How's it going?   

This is probably one of the most heard questions we hear in the run of a work day.   Whether you are at the water cooler, grabbing a coffee, at a meeting, during lunch, wherever.  Everyone usually likes to start a conversation with how's it going.  Or maybe they ask how are things, instead.  Either way, what seems to be the overwhelming majority answer that most people give.... BUSY!!!

I know whenever I am speaking with someone and this question comes up, here are some of the responses I receive:

• Oh, things are so busy.
• I don't have enough time these days, or 
• (Sigh)....busssyyyyy.  

No wonder we are all so stressed these days.  We are programmed to make ourselves believe we need to be busy in order to be successful or accomplish something.  Tim Ferriss, author of the 4-Hour Workweek  does a great job explaining how society has become brainwashed over the years thinking we constantly have to be doing something from 9-5 every day.

Now, I am not saying we need to lounge around all day with our feet up.  But what I am saying is how about we take a deep breath and enjoy some of the moments we are presented with each day and maybe work a little smarter.  

"Most people who live among the crowd never press the pause button in their lives and stop for even sixty seconds to reflect on why they are here and what they are meant to do.  Leadership and personal success require that we become more thoughtful than ordinary people.  Stop being busy being busy.  Become more reflective." -- Robin Sharma

So, the next time someone says "How's it going?", maybe try and think of a different answer then busy.

How's it going? :-)

Update:  This just showed up in my inbox today. :-)

Update #2:  This just showed up in my inbox today.  Is Robin reading my mind? :-)