30/01/2024
"You always seem happy - how come?" A short catch-up today. I'm lucky to feel happy most of the time but it's also a conscious decision...
..The question I was asked was simply, "Hello again. How are you?" I forget my exact reply but remember clearly the response to my reply.
"You always seem happy - how come?"
I believe each response I give, each interaction I have in life leaves an impression on those I meet and on myself.
In reality, I was asked how I am but that's not the real question. It's just a form of the kind of social dance we all undertake in daily life.
It's not a therapy session. A deep-dive into my feelings, my trials, tribulations, hopes and fears.
It's a bit of social engagement and I'd like to think the person walks away feeling positive about our interaction.
So, you lied, Paul? No. It was true insofar as yes, I feel happy today and most other days.
The weather, the economy, other people don't get me down in the way they often seem to do for others.
I decided long ago that factors beyond my control should not dictate how I feel day-to-day.
But, also, it's important to understand the context of any interaction, the meaning of words beyond the actual words.
Every time I respond positively to any question, it helps strengthen my feeling of happiness.
Every time I respond negatively, take the chance to moan, to lament, to complain - that strengthens only negative feelings. In time, they build.
This is not living a lie. It's not happy clappy head-in-the-clouds nonsense.
This is making conscious choices about daily interactions that make me - and, I hope, those people around me - feel slightly better with each interaction.
It works for me - in life. In business. And, especially, in sales.
If you're not yet sold on the idea, check how you feel the next time you ask someone how they are and you get the full sharing of their worldly woes.
Happiness is a choice and sharing it helps others.