4 Lessons I'd Tell My 17-Year-Old Self
Because 37 lessons for 37 years is just way too much for one post.
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I submitted my first-ever cover story yesterday. Damn, my 14-year-old self — the young girl who already had volumes of journals in which she wrote about her desires to be a big New York City journalist — would geek out over that sentence. Who am I kidding? My 37-year-old self is currently geeking out about that sentence. This has been a career goal for a very, very long time, and although there’s still so much more roadway until I get the item across the finish line (the editing process is always a fun volley), I’m finding myself in this reflective, remember-when-you-wanted-what-you-have-now mindset this week.
At dinner on Tuesday night, someone asked me to describe a “typical” day in my life. My immediate answer was “every day is different,” (true) — but I followed that up with a giggle, realizing that my every day is truly so different … than younger me could’ve anticipated. I thought I’d be working on staff as an editor at a magazine. Still living in New York, sure. But maybe not. I definitely thought I’d be married by now, maybe I’d have a kid. I never anticipated that I’d be so immersed in the world of health and wellness, and I certainly didn’t expect to travel nearly as much as I do.
I’m rambling. At first, I wanted this post to be 37 lessons I learned by my 37th birthday on June 2, but that felt long and unnecessary. So rather, in the spirit of being older and wiser this month, I’m going to share a handful of lessons I’d tell the young woman who was just embarking on pursuing all of those big, scary, crazy dreams. Four lessons I’d tell myself 20 years ago (because 3.7 lessons doesn’t make sense, either), to be specific.
A little unconventional? Sure. But! I make the rules around here.
1. Small, sustainable changes lead to big results.
Habits stick when they’re approachable. In both of my major weight loss efforts, I didn’t accomplish my goal by making drastic shifts. (You can read more about those here). Rather, I committed to implementing small, helpful changes that lead to major gains, mentally and physically. The same thing goes within my work. I’m always asking myself: What’s the ultimate goal, and what’s one small step you can take today to get you closer to that?
2. Recovery is a non-negotiable part of progress.
Whether we’re talking about movement or your never-ending to-do list, giving yourself a break every now and again is critical to staving off burnout. I try to be proactive, integrating small self-care habits into my regular routine that make me feel like my best self. That’s highlighting a gratitude from the past 24 hours every morning. Owning my “no” when it comes to one-too-many “school night” hangouts. Scheduling regular time in the sauna. Take time to give back to you, and you’ll be able to show up for yourself and the people you care about even better.
3. There's power in showing up, even when you don't feel like it.
There are definitely mornings, even as a self-proclaimed morning person, that I don’t feel like putting on my sneakers and getting to the gym. But 99.9% of the time, if I can get myself out the door and into the first five minutes of movement, I’ll stick it out for the rest of the session. And on that .01% of the time I think this isn’t for me today, well, that’s OK, too. You’ve heard it before, I’ll say it again: You never regret a workout, just like you’ll never regret showing up for yourself. Especially when it’s hard. Those are the moments when it’s the most important.
4. Redirection is protection.
Back in 2020, I was in talks to become an ambassador for a major global brand. I was convinced that it was going to unlock a world of opportunity for me. It would’ve required exclusivity. The deal fell through after at a series of five-or-so calls, and I was beside myself, so rocked and upset over it. Fast forward: A couple months later, I signed on for a four-day project with a different brand that paid me what I would’ve made in a full calendar year in that ambassador role.
Did I have every right to be upset when that exciting deal fell through? For sure. But I know now that redirection can be both protection and a new door opening. There have been so many things I’ve worked on that didn’t come to fruition, but each and every time I’ve found something new on the other side of frustration. Each and every time, I’ve shown myself that I can handle the hurdles as they come.
SHARE BELOW: What’s one lesson you’d tell your younger self?
Keep hurdling,
P.S. Saying “20 years ago” makes me feel extra old, NBD.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
What I’m Watching: Sirens
Binged this all within a week. Julianne Moore is so damn good.
“Have some grace, and lose with class.”
- Lisa Leslie on Aryna Sabalenka’s post-match comments about Coco Gauff
Other thoughts and links: Speaking of Coco, let’s hear it for her first-ever French Open win. She talked to my friend Nikki on her podcast Nice Talk this week following the celebrations, give it a listen here. While we’re talking about tennis, a new fertility rule lets WTA tennis players step away to undergo fertility treatments without impacting their rankings. It’s been a long time coming! Looking to watch women’s sports this summer? This Women’s Health definitive guide to every women’s sports bar in America will help with that. I’m speaking at next month’s Travel + Leisure World’s Best Summit, so cue a bit of self-promotion here. Yesterday, Grand Slam Track announced the cancelation of their Los Angeles meet; I’m bummed as I’ve loved the opportunity to watch my favorite athletes compete more this year. Also, I just got an email that Amex upped their offer to 110,000 bonus miles for new credit card sign-ups which is impressive. In other words, if you’re thinking about a new card, now’s a good time to snag one for that summer Eurotrip.
I really enjoy compiling links to share with you week after week. Are you digging it? Have something you want me to nod to in an upcoming Weekly Hurdle? Or, just want to say hi? Let me know by clicking here:
MY SOMETHING NEW
One of my goals for 2025 is to do something new every single week. I wrote about this earlier this year. Love these recaps? Let me know in the comments ⬇️
Tuesday, June 3: Flyfish Club
Went to check out this newer member’s only club (I had a plug) last week with a girlfriend. Had a blast! The space is beautifully decorated with hints of mahogany and lush greenery, and boasts an intimate, upscale vibe. We ate crazy delicious tuna crispy rice, a divine fennel salad, branzino, prime filet mignon, and a sundae for dessert. (Chef Capon came out and sang “Happy Birthday” to me, which was a sweet touch.)
After we were done with dinner, I talked to a couple of guys at the bar and asked them why they joined. They told me they have a lot of high-profile clients, and it’s nice to have a place to take them that’s low-key (also, their company pays for it). Doesn’t hurt that some fun people have also been coming through the doors; Lauryn Hill hosted her birthday there recently. We stayed for a bit to do one more drink in the downstairs lounge (adjacent to an exclusive omakase counter). The music was great, and we sipped on the best Chablis I’ve ever had.
Thanks to LMNT — an electrolyte drink mix with everything you need and nothing you don't — for supporting Hurdle.
If you haven’t tried the new lemonade LMNT yet, it will blow your mind. Not only is it zero-sugar hydration to support your active lifestyle, but it’s also absolutely delicious. These electrolytes my go-to to perform better, and they’re also without artificial ingredients, sugar, and coloring. With LMNT, you can:
☀️ Kickstart your mornings
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They’ve got a flavor for every taste, but the new lemonade is the perfect summer sip on a hot day. A girlfriend of mine has me hooked on the half-and-half approach: Half a packet of lemonade combined with half a packet of watermelon. Head to DrinkLMNT.com/Hurdle to get a FREE LMNT sample pack with any purchase, including LMNT Sparkling. To claim this deal you must go to DrinkLMNT.com/Hurdle — no code necessary!
There’s something beyond special about coach Diljeet Taylor; as the head of BYU’s women’s track and field program, she’s made a massive impact on young women. But Coach Taylor’s leadership goes well beyond the BYU campus, as a leader for Nike’s Swoosh TC in Utah and a figurehead for women in sport.
In this week’s episode, she talks about the difficult decisions she had to make as the daughter of Indian immigrants to deviate away from the blueprint that was set out for her. She shares how she garnered the self-belief and courage to carve her own path, leading her to pursue her passion for running and ultimately become one of the most respected coaches in her field. We talk about the importance of “in order to be her you need to see her,” and how she shows up on the days where she doesn’t feel so confident. Plus: What you will and won’t catch her talking to her athletes about, and why a recent trip to Mumbai was such a full-circle moment for her.
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Lesson to my younger self - you are unique. Be you! No one can ever take that away from you!
Consistency is SO key! Super relevant to lessons 1 & 3, but an overall great life lesson. Thanks for sharing!!!