We’re all human (at least I hope we are). We all strive to make lifestyle changes like eating better, exercising, and a myriad of other New Year’s Resolution-y things. Not sure about you, but sometimes we feel like it’s a little overwhelming. That’s probably because we don’t break the goals down into reasonably achievable steps.

We started with a 21-Day Negativity Fast, just to see how well we could do. So far, it’s been an unbelievable, eye-opening experience! We’ll tell you more in another post.

In the meantime, here’s a list to get you started on changing your perspective on your life. This is by no means a comprehensive list. Both of us are working on these steps in our own lives and continually find other outlets for negativity that we have to shut down. So keep an open mind while you’re on this journey.

I can’t guarantee it’ll change anything around you. But I can guarantee it’ll change the way YOU feel about your life. And, as the saying goes, perception is reality. Change your mind and you can change your life.

1. Start Now

Don’t start tomorrow. Don’t start next Monday. Start right now. The sooner you begin, the sooner you’ll quit griping.

2. Smile

Be aware of your facial expressions. Smile even when you don’t feel like it. Make your face be happy and your emotions and thoughts will follow. (TIP: Carry a mirror to check your teeth for spinach.)

3. Be Grateful

Sometimes the only way to cancel out the negative is to remember your blessings. It sure would be awesome to have what you don’t have, but a bigger house, car, boat, etc. only costs more–your (insert old car model here) is paid off!

4. Cut the Complaining

Before you can change the way you think, you’ll have to watch what you say and how you say it. Like your momma always said, “If you don’t have anything good to say, shut your trap.”

5. Be Prepared

If you were a cynic or pessimist, your friends and family may accuse you of being fake. Sometimes you DO have to fake it to make it. They may not recognize it now, but a more positive you is the best version of you there is.

6. Don’t Worry, Be… You Know

When you think negatively, immediately answer the negative thought with a positive statement. So what if you’re talking to yourself? At least one of you is optimistic!

7. Be Creative

You may be faced with situations that are downright stressful. That doesn’t mean you can’t find a creative, even humorous, way to look at it. After all, changing your flat tire means you don’t have to workout at the gym today.

8. Keep Trying

Let’s face it, nobody’s perfect. No one can be positive all the time–that would just be weird. When you fall off the wagon, scramble to jump back on. This isn’t a contest and no one is keeping score. Just do your best.

9. Pass It On

When you tell people about the experiment, it keeps you accountable. Sure, some will laugh. Some will even “help” to keep it challenging. But, positivity is contagious and don’t you just want to infect somebody?

10. Make It a Habit

Haven’t you always heard, “Do something for 21 days and it becomes a habit?” Well, we suggest starting with 21 days to make positivity a lifestyle. It’s like getting a makeover from the inside out!