In coaching, we often use metaphors to help people explore their goals or to help people re-frame a belief which is perhaps keeping them stuck. Essentially a metaphor is just a story with a hidden meaning but it can be helpful for us to use as it helps our unconscious mind to connect to the meaning for us and make sense of the world. For example, when thinking about an outcome you would like to achieve, you may start to use a metaphor to describe where you are trying to get to. Perhaps you dream of being able to work anywhere, travelling to different countries and as such you might use a metaphor of “being as free as a bird”. If you’re feeling stuck and not able to move forwards and find enjoyment in your work, you might feel like you are “wading through treacle”. We use sayings like this all the time.
When I was first choosing the logo for my business, I thought long and hard about a symbol that would link to my purpose and what I wanted to be known for. Having explored a plethora of dots and wiggles and other symbols, I kept coming back to the hummingbird. I knew that for me it was a symbol of joy and ultimately that is what I wanted to do…help people to bring joy back into their work and become re-energised and motivated with what they do as a leader. So I explored a little deeper the symbolism of the hummingbird. Did you know, for example, that hummingbirds are the only birds that fly backwards? This, for me was significant as in my coaching I believe it is important to explore some of the past in order to help us move forwards. Indeed, with a tool such as Colour Mirrors, as well as coaching, it can help us to overcome some past beliefs and ways of being that no longer serve us.
I like nothing better than to help people really connect with what makes their heart sing. We’ve all heard the saying “whistle while you work”….even better why not hum? Humming is effective as it creates an internal massage, restoring health and well-being….just give it a go! Like me, hummingbirds are also hugely playful and even when bathing in water, they can’t resist playing. So this also fitted with my outlook on life and particularly work where I believe we should be having fun! The Hummingbird also represents achieving the impossible, for example, flying for days and days to reach a warm climate. It connected with me in terms of helping people to achieve their goals in particular when looking to make a career change which in the first instance may seem totally impossible.
Whenever, I am feeling like a need a little reminder of why I do what I do, I can connect back to the hummingbird and the power of the metaphor for me.
So, maybe there is a metaphor you could explore which would help you to connect to your passion in work? What might that be and how could you bring it alive?
