Here’s a sample from my list: •Drawing •Baking •Organizing •Sharing •Using humor in communications

Now, what is something you can do this week that uses one of your dormant talents? Is there a child or friend you can teach your skill? Doing one of these activities for yourself or others will energize you beyond belief.

The trees are showing their true colors right now. As you admire trees’ splendid display, challenge yourself to share your true colors.

WHEN IN ROME, DO AS THE ROMANS DO

This is a wonderful Emotional Intelligence expression. It means blending with culture you’re in, and being willing to do things differently. Because Roman Empire did this, it was able to extend as far as it did, and last as long as it did. When they conquered another country, they were interested in taxes. They didn’t try and impose their culture or religion on conquered people. They did bring their exceptional administrative skills, and did important things like build roads. Why rebel?

DON’T MAKE A MOUNTAIN OUT OF A MOLEHILL

Another excellent metaphor for keeping perspective, and using your Emotional Intelligence. It reminds us to watch our attitude and self-talk, and not make things worse than they already are by exaggerating, fantasizing, catastrophizing … making a mountain out of a molehill.

NECESSITY IS THE MOTHER OF INVENTION

This is a great motivational and inspirational one. It’s a call-to-arms, and opposite of playing “victim.” “Well, you have a difficulty here and that’s great motivation for inventing, creating solution. Let’s go!” A very coaching, forward-orienting statement.

WHEN ALL YOU HAVE IS A HAMMER, EVERYTHING LOOKS LIKE A NAIL

A great short-cut way to say you have to have a variety of tools—which in coaching generally means points of view and ability to generate solutions, as there’s always more than one. Reminds me of Einstein’s ‘you can’t solve a problem on same plane where it was created.’ Always be adding new tools to your tool-box, and this is how many people refer to learning Emotional Intelligence.

BETTER THE DEVIL YOU KNOW THAN THE DEVIL YOU DON’T

This explains a self-limiting mindset, for instance when a couple is miserable and stays together because they think it might be even worse with someone else. What an attitude! It’s fear of unknown combined with a pessimistic attitude, and an obstacle to many clients. This is a life without positive possibilities. Thank goodness for coaching!

©Susan Dunn, MA Clinical Psychology, The EQ Coach, http://www.susandunn.cc . Individual and business coaching, distance learning courses, The EQ Foundation Course©, The EQ Learning Lab™, and a full resource eBook Library— http://www.webstrategies.cc/ebooklibrary.html . And, speaking of metaphors, isn’t it time you hired a coach and GOT THE SHOW ON THE ROAD? Mailto:sdunn@susandunn.cc for FREE eZine.