10. Social media is a double-edged sword; don’t let it consume you.
When I first got an Instagram account back in 2012 (very reluctantly, might I add), I hardly ever posted pictures. Interestingly, I consider myself a wallflower when it comes to everyday life – I don’t like being the center of attention (in fact, it makes me shudder), and I’m the kind of gal who doesn’t mind quietly slipping out of a party just as stealthily as I came in. How curious then, that I chose a career for myself that is so heavily dependent upon my active social media presence! Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter have been good for my brand development – there’s no doubt about that – but at the same time, I’ve had to take painstaking measures to ensure that it doesn’t become the bane of my existence. It’s a slippery slope, and I see social media eat other people whole all the time. I’d like to still have a life outside of my iPhone.
11. Don’t regret delicious food.
Macros be damned, sometimes the late night gelato is totally worth it. And splitting pancakes with a loved one at the diner at 2.am.? Also worth it.
12. Show up on time.
There’s really not a valid excuse for running late to a commitment. If you anticipate traffic, leave your home earlier. If you do happen to be behind on schedule, own up to it and apologize.
13. You can almost always work around an injury.
If I were to break my leg tomorrow (knock on wood), I don’t think I’d be terribly upset about it. Yes, I’m sure it would hurt, and it would make my life a tad inconvenient for a number of months, but there are worse things. On the physique front, no big deal – there’s still a lot you can do to get ample training effect. Having your lower body sidelined is prime time for you to maybe work on your pullups or hammer out your upper body as a whole. Broken arm? Leg extensions, leg curls, hip thrusts, walking lunges, back extensions… the list goes on. Whatever training limitations you have, there’s likely still plenty for you to do. You just have to get creative.
14. Nothing with nutrition is ever unfixable.
Seriously, nothing. One gluttonous meal does not a failure make. You’re always just one meal away from moving back in the right direction, and extra bodyfat that comes on can come back off.
15. Sleep makes everything better.
For me, getting sufficient quality sleep is the difference between being the goofiest, most chipper chick on the block who feels invincible and being a nasty, horrific monster of a witch who finds a reason to snap at everyone around her. Not only that, but studies have consistently shown that we’re more creative, more productive, and generally better at life when we get enough sleep.
16. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
More hours spent “working” does not always translate into more work actually being done. In other words, there comes a point – believed to be at about the 50 hour-a-week mark – at which productivity drops significantly. Gone are the days of bragging about working 100 hours a week. What good is that if I can actually get the exact same amount of work done in half the time? Not only that, but if you can have a life outside of your job and spend time pursuing hobbies and making memories with loved ones, it seems like a no-brainer, doesn’t it?
17. Don’t make rash decisions when emotions are high.
Oh, it’s so tempting sometimes to air your dirty laundry and cause a big scene, doesn’t it? It’s easier to be immature, extreme, and rash when you’re seeing red – and in a way, there’s some sick gratification that comes from it. I get that. But just sleep on it for one night and see how you’re feeling tomorrow. You’ll likely be glad you didn’t do something you’d later regret.
18. Don’t ever feel guilty about taking care of yourself.
Are you feeling a pang of guilt any time you try to slip away to the gym for an hour? Or worse, is someone close to you trying to make you feel bad and calling you selfish for taking care of your health? Get the hell outta town! We all have a right to eat well, exercise regularly, and get our rest. You have to take care of yourself first and foremost if you want to be the best person you can be for others. No apologies.
19. Being a victim is a choice.
The glass actually is half full, if you let it be. And no matter what circumstances you’re dealt with in your life, you have the power to take ownership and make the most of your situation.