You Don’t Need to Be “That Girl” to Be That Girl
The “That Girl” Ideal: What Misses the Mark
The “That Girl” trend revolves around curated morning rituals—waking up early, journaling, sipping green smoothies, working out, and maintaining a perfectly minimal aesthetic—broadcast online as the ultimate blueprint for self-care and success.
But these routines often portray privilege and sameness, pushing a narrow ideal. This one-size-fits-all approach creates pressure, especially when real life doesn’t align—and it rarely does.
The Toll of Chasing Perfection
- Toxic productivity: Rigid routines can make it hard to recognize when what we actually need is rest, not more effort.
- Unreachable standards: When routines slip, comparison fuels shame instead of resilience.
- Exclusionary messaging: Not everyone can wake early, afford endless green smoothies, or live in minimalist spaces—and that’s completely okay.
Real Empowerment Starts Within
True strength isn’t measured by how polished your mornings look on TikTok—it’s rooted in authenticity, self-awareness, and honoring your own rhythm. Real empowerment grows from self-acceptance, not imitation.
Psychotherapist Hannah Tishman reminds us that while healthy habits are valuable, doing them rigidly every single day can throw us off balance. Everyone needs breathing room.
How to Be “That Girl”—Your Way
- Start small: Choose one simple, meaningful habit instead of trying to master an entire ritual.
- Rest is productive: Balance structure with flexibility and give yourself permission to pause.
- Progress over perfection: The real win is showing up for yourself, even when plans fall apart.
- Own your pace: Your version of “That Girl” should reflect your values—not a viral trend.
In Summary
You don’t need someone else’s blueprint to define your strength. Being “That Girl” might simply mean being authentically you—flawed, honest, evolving, and unapologetically human.
Redefine the narrative. Empowerment looks like your reflection, not a filtered highlight reel.