How many times a day are you asked this question? How many times a day do you ask somebody this question? How often is this question answered with something other than “okay” or “good?”
Personally I like to have some fun with this social formality. You can do so too. The next time you’re asked this question, at a basic level switch the typical response of “good” to “outstanding” or “amazing.” Merely doing this alone will almost cause a double take from your inquisitor.
Once you’re comfortable doing that, take it to the next level with creative and positive responses like . . .
“If I were doing any better they would lock me up and throw away the key!”
“I’m doing so great if I were electricity I could power the eastern seaboard for a decade!”
“If I were currency I could pay off the national debt. Twice.”
“I’m putting the fun in dysfunctional.”
“I’m a living legend. If you don’t believe me, ask me.”
“I’m doing so good Oprah calls me for advice.”
See if you can’t come up with some unusual answers to this usual question. Doing so will put you and the other person in a better mood.
how definition: in what manner or way
The word “how” is one of my favorite words. When it comes to the primary interrogative words of who, what, where, when, why and how, if I could use only one the rest of my life, I think it would have to be how. The word how opens the door to possibilities. It begins creative thought. When asked as a question it leads us to improvements.
How is a word that is used frequently by leaders and successful people. An average or underperforming person in an organization will gripe, gossip and complain tirelessly about an undesirable situation or occurrence. But what are the leaders and top performers doing? They’re not complaining because they are too busy asking “how?” How can I avoid this next time? How can I do it better next time? How can I learn from this? They are forward thinking, not stuck on what happened in the past. Forward thinking often begins with the word “how!”
Top performers also use the word how to exploit and improve on what is going well. How can I build on my strengths? How can I recognize my top players? How can I increase profits? How can I find people to take me to the next level? How can I bring more value to my work? How can I better serve customers?
Here’s a sure-fire way to get motivated. Set aside some “you time” and begin to apply the word how to the important areas in your life. Put a question beginning with the word how at the top of a clean sheet of paper and then begin to brainstorm the answers. This is where solutions to your problems and improvements to your successes begin! In case you need it, here are some good questions to get you started.
- How can I become a better parent/son/daughter/friend/spouse?
- How can I reduce stress?
- How can I create some great experiences?
- How can I get better results on my job?
- How can I earn/save/invest more money?
- How can I live a healthier lifestyle?
- How can I reduce debt?
- How can I simplify my life?
Chances are you’ve never given this much thought to such a common word in your vocabulary. Yet almost all innovation, improvements, and prosperity stems from someone asking how?
