How’s your day?
We are all asked this question multiple times a day and most of us reply with a pre-recorded message of it’s good, fine, okay and every now and then we might even say it’s great.
I get curious to understand the meaning behind those average somewhat blah descriptions of a day. What would need to happen in our day to create a different response?
One of the foundations of creating success in our lives is the ability to build meaningful relationships with other people. Creating and fostering a relationship with others begins with conversation. Imagine if we made the conversation real and not robotic.
I would like to invite each of you to participate in an experiment with me. The next time you are asked, “How’s your day?” answer with an authentic word that depicts the essence of your day and how you feel. No need to belabor the answer with a detailed story, simply use a word.
Below are a few examples that could fill in the following blank, “I’m ___________ today, thank you for asking. And you?” As tempting as it may seem, refrain from using the snarky tone when thanking them for asking! Try to come from a place of appreciation that they cared enough to ask.
Exhausted
Energized
Fabulous
Creative
Sad
Grateful
Overwhelmed
Happy
I can hear you mumbling, “I don’t have time to engage in a lengthy conversation,” which is usually the case for most of us. So keep your reply concise using one word. If you don’t have time to listen to the other person’s answer then don’t ask him or her the question, “And you?”.
Now I’m not insinuating that our emotions or feelings can or should be summarized in a word. What I am suggesting is that we start by finding a word that feels authentic rather than simply a rote answer that is easy.
When you do this, pay attention to how your conversation changes with people. Notice what happens for you when you answer with a real answer and watch how the other person responds.
I started this experiment a while back and based on what I’ve learned it has changed the mundane interaction and added value to my day.
People are almost stunned by my response, their shoulders rise, and they look me in the eye and smile. They are engaged with a sense of truly being heard when they asked their question.
My question back to them provides them with an opportunity and the ability to be open and use their own meaningful descriptor.
The brief interaction comes to a close; however, a human connection has been created.
If you would like to continue to dive in and process the feeling that your word describes, find a blank piece of paper and pen, write your word at the top of the paper then proceed to write for 15-20 minutes whatever comes into your mind.
Don’t judge your thoughts and words, simply write, why do this? Many times after the writing we are able to move into creating an action that is aligned with our values and helps lead us to what we desire in our life.
I’d love to hear what you learn from your experiment. If you’d like to chat about what you noticed from your interactions or writing, click here to set up a free discovery session with me today.