Wake up at 5 AM. Drink lemon water. Meditate. Do a 10-step skincare routine. Journal. Hit the gym. Work on your goals. Eat a perfectly balanced, aesthetic meal. Stay productive, but also make time for self-care.
Sound familiar?
The “That Girl” trend took over social media, pushing an image of the ultimate put-together woman—someone who thrives in structure, glows from within, and never seems to have an off day. At first glance, it’s inspiring. Who wouldn’t want to feel like their best self? But for many, it quickly turns into an exhausting standard that feels impossible to meet.
Because the truth is, real life isn’t always aesthetic. And success? It doesn’t come from following a perfectly curated routine—it comes from doing what actually works for you.
The Pressure to Be “That Girl”
Social media makes it look easy. A quick scroll through TikTok or Instagram is filled with morning routines that feel straight out of a wellness magazine. Clean sheets, sunrise journaling, a perfectly foamed matcha latte. It’s all effortlessly perfect. But what those videos don’t show are the messy parts: the days when motivation is nonexistent, the nights spent overthinking, or the moments when life just doesn’t fit into a structured schedule.
There’s nothing wrong with wanting to be disciplined, healthy, and productive. But the problem with the “That Girl” image is that it often feels like an all-or-nothing approach. If you don’t wake up early, if you don’t have the energy to work out, or if you just don’t feel like it, suddenly it seems like you’re falling behind. And that mindset? It’s draining.
Success Looks Different for Everyone
Here’s the thing: no single morning routine, self-care ritual, or lifestyle formula will work for everyone. The reason? People have different schedules, energy levels, mental health needs, and responsibilities.
Some people thrive in structured routines, while others need flexibility. Some feel energized by early mornings, while others do their best thinking at night. Some can commit to an intense workout schedule, while others are just trying to move their body when they can.
The goal shouldn’t be to copy someone else’s version of success. It should be to create a lifestyle that feels good for you.
How to Build a Routine That Actually Works
Instead of chasing an idealized version of wellness, try focusing on habits that fit into your real life. Here’s how:
Start small. You don’t need to overhaul your entire life overnight. Pick one habit that feels doable—maybe drinking more water, moving your body in a way you enjoy, or setting aside time to decompress at the end of the day.
Prioritize what feels good. If waking up at 5 AM makes you miserable, don’t do it. If long journaling sessions aren’t your thing, find another way to check in with yourself—like voice notes, short reflections, or even a quick chat with a friend.
Ditch the “all-or-nothing” mindset. You don’t need to be productive 24/7 to be successful. Some days will be less structured, and that’s okay. Resting doesn’t mean failing. It means recharging.
Make it sustainable. A good routine isn’t about perfection—it’s about consistency. If something feels forced or unrealistic, it won’t last. Instead, build habits that support you, not stress you out.
Redefining “That Girl” on Your Own Terms
Being “That Girl” doesn’t have to mean following a rigid, aesthetic lifestyle. It can mean showing up for yourself in ways that make sense for you. Maybe that’s getting extra sleep instead of forcing a 5 AM wake-up. Maybe it’s skipping the gym in favor of a slow morning. Maybe it’s understanding that self-improvement isn’t about looking a certain way. It’s about feeling at peace with yourself.
At the end of the day, success isn’t found in the perfect routine. It’s found in the habits, choices, and moments that help you feel like the best version of yourself. Even if that version looks different every day.
So forget the pressure to be her. Just be you.
Anamia Saucedo 
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