I have set about trying to change my attitude, with optimism as my new mantra. When I catch myself about to moan, or believing something will fail, I stop and ask myself why this means I should not try. Usually there is no reason not to give something a go. I can safely say that so far this year optimism has served me well, sure the occasional whine gets through, and the cost of petrol has still forced me onto a terribly unreliable public transport system but less than two weeks into the New Year, I have already noticed a profound effect. I’ve been more motivated, writing more, and applying for more jobs. I have been able to rearrange my internship, and recently received an offer for another one. I finally booked flights to go travelling, something I have spoken of for years, but had continually procrastinated. I may not have changed my life, but by looking at it from a different, more hopeful stand point, I am much more comfortable with what I am doing and where I am going. I am no longer doing things because I have to do them, but because I believe that they all lead towards becoming a better person. I now want to do them because I want to be better.
So as a natural born pessimist and a chronic moaner, I repeat my new motto: This year is my lucky year. I know this for certain, because I believe it is; and believing is half the battle.