choose your words carefully
“How are you doing today?”
Fine.
Alright.
Good.
Been better.
Getting by.
How do you respond to that question?
I used to, without thinking, respond with “I’m doing good.” The answer wasn’t a lie, but I also didn’t take the time to truly think about how I was doing to give an accurate answer–I was doing good. I was actually doing better than good, but I didn’t take the time to realize it.
I have a few thoughts that are a bit random, yet still connected:
By playing down how you really are feeling, if you say “fine” but are on top of the world, you lower your energy and will begin to move towards fine instead of staying on top of the world. Your words carry energy with them, eventually impacting how you are feeling and what you are experiencing. Choose words that keep you at the high level of energy you are operating from or even choose words that will help elevate your energy.
There’s nothing wrong with sharing that you’re down at the moment. If you’re having a bad day, it’s perfectly fine to share “I’ve been better.” This is especially true if you are experiencing a traumatic event in your life—don’t keep those emotions in and put up a front. While it is important to choose words that can elevate your energy, words can only take you so far.
If you’re just a little off or maybe tired, this is where you want to choose words to help elevate your energy–“I’m on the upswing.” There is a difference between really going through a tough time and just being “off”. When you’re “off” a combination of believing you’re on the rise and sharing that with your response will certainly move you toward higher energy.
Finally, and maybe not most important, but very important, do not minimize your high energy for others. With the exception of being in the presence of someone who is going through a tough time (Most of your interactions with others will not be this), don’t say you’re “fine” when you are living your best life because you are concerned you might upset someone with your high energy. Yes, you do this and you might not even realize it. It’s been my experience that most people respond with “fine” or “good,” much as I used to, and because we don’t want to upset the group, we respond similarly. It is perfectly acceptable to meet a “fine” with an “outstanding.” Your higher energy might just lift that person’s energy or give them permission to share an answer other than “fine” in the future when they are having their best day ever.
A simple interaction that you may encounter multiple times a day might impact your energy and how you feel, and you can change that just by choosing your words more carefully.
See you tomorrow and keep pursuing,
JC
