You’ve seen her, right? All over your TikTok and YouTube feeds, the girl with the flawless morning routine, the green smoothie, and the life that looks… well, perfect. She’s “That Girl.”
And while it’s easy to get caught up in the dream (who doesn’t want to feel that put-together?), I think we often miss the most important part: “That Girl” looks different for every single one of us.
So how to become that girl? Before we dive into the “how,” let’s get one thing straight.
What does “that girl” really mean?
At its heart, the “That Girl” trend is all about being intentional. It’s about being someone who prioritizes their well-being, gets organized, and chases their goals. It means taking care of your body and mind, and building a life that makes you genuinely happy.
But here’s my take: For me, becoming “That Girl” isn’t about transforming into someone else. It’s about becoming the best, most vibrant version of myself. It means ditching the pressure to follow a social media script and instead building habits that fill my life with positivity and purpose.
So, how do you become your version of “That Girl”? Let’s walk through it together.
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How to become “that girl”
1) Dream, but keep it real
Before you overhaul your entire life, grab a cup of coffee and have a little heart-to-heart with yourself. Ask: What does “That Girl” actually look like for me? If you’re not a 5 a.m. person, that’s okay! Maybe your “That Girl” wakes up at 7:30 and spends 10 minutes journaling. The goal isn’t to fit a mold; it’s to create a vision that feels exciting and, most importantly, achievable for you.
2) Make a game plan
Jumping in without a plan is a fast track to feeling overwhelmed. Let’s get a little strategic! What habits do you want to build? Which ones do you want to let go of? What are some goals you’re itching to achieve? Sketching out a loose plan gives you a map so you know which direction to head in.
3) Take baby steps
Seriously, this is the secret sauce, and this is the step we all love to skip, but it’s the most important! If you try to add five new habits at once, you’ll likely burn out in a week.
The real secret? Go slow. Let’s say you want to become an early riser. If you usually wake up at 9 a.m., don’t set your alarm for 5 a.m. tomorrow! That’s a recipe for misery. Instead, try waking up at 8:30 for a week. Then at 8:00 the next. Your body and mind need time to adjust. Slow and steady wins the race every single time.
4) Be your own best friend
Please, please, be kind to yourself. Changing habits is a journey, not a destination. There will be days you mess up, skip the workout, or hit snooze. I want you to know that’s perfectly okay. It doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It means you’re human. Talk to yourself like you’d talk to your best friend, with loads of patience and encouragement.
5) Celebrate your wins
Reached a goal? Had a solid week of sticking to your new routine? That’s a huge deal! Reward yourself! This isn’t pointless; it’s essential. It boosts your motivation and reminds you that you’re capable of amazing things.
Your reward could be:
- Binging two episodes of your favorite show.
- Getting a fun dessert.
- Having a lazy breakfast at your favorite café.
- Planning a game night with friends.
Whatever makes you smile, do that! You’ve earned it.
6) Check in with yourself
It’s hard to know if you’re getting anywhere if you never look back! Every now and then, track your progress. Are you feeling better? Have you stuck to your morning routine? If something isn’t working, that’s fine! This is your chance to tweak your plan. Maybe exercising four times a week was too ambitious, and twice a week is your sweet spot. Adapt and adjust!
7) Actually enjoy the process!
This might be the most important step of all. If you hate every second of your new routine, you won’t stick with it. Don’t force yourself to do things you genuinely dislike.
Find what brings you joy. If you hate running, try dancing. If a 10-step skincare routine feels like a chore, keep it simple. This journey is about adding more happiness and peace to your life, not more stress.
So, take a deep breath. Define what “That Girl” means for you, and then go become her, one small, joyful, and compassionate step at a time. You’ve got this!
21 core habits to be “That Girl”
Alright, now for the fun part! We’ve talked about the mindset, so now let’s get into the little daily habits that can help you build that “That Girl” feeling from the inside out.
Remember, this isn’t a strict checklist. Think of these as a menu of ideas. Pick what resonates with you, tweak what doesn’t, and always make it work for your life.
Let’s dive in!
1) Nourish your body
Think of food as your fuel. To feel your best, it helps to fuel your body with things that make it feel strong and energized. Try to incorporate more fresh, whole foods into your days—add some extra veggies to your meal, snack on a piece of fruit, or enjoy the simple joy of cooking a meal at home.
But hear me loud and clear: this is not about deprivation! That piece of chocolate or your favorite dessert? It absolutely has a place here. It’s all about balance. Enjoy the foods that make your soul happy, while mostly choosing things that make your body say “thank you.”
2) Carve out “Me-Time”
In our crazy-busy world, scheduling time for yourself might feel like a luxury, but I’m here to tell you it’s a necessity. “That Girl” knows that you can’t pour from an empty cup.
Even if it’s just 20 minutes, block out time in your day just for you. Read a book, work on a hobby, sit in silence.. whatever fills your cup. This is a non-negotiable time to reconnect with yourself.
3) Embrace the power of a journal
I know, you see this everywhere, but there’s a reason for it! Getting your thoughts out of your head and onto paper is like a mental reset button. It can help you process your feelings, celebrate your wins, and let go of what’s not serving you.
Don’t overthink it! If you’re new to journaling, just start by writing down three things you’re grateful for or one goal for the day. You can use a fancy journal or just the notes app on your phone. The point is to check in with yourself.
4) Make self-care a non-negotiable
Forget the idea that self-care is only bubble baths and face masks (though it can be!). True self-care is any intentional action you take to care for your mental, emotional, and physical health.
It’s saying no to a plan when you’re tired, taking five minutes to stretch or listening to your favorite podcast while you cook. It’s the small, consistent acts of kindness you show yourself that truly add up.
5) Befriend your water bottle
I know, I know, you’ve heard this a million times. But staying hydrated is one of the simplest and most powerful things you can do for your energy levels, your skin, and your overall health.
If you’re not a natural water-drinker, try keeping a cute water bottle on your desk as a visual reminder, or add some fresh fruit like lemon or berries to make it more exciting. Your body will thank you!
6) Wear your confidence
“That Girl” radiates confidence, and a huge part of that is wearing what makes you feel amazing. It’s not about following trends; it’s about what makes you feel powerful, comfortable, and authentically you.
Love that bold dress? Wear it. Prefer cozy loungewear? Rock it. Let go of the fear of judgment. The most attractive thing you can wear is your self-assurance, and it pairs perfectly with any outfit.
7) Find the silver linings
Life can be tough, but a positive attitude is like a superpower. It doesn’t mean ignoring the hard stuff, but choosing to believe you can handle it. When you focus on the good, even tiny things, you build a resilience that helps you bounce back from anything. Try to find one little lesson or silver lining in a challenging day; it can completely change your perspective.
8) Find your flow with organization
Think of organization as a gift to your future self. When your space and schedule aren’t chaotic, your mind feels clearer, too. “That Girl” isn’t perfect; she’s just prepared. Find a simple system that works for you, whether it’s a pretty planner or a digital calendar. Taming the clutter, both physical and mental, leaves you with so much more energy to actually live.
9) Move your body in ways you love
Forget punishing workouts! Movement is about celebration. What makes your body feel alive? A peaceful walk in nature? A dance party in your kitchen? A good stretch when you wake up? Listen to what your body is asking for. The goal is to feel strong and joyful, not to check a box.
10) Be your own hype squad
Those negative thoughts that creep in? It’s time to talk back! Positive affirmations might feel silly at first, but they are incredibly powerful. Look in the mirror and say, “I am capable,” or “I am worthy of my dreams.” You are your own most important critic, so why not become your biggest fan, too?
11) Stay curious and keep learning
Remember that spark of excitement you felt as a kid when you learned something new? Let’s bring that back! Being “That Girl” isn’t about knowing everything, but about being endlessly curious. What’s that one thing you’ve always been secretly interested in but never made time for? For me, it was finally learning how to build an online business. (Spoiler: I’m working on 3 projects right now)
Don’t be afraid to dive in. Sign up for that online course, borrow a book from the library on a new topic, or just watch a documentary. Investing in your own growth is a way of telling yourself, “My potential is limitless.” And it’s never, ever too late to start.
12) Craft a morning routine you crave
I used to dread my mornings…hitting snooze five times, rushing out the door feeling frazzled. Then I started building a morning routine not based on what I should do, but on what makes me feel calm and centered.
For you, that might look like five minutes of stretching, sipping your coffee while it’s still hot, writing down one thing you’re grateful for, or listening to your favorite podcast. It doesn’t have to be a 2-hour production. The goal is to start your day on your own terms, doing something that feels good for your soul. Trust me, winning the morning makes the rest of the day feel like a victory.
13) Discover the magic of early mornings
Now, I’m not going to tell you that you must become a 5 a.m. riser. But I will gently encourage you to experiment with waking up just 30 minutes earlier than usual. Why? Because those quiet, still minutes before the world wakes up are pure magic.
This is your secret time. No demands, no notifications, just you. You can use it to read, plan your day, or simply enjoy the silence with a warm cup of tea. It’s not about losing sleep; it’s about gaining a peaceful head start that belongs entirely to you.
14) Create a circle of inspiration
Let’s be honest, we all have days when our motivation packs its bags and goes on vacation. On those days, willpower alone isn’t enough. That’s why one of the kindest things you can do is consciously build an environment that cheers you on.
This is your personal cheer squad! It means curating your social media feed to be filled with accounts that uplift you, not ones that make you feel inadequate. It’s about spending more time with friends who genuinely celebrate your wins. It’s putting a motivating quote on your mirror or creating a playlist that makes you feel powerful. Your surroundings should feel like a warm hug, reminding you of the amazing person you are and are becoming.
15) Schedule time to simply pamper yourself
We talk a lot about self-care, but let’s take it a step further: let’s talk about pampering. This goes beyond the basics. This is about those moments of pure, intentional indulgence that make you feel utterly cherished… by you.
Run a bath with the fancy bath oils you’ve been saving for a “special occasion.” (Today is the occasion!) Slather on a luxurious face mask. Buy yourself a single, beautiful flower for your desk. This isn’t frivolous; it’s a powerful way to send a message to your soul: “You are worthy of being pampered.”
16) Fuel your body with love
Think about your diet not as a strict set of rules, but as a way of nourishing the body that carries you through life. It’s about adding in the good stuff. Think of the colorful veggies that make you feel vibrant, the water that keeps you hydrated, the homemade meals made with love.
But hear me loud and clear: this also includes the chocolate cake, the cozy pizza night, and the ice cream cone on a summer day. Deprivation is not the goal. The goal is balance and joy. Eat in a way that makes your body feel strong and your heart feel happy. You are what you eat, so eat in a way that reflects how much you love yourself.
17) Protect your peace
Because it is. Your mental health is the foundation for everything else. “That Girl” knows that she can’t pour from an empty cup, so she fiercely protects her inner peace.
This means it’s okay to say “no” to things that drain you. It’s okay to unfollow people who make you feel bad. It’s more than okay to take a mental health day to just rest and reset. Your peace is precious. Prioritize it over being nice, over FOMO, and over other people’s expectations. You are allowed to create a life that feels calm and safe for you.
18) Talk to yourself like a dear friend
Pay attention to your inner voice. Is it kind? When you make a mistake, do you beat yourself up? Try switching that script. What would you say to your best friend in the same situation? That’s the exact same compassion you deserve from yourself. Start talking to yourself with that same supportive, gentle tone. Swap “I can’t do this” for “I’m going to give it my best shot.” It might feel strange at first, but this simple shift is a game-changer for your confidence and peace of mind.
19) Carve out a “golden hour”
Look at your day and see if you can find one extra hour, just for you. I call this my “golden hour,” and it’s sacred. Maybe for you, it’s waking up 30 minutes earlier to read and sip tea in the quiet. Maybe it’s using your lunch break to sketch or listen to a podcast you love. Or perhaps it’s telling your family you need 30 minutes after work to unwind before diving into the evening. This is your time to invest in you.
20) Give your day a gentle shape
I used to feel overwhelmed by my to-do lists until I started this one simple habit: each morning, I take just five minutes with my coffee to write down my top three priorities for the day.
I don’t mean a massive, intimidating list, but just three things that would make me feel like the day was a success if I got them done. Everything else is a bonus.
This tiny act of planning gives your day direction and intention. It’s like giving your future self a friendly map, so you don’t end the day wondering where the time went. It’s a small act of kindness that brings huge clarity and a wonderful sense of accomplishment.
21) Enjoy the journey and be your own best friend
And the most important habit of all? Have fun! This journey of becoming “That Girl” should feel exciting and empowering, not like a chore. If a habit isn’t serving you, let it go. If you need a rest day, take it. This is your life, and you are the one designing it. Be patient, be kind, and celebrate every single step you take. You’re doing amazing.
Wrap up
And there you have it, how to become “that girl”!
Becoming it isn’t about copying someone else’s highlight reel. It’s a much more beautiful and personal journey than that. Trust me, it all starts with you, with understanding what a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life looks like for you.
From there, it’s about gently weaving in small, positive habits that make you feel empowered, organized, and genuinely joyful from the inside out.
So, take a deep breath. You don’t have to start all 21 habits tomorrow. Pick one or two that truly call to you and begin there.
This is your year to shine, on your own terms. I’m so excited for you!
