I’m curious to consider how many times readers have been asked this question in the past week, specifically in regard to their professional career. The overuse of the question “How’s that going for you?” has repeated itself (a lot!) in it’s own sarcastic fashion. I’ve noticed in in TV shows, movies, but even more dangerously in everyday conversation. Especially in an economic downturn, commentary that focuses energy on a sarcastic or negative aspect of personal or professional growth can be deadly.

Words that kill? Hardly. Words that kill ambition, drive, and clarity toward critical goals? I think so.

The way in which many people will ask you this question is designed to elicit a negative response, the epitome of which is “Well it’s not going at all.” Why? I would argue because your counterpart which asks you this question wants to feel good about themselves, and part of that is making you feel worse. It may not be designed that way, however the subconscious effort is for the conversation to make somebody feel better, and that person may not be you.

So should you fight it? Respond hostile when asked? Definitely not – just be aware that the question can be taken as an opportunity for you to focus on opportunities rather than obstacles.

Posted in Personal Development
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