I woke up like this

Many people hear their morning alarm and greet the day immediately. I am not one of those people. I like to hit the snooze button three or four times before I decide I am ready to start the day because once I am up, I am up.

Everyone finds an excuse to hit the snooze button in the morning. Some did not get enough sleep last night, some were up all night from their dogs barking, and some just could not get out of the warm covers. I delay getting out of bed for one reason only: the second I put my feet on the ground, I am off and running.

My attitude is zero or 100. This it is something I learned about myself not too long ago. I am either busy getting ready for the day, doing the dishes, studying, working on the newspaper, working at Domino's Pizza, cleaning the house, washing clothes or I am sitting on the couch watching Netflix with my roommates or sleeping. There is no in-between. I am extremely all or nothing, and this has been advantageous for me in many ways so far in life. Although like always, with the good comes the bad.

I tend to be so focused on me and what I need to be getting done (I am a planner!) and less focused on what is happening around me and what other people are doing. It is so interesting to me that while I believe you need to focus on yourself before anything else, I want to have a deeper connection with the people I interact with. If you believe in horoscopes and astrological signs, that trait in me has everything to do with the fact I am a Capricorn. I value meaningful relationships and intellectual conversation to facilitate growth as an individual. It has helped me gain friends rather than acquaintances almost everywhere I go.

Something beneficial I have noticed about my all-or-nothing attitude is that it helps me analyze my relationships and decide if they are bringing positive aspects into my life or if they are creating stress and resentment. I like to think that everyone's time is valuable, including mine. Personally, I do not want to waste time hanging out or talking to someone who does not want to attempt to fix a broken relationship or put in equal effort.

The most controversial thing I believe there is about my personality type, and that of many others like me, is our level of passion. I care tremendously about everything. Each thing is individually important for a specific and very valid reason in my mind. I tend to speak very directly and sometimes forcefully to make my beliefs known. While I also appreciate what the other person has to say and want to know their thoughts, the way I come across deters an answer. I am passionate and have done my research to back up my claims. I want to discuss topics, but sometimes the people I talk to just want to chat. I now understand that passion is a virtue, only if utilized in the correct setting.

So, for anyone like me with a failure-is-not-an-option outlook that is worn thin from doing it all, try to slow down and gain perspective. Prioritize wisely for yourself and allow others to help. You are still independent if you work as a team and you might even gain something from it. I truly think no one should have to do anything alone (even though it is difficult to admit) because society works better together.

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED FOR THE ODYSSEY