As I walked into a retail store recently to perform a mystery shopping job, I was greeted, “Hi, how are you?” The greeting seemed kind but robotic. I responded with a smile and a brief, “Fine, thanks.”
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“Oh rats!” I thought. “I didn’t mean to say that!”
A bit ago I determined within myself to say, “I’m great” in response to the “How are you” question. I have found it surprisingly hard. It wasn’t that I didn’t feel great, I did. It was said more out of habit and the fact if I said I was great, I would be standing out from all the “I’m fine” people.
I find people look at me different when I say, “I’m great.” Either they light up and say, “That’s great!” Or they look at you with a blank stare and squinty eyes, skeptical of the word “great”.
We say things like “Have a great day,” or “You are so great” all the time. When it comes to describing how we are or feel, however, most people hardly ever say they are great.
I find most people think either they need to win a million dollars, or be on vacation in the Bahamas to describe themselves as great. The two hardly ever happen, so why not just decide to be great without them?
I actually wonder why we all don’t describe ourselves as great all the time. I understand we all have annoyances, heartaches, and disappointments. They do come. But, isn’t it great just to be alive? I mean, think of the alternative.
And if it’s not great to be alive, might I humbly suggest that you make some changes to point your life in the direction of greatness. That’s what we are doing and would love to have you join us! (You can do by subscribing to the site and “liking” us on Facebook!)
I find that when I say “I am great,” I do actually feel great. When I say “I’m OK,” I feel only, “OK.” When I say “I’m alright” or “I’m fine,” or “I’m hanging in there,” I feel exactly what each word states. Hmm, isn’t that interesting?
It is truly amazing how a small thing such as changing your response can bring about change in how we actually feel. It truly is the small things we consistently change now that will lead to big changes in the future.
Why not try “I’m great” on for size?
Question: Have you ever experimented with your response to the “How are you” question? Leave a reply in the comment section of this post.
