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.

Now that you've decided what, when, why, and how, you are well on your way.

You may want to set three or four goals in same way.

Carry this goal record with you. Review it at least daily. Do something everyday that moves you closer to achievement.

Visualize achieving your goals. Involve your senses: • How will it feel to write that last debt check? • What will check look like? • Feel pen in your hand • Hear ripping sound as you tear it from checkbook. • Taste glue on envelope as you seal it.

Decide now how you will celebrate interim progress and ultimate achievement.

You must belief in yourself. You must believe you can do it. In fact, you must go beyond mere belief, and know that you will do it. Don't look at past failures, they are no longer valid. This is today. You have a new resolve, you have a plan, you have seen, heard, felt, and even tasted success. You now know you can do it.

Now, I have one more suggestion-surround yourself with those who also know you can do it. Meet together in person, or by phone to discuss your goals, and your progress toward their completion. Encourage and guide each other.

Live with intent. Get what you want. I know, and you do too, that you can do it.

Related Quotes: "High achievement always takes place in a framework of high expectation." Jack Kinder

"The truth of matter is that there's nothing you can't accomplish if: (1) You clearly decide what it is that you're absolutely committed to achieving, (2) You're willing to take massive action, (3) You notice what's working or not, and (4) You continue to change your approach until you achieve what you want, using whatever life gives you along way." Anthony Robbins

"If you don't have a plan (goals) for what you want, then you will probably find yourself buying into someone else's plan and later find out that wasn't direction you wanted to go. You've got to be architect of your life." Jim Rohn

"Do not let future be held hostage by past." Neal A. Maxwell