Let’s talk about the process of gaining insight from our metaphors
1) Identify a metaphor that relates to how you FEEL about the job search process. Feelings are important to anchor us in what’s authentic for us. You want to identify a metaphor that feels real to you (not what you think is a good one). Our feelings will help us identify our true north and guide us in the direction of our next steps.
2) Explore, observe, ask, and answer questions concerning your metaphor.
3) Develop next steps and actions that FEEL most alive.
Let’s get started…see if you can Identify a possible metaphor from the list of 20 below that might help you in some way (remember these sample metaphors are just jumping off points, use them to springboard into identifying and creating your own - I’m on a roll!)
Does your job search feel like any of the following metaphors, a mix of several metaphors, or do they prompt one of your own?
1) Fishing. Is it like fishing, where you need to cast your net wide and be patient while waiting for a bite?
2) Searching for a needle in a haystack. Is it like trying to find something in a large, cluttered space that seems impossible?
3) Planting seeds and nurturing a garden. Is it like tending to a garden where you need to plant and nurture your career path with care, attention, and patience to help it grow and thrive?
4) Playing a game of chance. Is it like playing a game of chance, where luck and timing play a significant role in finding a job?
5) Running a marathon. Is it like running a marathon, where you need to pace yourself, stay focused, and push through challenges to reach the finish line?
6) Panning for gold. Is it like gold mining, where you need to sift through dirt and debris to find valuable nuggets of job opportunities?
7) Navigating through a maze. Is it like navigating a labyrinth, where you need to find the right path, make strategic choices, and overcome obstacles to reach your goal?
8) Building a bridge. Is it like building a bridge, where you need to lay a strong foundation, make a plan, and carefully construct the path to your future career?
9) Sailing the seas. Is it like sailing on the open sea, where you need to navigate through storms and changing winds, adjust your course as needed, and keep your eyes on the horizon to reach your destination?
10) Digging for treasure. Is it like digging for treasure, where you need to dig deep, work hard, and be persistent in finding valuable job opportunities?
11) Navigating a minefield. Is it like navigating through a minefield, where you need to be cautious, attentive, and strategic in avoiding potential pitfalls and dangers?
12) Building a house. Is it like building a house, where you need to lay a solid foundation, make a plan, and carefully construct your path to success?
13) Crafting a masterpiece. Is it like crafting a masterpiece, where you need to hone your skills, take risks, and put in the hard work to create something beautiful and meaningful?
14) Taming a lion. Is it like trying to tame a lion, where you need to be confident, fearless, and skilled in handling the challenges and opportunities that come your way?
15) Weaving a web. Is it like weaving a web, where you need to create a network of connections and relationships to catch valuable job opportunities?
16) Exploring new frontiers. Is it like exploring new frontiers, where you need to be adventurous, curious, and open-minded in discovering new job opportunities and industries?
17) A detective solving a case. Is it like doing detective work, where you need to investigate, gather clues, and solve the puzzle of finding the right job opportunity?
18) Flying high like an eagle soars in the sky. Is it like flying, where you need to be bold, visionary, and confident in pursuing your goals and ambitions?
19) Building a bridge. Is it like building a bridge, where you need to make connections, build relationships, and create a pathway to your dream job?
20) Football game. Is it like a football game, where you need to be strategic, agile, and focused in tackling the challenges and opportunities of the job market?