The First 3 Steps to Becoming the ‘That Girl’ Version of Yourself

Hey there, lovely.

I know the phrase “That Girl” gets thrown around a lot, especially on social media, but let’s break it down into something real. “That Girl” isn’t about perfection. She’s the version of yourself who radiates confidence, takes care of her mind and body, and knows exactly where she’s headed. She’s you—just aligned, intentional, and glowing.

I want to share a bit of my story to let you know that no matter where you’re starting, you can become her. At 19, I became a single mom, which was a whirlwind all on its own. Then, two years ago, my partner was tragically killed. It felt like my dreams shattered overnight. I didn’t think I’d ever be able to live the life I had envisioned.

But here’s what I learned: you can rise, even from the hardest moments. You can glow, even in the darkest seasons. And you can become her—the woman you’ve always dreamed of being. I’m living proof that no matter where you’re starting from, you can create a life that feels like magic.

So, let’s start building your journey to becoming that girl. Here are the first three steps to stepping into your glow-up and creating a life you absolutely love.

Step 1: Assess Where You Are

Before you can level up, you need to know where you’re starting from. This is where a little self-reflection comes in. Grab a journal or open the notes app on your phone—whatever feels easiest.

Ask yourself:

Where in my life am I thriving?
Where do I feel stuck or unfulfilled?
What habits or routines are holding me back?
What do I truly want to change in the next year?

When I was at my lowest, I realized I wasn’t just grieving; I was stuck in survival mode. My daily routines weren’t serving me, and my goals felt like distant dreams. The turning point was getting honest about where I was and deciding I wanted more for myself and my child.

✨ Accountability Bestie Tip: My 12-week guided planner can help you take inventory of your current habits and goals, so you can start building the life you want. (Grab it here)

Step 2: Get Crystal Clear on Your Dream Life

Let’s dream, babe. Like, unapologetically dream. What does your best life look like? Imagine it in detail—the smells, the sounds, the feelings. Close your eyes and let your mind wander.

Ask yourself:

What does my ideal morning look like?
What kind of energy do I want to carry throughout my day?
How does my space feel—clean, cozy, vibrant?
What goals light me up and make my heart race?

One of the most powerful things I ever did was sit down and write out my dream day from start to finish. Not just the big-picture goals, but the small, beautiful moments—like sipping coffee by a sunny window or having a skincare routine that makes me feel like I’m glowing from the inside out.

Here’s an exercise to help you start:

Write down your top 10 goals for the next year.
Now, circle the one goal that would change your life the most if you achieved it in the next 12 weeks.
That’s your focus. Break it down into smaller steps, and start working on it every single day.

✨ Pro Tip: If you’re not sure where to start, my free Pinterest-to-Dream-Life Strategy Guide will walk you through how to map out your dream life and start building it step by step.

Step 3: Build a Plan of Action

Okay, gorgeous—it’s time to turn those dreams into a real, actionable plan. This is where you stop scrolling through inspiration and start living the glow-up you’ve been pinning on Pinterest.

Step 1: Clean Up Your Life

Creating your dream life starts with clearing out what doesn’t serve you.

Declutter your space: Tidy your room, organize your desk, and get rid of things that don’t spark joy. A clean, organized space = a clear, focused mind.
Detox your digital life: Unfollow accounts that drain you, delete old files, and curate your phone to reflect your goals and vibes.

Step 2: Upgrade Your Habits

Your habits create your reality, so let’s start small:

Replace one habit that’s holding you back with something uplifting. For me, it was swapping late-night scrolling for journaling.
Create a simple daily routine that supports your energy and mindset.

Here’s a routine to try:

Morning Glow-Up: Start your day with skincare, light makeup, and a comfy but chic outfit. Looking good helps you feel unstoppable.
Fuel Your Body: Prioritize a high-protein breakfast, drink plenty of water, and take supplements to boost your energy and mood.
Plan Your Day: Use a planner to set your top 3-5 goals for the day. (The Accountability Bestie Planner is perfect for this!)
Focus & Flow: Play some soft focus music and tackle your tasks one by one.
Move Your Body: Whether it’s yoga, a walk, or a dance party in your kitchen, find a way to move daily.
Evening Reset: Wind down with journaling, gratitude, or a cozy book to reflect on your wins for the day.

✨ Pro Tip: My planner makes sticking to your daily goals so much easier. It’s like having a bestie cheering you on every step of the way.

Journal Prompts for Clarity

If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, try these prompts to gain focus:

What would the most confident, glowing version of myself do every day?
What are 3 small changes I can make this week to improve my mental health?
If I had no fear or self-doubt, what would I start working toward today?

Why 12-Week Goals Work

Let me let you in on a little secret: 12-week goals are life-changing. They’re long enough to make meaningful progress but short enough to keep you motivated. It’s like treating every 12 weeks as a mini-year, with fresh starts and big wins built right in.

Every 12 weeks, you get to look back, celebrate how far you’ve come, and set new goals. Trust me, this approach will keep you on fire all year long.

Final Thoughts

Here’s the truth: you don’t have to wait for life to be perfect to start your glow-up. You don’t have to have it all figured out to become that girl. You just have to start.

I know life can be messy, unpredictable, and downright heartbreaking. But that doesn’t mean you can’t rise, rebuild, and shine brighter than ever. You are worthy of your dream life, and you can make it happen.

Let’s make 2025 your year—the year you stop scrolling for inspiration and start creating it for yourself. Grab your Accountability Bestie Planner, plug into the glow-up tools you need, and start building the life you’ve been dreaming of.

You’ve got this. And I’m here cheering you on every step of the way.

Xo,
Chelsea Elise 💖