Not Too Bad

This Really Isn’t Helping You

Alright, folks, let’s talk about something a huge amount of people do: when someone asks, “How are you?” you say, “Not too bad.” Sounds harmless, right? But here’s the deal: those words can drag you down without you even knowing it!

Words Shape Your World

The words you use are powerful, they give meaning to everything you experience and define your experiences of life. There is a part of your brain called the Reticular Activating System or “RAS” (I have an article on it and there are loads of scientific explanations of this critical part of your brain for achieving goals) and it works a little like Google for you, whatever ye shall seek, so shall ye find, or you get what you focus on and the RAS is how your subconscious focus’s. if you type Don’t show me Houses into Google what does it show you?

That’s right 6 million pictures of houses because it ignores the “don’t” and your brain is similar. When you say, “not too bad,” you’re focusing on the negative. You’re saying things aren’t good, so they must be a little bad, if it’s not too bad, and that is what your brain logs as your current state.

Your Mind is Listening

Every time you say, “not too bad,” your mind is taking notes. It’s learning to expect just a little bad at best it is expecting okay, not amazing. That will eventually lead to you getting exactly what you are expecting and that can stop you from feeling truly happy and grateful.

Other Phrases to Watch Out For

• “I’m fine” or “I’m okay”: These are just fillers. When you think about it they don’t realty sound positive or like you are fired up to make an impact in the world.
• “Busy”: If you tell yourself you are busy then you will be, and busy fools produce very little.
• “Can’t complain”: This is like not too bad, focusing on the absence of awful instead of the presence of good.

Flip the Script

I know sometimes it feels a little disingenuous or downright strange yet using words that lift you up really can make your life better! Try these:

• “I’m doing great, thanks!”: Focus on the positive.
• “Today’s tough, but I’m handling it.”: Be real, but show your strength.
• “I’m grateful for [something specific].”: This shifts your focus to what’s awesome in your life.

Why This Matters

When you use positive words, you feel better, it is that simple, like anything with repetition the results compound doing it once and saying it didn’t help is insane. Start today and commit to doing it as much as you can. You will start seeing more of the good stuff in life. And that, my friends, is how you build a life full of joy and success.

Wrap Up

So next time someone asks how you are, think about what you’re saying. Choose words that reflect the amazing person you are and the incredible life you’re building. Use your words to create a better world for yourselves and everyone around you!

Remember, your words are your power. Use them to lift yourself up and inspire those around you!

By Andy Walter

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