One thing I tend to talk about in my columns is how I want to live a positive life. That’s easier said than done. For someone who gives advice on how to enjoy life with a positive attitude, I tend to focus on the negatives. After a brief post-move-in mental breakdown, I decided to make a change. 

However, I didn’t want to just start this positivity streak just for it to end within five days. I wanted this one to last. So, I decided to change what I usually do. I wanted to truly change my attitude, and the best way of doing that was by slowly easing myself into it, one thing at a time.

I started researching things to do to start the day off right. First, I began waking up early. This created a world of a difference, though it was hard at first. It gave me some quiet time where I could eat breakfast, have a cup of tea and maybe catch up on some of my latest Netflix favorites. I also felt like I was more prepared to take on the rest of the day. 

Some other proven benefits include healthier skin, improved concentration, enhancement in productivity and much more, according to Sleep Advisor. I was really happy with how well this first step went and very excited to continue my little journey. It created a healthy foundation.

After a few days, I decided to push myself a little. Throughout my life, I have always set a goal to run a marathon. Of course, that was not going to happen overnight. I wanted to add running to my routine. In order to keep myself motivated, I signed up for a half marathon (I have to start somewhere right?). Although I am extremely nervous about it, I feel confident. Every day I try to tell myself to run a little longer, get a few feet further without stopping. Although  I am still early in the game, I can feel myself improving, either with how far or how fast I ran, usually it’s the first one. 

Since then, every day I have been adding something new to my routine, whether it be a podcast during my cool down or making overnight oats the night before a run. All these little things are adding up, and each one is sticking. 

One thing to remember is that you are human, and if one day you just want to drink hot chocolate and eat a bunch of brownies, then let yourself enjoy the heck out of them. Forgiveness and cheat days are key to staying happy and healthy. I like to call them food for the soul rather than the body. 

I’m on week three of my little positivity kick and everyday I have been staying with my routine. Of course, not everyday is perfect and some days are hard, but overall, it’s been going pretty well. When it comes to something new, start small and be patient with yourself. Drastic changes and terrible pressure only create more negativity for yourself. In the end, you’ll thank yourself for not waking up at 5 o’clock in the morning when you typically wake up at 10. Serious changes take time and patience. Without those two, you’re setting yourself up for failure.