We’re all just so busy these days, maybe trying to keep our heads above water. When asking someone, “How are you?” lately it seems like a constant exchange of just how much we have on our plates when we communicate about our work or personal life.
At times it may feel like people are trying to out-do each other, by saying, “I’m busier than you are” which can translate to mean, “I’m more important”, or “my time is more valuable”, or that “I am winning at some never-finished work race”.
This style of communication may be harming the way we connect and interact with each other. Everyone is busy, in different sorts of ways. Maybe you have lots of clients, or are starting a new business, or are taking care of children. The point is this: with limited time and unlimited demands on that time, it’s easy to fill your plate with activities constantly.
But are we missing out on important connections with family and friends, as well as personal time? In addition to having entire conversations about how busy we are, we fail to share feelings with friends and family, ask about important matters, and realize that the “busy” is something that can be put on hold for a little while.
So next time you speak to a friend, colleague, family member, client, try steering the conversation away from competitive “busyness”, and try answering with one of the following:
- “I’m awesome”. More positive and energetic, but fairly common.
- “Ready to rock”. Sounds confident yet playful. Not for everybody, but if it fits your personality then go for it.
- “I’m perfect”. People notice this, people remember it. Now they are curious and may ask follow up questions.
- “Everything is amazing”. Positivity can be contagious.
Create your own positive answer. Experiment with words and expressions that are consistent with your personal philosophy.
The choice is yours. What could you do in this moment that would be the exact opposite of everyone else?
by Carole Marinier, Blogger for Agilec
