Better Than “How Was Your Day?” – Play High/Low

Have you ever frozen when someone asks how your day was? I’ve been there, and I know many people feel the same pressure. Whether it’s with loved ones or casual acquaintances, small talk about our day can feel awkward.

To make it easier, I play a simple game called High/Low. Here’s how it works:

How to Play High/Low:

  1. Reflection: Take a moment to reflect on your day, whether in your mind, out loud, or by writing it down.
  2. High: Share the highlight of your day.
  3. Low: Share the challenging part of your day.
  4. Gratitude: Mention something you’re grateful for today.

This framework helps me, my partner, my nephews, and friends review our days together meaningfully.

Sometimes, there are multiple highs, lows, and gratitude moments in a day, and that’s okay. The game isn’t strict. I might say, “My high for today is our bike ride, but it’s competing with the fantastic breakfast this morning.” This way, I recognize what I liked, disliked, and what I’m thankful for.

Practicing High/Low every night helps me notice who I am and what my world is like. It keeps me aware of what actions I want to repeat, what needs to change, and what I love about my life.

Once I got comfortable with this format, I started using it in other situations. I assess meetings, trips, and even small events using High/Low. It’s a fantastic structure to access and share thoughts and feelings in many contexts.

ACTION: Play High/Low today. Whether you share it only with your journal or play with a loved one, start practicing today.


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