by Kara Godfrey

The original girl boss a.k.a Sophia Amoruso showed that being fierce yet determined will get you everywhere in life. And since it’s #InternationalWomensDay, why not aspire to be your own girl boss and learn what distinguishes them from the rest…

1. They start their morning right

You can bet the ultimate girl boss doesn’t press snooze ten times, grab some dirty trousers and then eat a McDonalds breakfast every morning. They get up early, have a healthy breakfast and fit some meditation in, as an early start gets you ready to girl boss all day long.

“A #GIRLBOSS is someone who’s in charge of her own life.”

2. They don’t let failure stop them

Didn’t get that pay-rise? A girl boss earns it by constantly challenging herself and asking questions. Don’t just settle, and look at the bigger picture to be the best you can and prove that you deserve that promotion. If unsuccessful? Instead of giving up, take all the comments on board and smash them for their next review.

“There are secret opportunities hidden inside every failure.”

3. They’re prepared for anything

Life gets in the way of living sometimes, so a good girl-boss take out the middleman for more time to get the important stuff done. Keep your bag stocked with water and healthy snacks, have your diary on your phone for automated updates, and always have a notebook ready for lists and motivational quotes. Life is too short to be reading blurred notes from the back of your hand.

“A #GIRLBOSS is someone who’s in charge of her own life.”

4. They know the importance of exercise

As much as we all want to pretend, we all know exercise is pretty damn good for us. And you won’t see a girl boss skipping her workout, as they know that all those endorphins flooding your body be it from yoga or Zumba, stimulate your brain and get your thoughts going and being more creative.

“Life is short. Don’t be lazy.”

5. They don’t limit themselves to one thing

A job as a receptionist doesn’t have to define you. We live in the generation of the multi-worker, where you can be a DJ-come-jewellery designer to show your true talent. A girl boss doesn’t let her job get her down, and they get creative to build up their experience by side hustling their passion.

“You combine hard work, creativity, and self-determination, and things start to happen.”

6. They surround themselves with positive people

‘You’re vibe attracts your tribe’. No truer words were spoken when it comes to surrounding yourself with the right people. Friends who are constantly negative and sapping your energy are no good to you and will drag you down with them. Positive and outgoing people will always make aspire to be a better person and will support you with your successes, not be jealous of them.

“Surround yourself with people who are engaged, honest, and confident enough on their own quest to support you on yours.”

7. They fake it till they make it

A girl boss isn’t perfect. They still have doubts, and moments of doubt as to whether they are doing the right thing. But they pretend; they plaster on that smile, they exude confidence until they believe it as much as the people around them do. And then when you’ve proven yourself, you can then admit it, but until then, act like you know exactly what you’re doing until you realise you actually do.

 “When you believe in yourself, other people will believe in you, too.”

8. They have a F*** It Fund

Things will go wrong, even for the best of the girl boss. Having savings gives you some support in case of dire times, such as being fired or your card suddenly breaking down. By putting money away from the beginning, you become a stronger person by having that layer of protection from bankruptcy or emergencies, giving you power over your situation.

“Money looks better in the bank than on your feet.”

9. They’re smashing the patriarchy

From juggling motherhood and a job, to lifting up the women around herAt the end of the day, a girl boss is still a called a girl boss because she’s living in a man’s world, and making it as a woman is still a noteworthy event. So smash that glass ceiling and prove that women can run the world, even if it’s with a baby in one hand and a laptop in another. A girl boss doesn’t let her gender get in the way, and instead uses it to support the women around her as she builds herself up.

“The only way to support a revolution is to make your own.”