I was talking with someone close to me about positive thinking, and they said something that got me thinking. They said, “I tried it. It doesn’t work.” And my response was, “You’ve got to believe it.” But how long does it take to really believe it?

Speaking for myself, I always believed in the power of positivity, but it took me a while to truly realize it—to let it loose, so to speak. I have a theory on how long it takes, and why it varies for individuals. Keep in mind, I’m no scientist, but hear me out.

We are the product of our conditioning—how we were raised, the societal influences around us, the good and bad things that happened to us over the years. All of this shapes the way we think, how we act, and what we believe. Our cells, too, are always being replaced. They come in, do their job, and then retire, passing on their knowledge to the new cells that take over. It’s a cycle that repeats endlessly.

Now, let’s imagine that as you start soaking up positivity—studying it, practicing it, making it a part of your daily life—some of those cells get a taste of it before they retire. They pass on that positive influence to the new cells. And those new cells, in turn, are influenced even more, gradually creating a body and mind filled with positivity. Over time, this process leads to a transformation where positivity becomes a natural part of who you are.

It’s not an overnight shift. You get glimpses of it—bursts of joy and love that make you feel unstoppable. When those moments come, ride that wave for as long as you can. And when it fades, it’s okay. Stay peaceful, stay focused, and know that it will come back, each time lasting longer and feeling stronger.

I’m not saying you’re going to feel high on life all the time, but there will be days when your shine is so bright that everyone can see it. The key is to believe in it with the same dedication and consistency you’d give any important goal. Plant the seeds, nurture them, and let them grow. Trees don’t shoot up overnight—unless we’re talking about bamboo, and every once in a while, you’ll find those “bamboo people” who experience a sudden, rapid transformation. Who knows, you might be one of them.

For me, it was a process. I’d say it took a lifetime of learning, condensed into the last four years. I had to police my thoughts and words, and confront my limiting beliefs. First, I had to recognize them, then deal with them. After that, I became my own thought police. I even went through a phase where I tried to police other people’s words, but that quickly became overwhelming. I learned that people have to come to their own realizations. You can show them, guide them, but true understanding comes through experience, not just words.

I know sometimes it can sound vague when I say, “You’ve got to believe it,” or, “Have faith,” but that’s where it all starts and ends. You have to start with belief, and then patiently guide yourself through the ups and downs. This is supposed to be a fitness blog, I know, but I meet so many people on their fitness journeys who struggle with their inner attitude. And that’s where I come in.

Attitude is everything. It’s my main focus, not just in fitness, but in all life goals. Your attitude is what guides you through the tough times, and it’s your energy that keeps you moving forward. Your attitude can level the playing field and even give you an advantage in most situations. It takes time, patience, and a strong will to guide your feelings from negative to positive, but it’s worth the effort.