Four Forecasting Metaphors For Foresight



That subject line sounds a bit like a jumbled word salad, right?


I must admit I had a lot of fun coming up with that title, but there is meaning behind the alliteration and rhythm!


The inspiration came from a workbook called “127 More Amazing Tips and Tools for the Therapeutic Tool Box” by Judith Belmont.


Basically, she was sharing that metaphors are so powerfully used in our everyday life we often don’t even notice or associate that they are not literal depictions as they are such everyday figures of speech and nomenclature.


When one is described as “painting themselves into a corner” they are not physically talking about paint but instead trapping oneself in a particularly tricky predicament.


Judith describes how metaphors are so powerful because they allow us to shift perspective and think of things in a new way. They also utilize visualization which allows us to evoke emotion and think with more flexibility.


Here are four ways you can utilize metaphors to help you in the future:

  1. An eraser - can help you remember that it’s okay to make mistakes

  2. A toy soldier - to remind you to be brave and fight for what you believe in

  3. A small sea shell - to encourage you to find your peace and picture yourself on a sunny beachfront.

  4. A crayon - to put more color in your world!

What is a metaphor that you can physically carry around with you tomorrow?