Address metaphors

The metaphor of the two hikers: the summit vs. the path

To illustrate the experiential difference between a goal-oriented and a value-oriented life, we use the metaphor of the two hikers. Imagine two people who decide to climb a high mountain.

The first hiker is obsessed exclusively with the goal: to reach the top.

During the whole ascent, he walks looking at his boots, puffing, angry about the heat and the slope, constantly asking "how much further?".

For him, the path is a mere annoying formality, an obstacle between him and his happiness, which will only happen the moment he steps on the summit.

The second hiker also wants to reach the summit (he has direction), but he walks connected to his values of appreciation of nature and physical vitality.

As he climbs, he notices the change in vegetation, feels the cool breeze, enjoys the exertion of his muscles, and observes the partial views.

If a storm breaks out halfway up and both have to descend without summiting, the first hiker will feel that his day has been a total failure and a waste of time.

The second, although disappointed, will feel that he has had a valuable day of contact with the mountain.

Living value-focused ensures that the journey is meaningful at every step, regardless of whether we achieve the end result or not.

The metaphor of the contest pianist

Another powerful metaphor to explain how excessive attachment to the outcome can destroy performance is that of the pianist.

Imagine a musician who deeply loves to play the piano (value of artistic expression).

When he plays at home, just for the pleasure of the music, he flows, gets excited and plays beautifully.

However, he enters a prestigious competition where there is a large financial prize and recognition (external goals).

During the competition, his mind stops focusing on the beauty of the music and begins to focus obsessively on the prize and not making mistakes in order to win. He stiffens, his fingers tighten, and the music loses soul.

By trying to "secure" the goal, he disconnects himself from the value that made him a good musician. Paradoxically, focusing only on the goal takes him away from it.

This metaphor teaches that, when we are driven by the intrinsic value of the action ("I play because I love music"), we are more likely to achieve our goals ("play well and maybe win") than if we make the goal the sole driver of our behavior.