How to Coach Yourself and Others Better Coaching Through Visualisation | Page 225

15.7 Where did you get your metaphors?
You picked them up from the environment around you, from your
parents, teachers, co-workers, friends, literature, music, television
and film. Chances are you didn't think about their impact, or maybe
you didn't even think about them at all, and then they just became
habits. We naturally adopt metaphors out of our need to place
meaning to the world around us. Unfortunately, though, by not
paying attention to the metaphors we adopt we often are
disempowered by the limiting beliefs that come with them. And few
things are more debilitating than toxic metaphors.
For some people, "life is like playing a game or a sport." How might
that colour your perceptions? It might make life fun! It might make
it somewhat competitive. It might be a chance for you to play and
enjoy the one short life you have a lot more. Some people say, "If it's
a game , then there are going to be losers." Other people ask, "What
rules can we set up so that everybody wins?" It all depends on what
beliefs you've decided to attach to the word "game".
Can you see how changing just one significant metaphor could
instantly change your experience of life instantly?
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