How are you? I'm G.R.E.A.T!

A few weeks ago I read a piece where someone was extolling the benefits of replying more positively to the inevitable question that has become a standard greeting in the Western World.

How are you?

(It varies a little in my experience, the English say "Youallright?" or How do you do?", the Australians "How are you going?" or the South Africans "Howzit?")

There is apparently a gene, deep down, that makes those of us that live in the United Kingdom feel that to be overly positive in reply is perhaps a little crass. (The standard Aussie reply is "I'm good" and I must admit I have been tempted to ask for proof at times.) And it seems we are not alone in our negativity. A quick Google search brought out the following responses from around the world;

• "I'm sober!"
• "So far, so good!"
• "Why do you want to know?"
• "Fine"
• "Room for improvement!"
• "Better than I deserve!"
• "I'm still alive.
• "Fair to middling"

In practise what we are saying is, "Your attempt at social interaction is hereby acknowledged" and then we try and move on quickly without the contact becoming any more engaging! Its sad, but we seem to be unable to pause for just a moment and respond in such a way that we mutually lift the mood of both of us!

However, soon after reading about these benefits I saw a little picture!

And I decided I would give it a try, from then on if anyone asked;

I'm G.R.E.A.T!

and Getting Really Excited About Today! (or Tonight, or Tomorrow, depending on the time of day)

And I have done, all week, and I have had to explain my enthusiasm countless times. I thought perhaps I might be perceived to be a little "Pollyannaish" however the opposite has been true. A number of persons have thanked me for arresting their own negativity, for reminding them that today is the first day of the rest of their life and I have felt more upbeat too!

Will you accept the challenge and try it?

From time to time, I am minded to share some of the experiences we have gained in contract packaging and packaging materials over the last quarter of century .(and on three different continents!) The topics will cover best practises for packaging (in the Transit Packaging field) and also proven tips that can be implemented in any operational field or Owner Managed Business. Hyper-links to other resources on the topic covered would be most welcome in the comments section below, that way we all keep learning.

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