Photo by Porcelaingirl

Unless we’re unlucky enough to be permanently locked away in a box somewhere, or have the social-appeal of a saliva-flecked serial killer, most of us will probably interact with a fair number of other people on any normal given day.

Often, those interactions will begin with a “Hello” or “Hi”, and quite frequently “How are you?”

How do you respond when someone asks how you are?

Do you take a moment for a considered answer? Do you trot out some rote phrase? Do you snap out a few quick words based on your emotional state at the time?

For years, I had two responses to this questions: “I’m getting there” and “Soldiering on in the face of adversity” Both of which I thought were fairly positive and encouraging, without being too Pollyanna. I felt like I wanted to be upbeat, but in a subtle, British sort-of-way. Despite airing these phrases whenever I was asked, I never really elicited any meaningful reactions… And I don’t suppose I ever expected that I would.

About 6 months ago, someone caught me on a particularly good day… I’d either solved a huge problem, or was enjoying the fruits of a creative venture, when they asked me this question… And my response was an instant, resounding “I’m fabulous. How are you?”

Talk about a difference in response - Instead of the usual rueful smirk, or nod of the head, I got a huge smile in return and a heartfelt “I’m really good. Thanks.”

I realized instantly that I was onto something, and began using “I’m fabulous” as my response any time anyone asked after me. From then on I seemed to be moving through a much happier universe… everyone was much better and more positive than they had been before.

I loved it, and have been using “fabulous” as one of my favorite words ever since. I might use “moderately fabulous” if asked in a business setting, or by someone in a bad mood. I tend to be fabulous from about 5:02 AM until about 11PM at night.

Try Being Fabulous…

This is such an insanely simple but powerful change, I cannot recommend it enough…

Next time someone asks how you are, respond instantly with “I’m fabulous” or “I’m having a fabulous day”, don’t even think about it. Then, when the fabulousness has had a chance to sink in, watch how this changes the dynamic of your conversation - instantly, you’re both on a more positive footing. It’s great!

Try it today… Start right now to respond with fabulousness and verve. It doesn’t even have to be true… By saying it you start to make it true!

Go on, be fabulous… I dare you!

Bonus Tip: For those readers who are into Facebook, Twitter or other social networking sites, why not go there now and change your status to “I’m fabulous, how are you?” It will take seconds, but you’ll feel better I guarantee!