12/02/2025
"Shoelace Theory: Embracing Growth in the Midst of Repetition December 2, 2025
Sometimes, when we're on a long journey—whether it's personal, professional, or emotional—we find ourselves completely exhausted. The finish line seems so far away, and the constant repetition of challenges can make it feel like we're stuck in an endless cycle. You might find yourself asking, Why me? Why can't I just break free from this? Is this all life has to offer?
I’ve been there. In fact, I’m in that season right now myself. But recently, helping a friend through their own journey reminded me of something important—the "Shoelace Theory." When we feel trapped in that cycle, it's easy to forget that even in the repetitive nature of life, growth is happening.
The Shoelace Theory
Think back to when you first learned how to tie your shoes—or perhaps when you taught a child to do so. The process is repetitive: the same motions, the same steps. Yet, no matter how many times you try, it never feels like exactly the same experience. At first, the process seems frustrating. But with each attempt, you learn something new, even if it's small—maybe you learned how to hold the “bunny ears” a little tighter, or how to go around the tree before going through.
The point is, every time you try, you’re walking away with something—skills, knowledge, a deeper understanding. You're changing, and you’re not the same person as when you began. That growth, even in the smallest form, means that each repetition isn’t exactly the same. You’re different, and that means every experience, no matter how familiar, has transformed in some way.
Life as a Continuous Journey
In life, we often feel like we're stuck in a loop. We face the same struggles, frustrations, and challenges. But what we don’t always realize is that with each round, we’re evolving. Like learning to tie our shoes, we’re becoming more skilled, more capable, more resilient. And the more we grow, the closer we get to our real finish line.
It’s not always about crossing the finish line as quickly as possible—it’s about what we learn along the way and who we become in the process. Sometimes, we don’t even realize that the finish line isn’t just a goal for us. It's a stepping stone to something bigger, something beyond ourselves. The lessons we learn and the strength we gain aren’t just for our benefit; they’re for those around us—our community, our friends, our families, and the world at large.
The Bigger Picture
Every season of struggle and growth is preparing us for something greater. Even though it may seem like the path is repeating itself, we are constantly evolving. Every challenge we face, no matter how similar it may seem, is an opportunity to refine our skills, develop new perspectives, and prepare ourselves to help others. The finish line isn’t the end—it’s the beginning of something new.
As we keep moving forward, let’s remind ourselves that the process is just as important as the destination. We may not always understand why we’re being shaped the way we are, but there’s always something greater at work. Embrace the journey, and look for the ways you're evolving along the way—because your growth doesn’t just change you, it has the potential to change the world around you."
