A lot of people start off the new year with an incredibly positive attitude. Some people get to the point where their attitude is so cheesy and completely contradictory to their mentality that was existent just a week or so before now. Trust me, I'm just as guilty as you are. Personally, I was in a rut with my mindset when December 31st rolled around: self-doubt, wondering what exactly life is about, and sometimes flat-out negative. I knew I wanted my attitude to transform as the calendar flipped, but how would I maintain that positive attitude about myself and life? A couple days ago, that was a dandy question, but now I have the answer.

The mirror we look in every day to brush our teeth and comb our hair shows our reflection. The reflection of our lives as we know it, our hard work we've put in to get there, and foreshadows a little into our futures. The can sometimes be our biggest confidants, secret keepers, but also, as I've come to figure our, our biggest cheerleaders. I've got some sayings that fulfill a mirror's job criteria as an encourager.

1. "I Can Do This"

I put this one as number one because this is vitally important. Putting your mind to something as the new year progesses is essential to maintaining your positive attitude. Those four words can get you through a big test, a nerve-wracking performance, or just you average joe kind of day.

2. Your Favorite Bible Verse

The saying is, "If God can get you to it, He can get you through it," and I believe this wholeheartedly. There's hardly anything that can boost your confidence more than letting God speak to your heart through your reflection. My personal go to is Psalm 139:14 which reminds me that I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

3. "You've Only Got "X" Amount of Days Left Before..."

This is essential when a big vacation (or any break from the daily routine) is coming up. It reminds us daily that we survived a long stretch and a stressful time of our lives. Also when the numbers go down each day, it encourages us by saying, "Well if I made it through yesterday, I can make it through today."

4. Stand Tall, Be Confident in Yourself, and Strut!

Thank you Mom for sparking my brain and giving me the idea to include this one. This one is SO important because not only does it encourage you, but can be carried with you throughout the day through the ways you walk and talk. I typically turn to this one before an interview or audition, but it can be used for anything vital to your future.

5. "I Believe."

Sometimes the shortest of phrases make the most impact, and can be the most convincing. I mean look at the main character in Polar Express, he got his faith in Santa Claus through saying those measly two words. I think it's so convincing because it covers a variety of mediums. It could mean that you believe in yourself, you believe in others, or that you could even believe in the activities that you are doing. The options are limitless, as long as you just believe.

Those are just five of the many things you could say to your reflection in order to maintain your positive attitude throughout the year. It also might be encouraging to write these phrases on sticky notes and stick them to your mirror. They will be a constant reminder of how awesome you are and fill your brain with encouragement on the daily.

I believe in you and all that you do, now start looking in the mirror and believing that yourself. It all starts with staring into the eyes of our own reflections.