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The latest trend on TikTok seems to be all about how to become “that girl”. There are thousands of TikTok videos all about becoming “that girl”.
So we have to ask: who is THAT GIRL? Why is she so popular? How come everyone wants to be her? And is she REALLY a good idol?
Who IS the TikTok “That Girl”?
Becoming “THAT GIRL” has become common TikTok lingo. It seems that everyone is talking about it and striving to be “that girl”.
But if you are unfamiliar with the trend, let’s break it down a bit.
To give a brief overview, “that girl” TikTok videos are all about living your “best life”.
They are typically a compilation of aesthetic video clips, healthy food, productivity, and happiness.
Some common elements of a “that girl” video include waking up early (typically around 5 am or so!), exercise, getting outside, an aesthetic breakfast (usually including berries or avocados), planners, journals, cute pens, coffee, and lots and LOTS of water!
These videos are cute and fun to watch. I know I myself sometimes watch them and feel like I am being productive through the video (silly, I know!). In a minute or less, these videos really showcase what feels like the “ideal” morning routine.
But is it really?
5 Positive Elements of the “That Girl” TikTok Trend
There are positives that can be taken away from this trend FOR SURE! I am all for watching these beautiful girls live their best lives in their TikTok videos. They can even be a great source of inspiration!
Let’s take a look at some positive takeaways from these videos:
1. Waking Up Early
This can be a really great habit! When you wake up early, there is so much more time in your day to be productive and accomplish things you want to!
Waking up early is something I enjoy as well. On its own, there is nothing wrong with this habit!
2. Waking Up Early
This is actually my favorite part of the “that girl” TikTok trend. I have been trying to get you guys onto using planners every day for YEARS. 😉
Related Post: 100 Things to Track in Your Planner
No, but seriously. This is a great takeaway from these trendy videos.
I wholeheartedly believe that using a planner is one of the best ways to start off your day on the right foot.
3. Waking Up Early
Okay… I’m torn on this one! Moving your body in the morning is GREAT! I love going for walks or runs in the morning (or even doing some gentle stretching).
But I am torn about this as part of the TikTok “that girl” trend. I’ll get to that a bit later though.
As of now, just know that this CAN be a really great habit to adopt. Morning movement (especially if you get outside) can be super beneficial for many, many reasons!
4. Journaling
Another thing you know I swear by is JOURNALING.
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I know that when I get into the habit of journaling first thing in the morning (like the TikTok “that girl” trend suggests), I feel better for the whole day. Specifically if I gratitude journal.
Journaling first thing in the morning can definitely be a positive takeaway from this TikTok trend.
This is something I personally have tried and love. (Trying to get back in the habit now!)
5. Drinking Water
WATER WATER WATER!
It’s so important!
This is something seen in the TikTok “that girl” trend that I really don’t see a problem with at all.
In fact, I think it’s important to stress the importance of water and staying hydrated. There are so many benefits of staying hydrated.
A lot of these videos romanticize the little things.
This can be done by drinking “fancy water” (infused water) or drinking out of cute glasses or bottles.
I can’t lie, I’m a budget girl. I don’t have a Stanley cup, but I have a dupe. My Reduce water cup comes with me EVERYWHERE.
5 Negative Elements of the “That Girl” TikTok Trend
While there are many, many positives to this glamorized lifestyle, there are some negatives to the “that girl” TikTok trend too. It’s important that we are aware of them.
1. Everything Is “Picture Perfect”
Let’s be honest. NO ONE jumps out of bed smiling every day at 5 a.m.
(Correct me if I’m wrong…)
NO ONE eats a beautiful, aesthetic breakfast every single morning.
And NO ONE puts on their expensive LuluLemon workout gear and looks stunning while working out.
(Me and my Walmart shorts are a sweaty mess, IDK about you.)
These things make for great aesthetic content on TikTok but are not always realistic. I think that this can really lead to some comparison.
Don’t get me wrong, I fully believe you can and SHOULD romanticize your life and live as glamorous as possible.
But this becomes a problem when we start feeling bad because our lattes aren’t as picture-perfect and our avocado toast isn’t a work of art.
Not everything is as perfect as you see on social media.
That’s important to remember when viewing these “that girl” TikTok videos.
2. Food Restriction
Has anyone else noticed that the “that girl” TikTok videos only showcase avocado toast, berries, and trendy “health foods”.
Don’t get me wrong… I love acaí bowls as much as the next girl.
But this becomes a slippery slope when the implication is made that these “health foods” are the only things that you can eat to be “that girl”.
An alternative thought: “That girl” eats what her body wants. She eats what she is craving. She nourishes her body.
“That girl” understands that all foods fit in a balanced diet and she can eat chocolate chip pancakes and french toast sticks if she wants.
3. Body Image Insecurities
It is hard to not compare yourself to the gorgeous girls in the TikTok “that girl” trend. I know I have!
Comparison really affects my own body image sometimes and I know I’m not the only one.
Glamorized video clips of tight tummies and toned thighs can really get to your head, I know.
If you notice this happening, I highly recommend taking some time off of TikTok or social media (or at least the “that girl” videos).
After all, your mental health should be the #1 priority.
4. “No Days Off” Mentality
This TikTok trend really promotes that productivity and motivation should be an everyday thing. That is just not realistic (or healthy, to be honest).
Rather, I think this trend could help spread the message that it’s okay to rest. Sleep in, eat a big, indulgent breakfast, watch movies, and stay in your PJs all day.
I firmly believe that unproductive days can be just as valuable as productive days. We all need to slow down and have a self-care day every once in a while.
5. One Size Fits All for Success
There is very little variation in this trend.
The implication is made that there is one correct way to become “that girl”. I don’t believe that’s true.
There is no one-size-fits-all for a happy, successful, or ideal life. Everyone’s life looks a bit different – and it should!
People prefer different things, different foods, and different activities. People have different schedules, different responsibilities, and different goals.
More variety in the TikTok “that girl” trend could do it some good.
So… How Do I Become a TikTok “That Girl”?
Or should I even want to be “that girl”?
If you are like me and find yourself drawn to the “that girl” video trend on TikTok (and now YouTube), you may be debating if it is something you should be striving for. As I pointed out some positives and negatives of this trend, you may have some mixed feelings about how to proceed with these videos!
So here’s what you need to know…
How to Implement TikTok “That Girl” Trend (in a Healthy Way)
Here are 10 lessons to take away for how to become “that girl”.
10 Key Takeaways | TikTok “That Girl” Checklist
1. Waking up early can boost productivity
2. Morning movement can benefit your mind and body
3. Eating a healthy (balanced) diet is important
4. Planning your days with a planner keeps you organized
5. Journaling in the morning promotes a good mindset
6. Hydrate, hydrate, HYDRATE!
7. You can (and should) romanticize your life
8. You can be successful in a way unique to YOU
9. Testing new habits can help you form a good routine
10. You are ALREADY “that girl” if you want to be!
Confidence is everything. That is something that I take away from this trend. If you feel like “that girl” you can glow differently.
Becoming “That Girl” is about feeling your best.
The “that girl” trend is about finding habits and routines that work for you and make you FEEL like your best self.
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There is no one-size-fits-all for this. But, instead, take inspiration from these TikTok videos and formulate your own “that girl” lifestyle that makes you feel good!
What will you put on your TikTok “That Girl” checklist?
What habits will you begin integrating into your TikTok “That Girl” routine?
Things that make me FEEL like a TikTok “That Girl”:
Notthatgirl says
This is honestly the most realistic post I have seen so far!
And given me hope that I am enough as I am without having to compare myself to other girls on social media. We are all beautiful in our own right.
I have been feeling rather dumpy after seeing all the “perfect” girls online.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful post!
Delaney says
This makes me smile! I am so sorry you’ve been feeling the pressures from social media to be “perfect”. That curated perfection just doesn’t exist! You are beautiful, worthy, and enough – just as you are! Sending big hugs! Xoxo