This post is part of a series focused on breaking down the language we use in order to help us build the life we want. Language can both reveal and direct mindset and we can take control of our life by choosing words that will positively impact our thoughts, mindset, and perspective. Check out more posts from the Metaphor & Mindset series here!

Metaphors help to reveal and direct mindset. In part, this is because they are created as a means of describing a cultural perspective. As products of society, we adopt the outlooks held by those around us. It is when we take a step back and look at our own beliefs that we can question what we currently hold, and choose what to keep and what to evolve.

Unlike previous posts in the Metaphor & Mindset series, there isn’t a single metaphor to dissect today. Instead, we will be focusing on various metaphors that are all related to today’s central theme: Opportunity & Success.

Success & Opportunity

Have you ever taken time to think about the various metaphors related to finding opportunity, chasing dreams, and achieving success? Well let me tell you, there are a lot to choose from. Unsurprisingly, many of the metaphors’ underlying meanings contradict each other.

Looking through many of them, I’ve come up with a few categories that they can be organized into. Let’s take a look at the different approaches and also how they all tie into a central theme on finding success and fulfillment.

Fast & Furious

The first type of success metaphors are those that push you to act in the now. The mindset promoted by this group is to act quickly. If you wait to make your move, you will miss your chance. Metaphor examples that fit into this category include:

Strike while the iron is hot.
The early bird gets the worm.

This mindset energizes us to make our move and not get caught in overthinking what needs to be done. If you wait too long, you will miss your opportunity. These types of metaphors prioritize maximizing fresh motivation and drive in finding success.

Slow & Steady

Where the previous category is about acting quickly, this one takes on the opposite approach. This metaphor category favors patience and mindfulness in your actions. Metaphor examples include:

Slow and steady wins the race.
A watched pot never boils.

What we pick up from this category is to not act too quickly, because rushing can be a rash decision. Taking time and trusting in our planning is what will lead to our eventual win.

Prioritization in these metaphors is on perseverance and resilience. Have patience and trust in yourself and success will be imminent.

Fill in the Blank

Still we have other metaphors that don’t have a temporal element involved. Unlike the previous categories, these metaphors don’t imply a specific call to action. Instead, their purpose is to show that an opportunity to reach success is present, whether or not you pursue it. Examples include:

Door of opportunity.
When one door closes, another opens.

What’s important to note here is that these metaphors show that regardless of your intentions, opportunity is always waiting. The existence of opportunity is ever-present, ready to be taken when you are ready.

This category’s priority is to establish that in one shape or another, opportunity is always there. All you need is to align your choices with the opportunity in front of you.

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Each category prioritizes key behaviors to reach success. We each have unique paths, and depending on the step we are on may best be described by a different metaphor category.

It’s possible to become complacent and routine in following only one of these categories, though. If you find you’re having trouble finding results in your current pursuit, take a look at your approach.

Are you staying flexible to best respond to the challenges that arise? Try revisiting the different categories to regroup and determine what approach works best to achieve the goal you are after.

Choose Your Own Adventure

Regardless of the metaphor you choose to define your experience, they all have one similarity: They all require action on your part. Each metaphor listed here requires effort to be put in in order to be successful. You achieve nothing by living a passive life.

Life continues to move forward whether you actively engage it or not. Why not give it a go? Change your mindset from being passive to active, and notice how new opportunities come into your life.

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Negativity & Language: How Your Words Are Creating Your Life Sentence

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