about something than just doing it? What opportunity to learn something that is just sitting there waiting for you that if you just did it you will accomplish it? To add to this experience for me, I'd like to share a couple of more points:
1. I don't like lobster.
2. I just wanted to cook it for the experience.
To me, having the experience meant something. The fact that I really did not eat it or had the desire to meant nothing. I have just added to my chef repertoire another seafood dish. That's what was most important, but if ever called upon I'll be ready.
Second bigger point, what skill/knowledge is it beneficial for you to have that even if you don't enjoy the benefits of it now, you will be prepared in case it's required? Is it at work, church, or home? How can you be better prepared?
In Closing, if you have a Lobster Opportunity it's time you start cooking!!! Talk to me about it.
Going to this huge Supermarket in Cincinnati called Jungle Jim's, I actually found myself lost trying to find the exit and walked into the seafood section. In this place they have 6 or 7 tanks with different live seafood items. In one of them there were about 100 live lobsters and they were on sale ($8.99 per pound if you care that much for details). So when I saw them it hit me! I should cook one of those. So I left without the lobster and vowed to come back after the new year. As you see, I chose to wait because a decision that big I had to let marinate in my mind. So I spent about 4 days telling everyone what I was going to do, about an hour or so on the internet looking up how to cook it. I went back to Jungle Jim's to purchase it, they put it in the bag without water (you can laugh). I got it home boiled the water (with carrots, celery, parsley, sea salt) and tossed him in. The results:
TWELVE MINUTES TO COOK!!
That was it. Twelve minutes he (or she) was red, tender and ready to be eaten. I spent more time thinking about it than doing it. Just as a quick note, Lobsters don't have central nervous systems so that's not screaming when they are cooking. They can't feel a thing.
Which takes me to my bigger point. How many times have we allowed ourselves to spend more time thinking, planning, talking about something than just doing it? What opportunity to learn something that is just sitting there waiting for you that if you just did it you will accomplish it? To add to this experience for me, I'd like to share a couple of more points:
1. I don't like lobster.
2. I just wanted to cook it for the experience.
To me, having the experience meant something. The fact that I really did not eat it or had the desire to meant nothing. I have just added to my chef repertoire another seafood dish. That's what was most important, but if ever called upon I'll be ready.
Second bigger point, what skill/knowledge is it beneficial for you to have that even if you don't enjoy the benefits of it now, you will be prepared in case it's required? Is it at work, church, or home? How can you be better prepared?
In Closing, if you have a Lobster Opportunity it's time you start cooking!!! Talk to me about it.
Funny you should post this. I just had a "Lobster Opportunity" tonight at my meeting. I took it, but started having second thoughts in the middle of it due to fear. The fear of sacrificing time, not ever having done this task before, etc. BUT at that moment, I was inspired by the adviser who will not only guide me, but sees something in me that others have and HE JUST MET ME!
I am tired of passing away opportunities because I am scared of the challenge or just don't want to put the time in to get that opportunity of a lifetime. Therefore, I AM going to take the challenge. I am up for it! I am going to do it!
I like that... Lobster Opportunity! Good one!
Reply to this
This is a great article and it definitely reminds us of how bridging ideas to simple elements of execution prohibit us to our greatness, life learnings, and self connections. I look forward to reading more.
Reply to this