What comes to mind when you think about “a chic icon”? Is it a celebrity, a fictional character, or even a person at all? Or is it more of an idea? Well, what if I told you there are certain things you can do to unlock the best version of yourself and become an undeniable Chic Icon in just 10 steps? Because, as you’ll see, being the best version of yourself—or “entering your icon era”—isn’t about perfection or imitation. It’s about aligning your lifestyle, mindset, and presence so you radiate it effortlessly.
For better understanding, I’ll divide it into sections:
Section 1: Lay the Foundation
1. Never pretend to be something you’re not.
This is the first mistake people make when trying to reinvent themselves: they copy their favorite icon’s appearance, habits, mannerisms, and even personality. Don’t do that. The best version of yourself is inherently yours. Whatever it looks like, it should come from within. And when you find it (using the rest of the tips below), you’ll see a true change in how the world perceives you.
- Don’t make trends your personality: partake, but make them your own.
- Find your true aesthetic—the kind you embody effortlessly—and stick to it.
- Always be authentic to yourself.
2. Don’t doubt your abilities and intuition.
Icons are confident—everyone knows that. Look at any successful person and ask yourself: “Where would they be if they had doubted themselves?” Probably not where they are now. You have to realize you’re capable of achieving your dreams. I’m not even being corny—it’s just the truth: “If you can dream it, you can live it.”
- Define your dreams, set the means, and start actively working toward them. It’s never too late to start.
- Feel the power that comes with believing in yourself—that’s what will drive you.
- Don’t let others tell you your dreams are unachievable. Maybe they are—for them.
3. Prioritize your health.
Always. A sound mind, body, and energy are key to becoming the best version of yourself—it’s an act of self-love. It’s also about balance, so take all three into account and focus on the one that needs the most care.
- Keep an active lifestyle: walk, work out, dance, play outside.
- Focus on your mental health: educate yourself, practice critical thinking, give yourself self-care and pampering.
- Don’t waste your energy worrying about things outside your control.
Section 2: The Small Things Matter
4. Romanticize the ordinary.
In life, it’s impossible to love everything you do. There will always be dreadful tasks and tiresome activities. But you know what a true icon does? They view those things as an opportunity to learn, grow, and become better. Learn to take pleasure in the ordinary.
- Take time to savor things: food, scents, music, people, love.
- After doing anything, ask yourself: “What did I learn from this?”
- Enhance dull activities with a little pizzazz: play your favorite music, decorate your belongings, indulge in the experience.
5. Learn to spend time alone.
This is so important—it’s the foundation of becoming the best version of yourself. You can’t achieve that if you don’t even know who you are. Life becomes so much better when you stop seeing being alone as a bad thing. Solitude is the tool that lets you reflect, plan, and take action toward your dream life.
- Take yourself on solo dates: coffee, movies, dinner, people-watching at the park.
- Be whimsical by yourself: talk to flowers, dance when you’re happy, write little notes for yourself and loved ones.
- Be confident being alone in public—that’s when true iconic power comes in.
6. Combine spontaneity with organization.
Yes, you can get the best of both worlds. Spontaneity is crucial for enjoying life with less stress, but don’t lose sight of your goals. Your focus is yourself.
- Remind yourself you have time—set a realistic pace to reduce pressure.
- Make learning and growth feel enjoyable by mixing in things you love.
- Don’t try to be on top of everything: if it’s out of reach, let it be out of your mind.
Section 3: Refine Your Social World
7. Take a look at your circle.
Your environment shapes your mindset, so keeping it intentional is a must. “You can’t change the people around you, but you can change the people around you.” Are the people in your life moving you closer to your goals—or holding you back?
- Surround yourself with people who uplift you and add value to your life.
- Don’t be afraid to let go of people who set you back. Being alone is always better than being in bad company.
- Think about the kind of friends your future self would have—and accept nothing less.
8. Set boundaries and stick to them.
The worst thing you can do for yourself is letting people walk all over you. People-pleasing will only make you unhappy and disconnected from your true essence. Ask yourself: “What’s okay for me, and what crosses a line?”
- Remind yourself it’s okay to have an opinion, even if it’s not popular.
- Let people know what jokes, comments, or actions are off-limits—and don’t let them change you.
- Stand up for yourself when someone crosses your limits. It’s hard at first, but people respect you more when you do.
9. Keep your mystique.
As a chronic oversharer, I know this is hard—but truthfully, people don’t need to know everything about you. Mystery is magnetic. Leave some things unsaid and let people create their own image of you.
- When tempted to overshare, stop and only give essential or ambiguous details.
- Never confirm or deny rumors—let your actions speak for you.
- Always leave people guessing. Mystery keeps you iconic in their eyes.
Section 4: Adopt the Icon Mindset
10. Never settle for something that doesn’t make you happy.
It’s that simple. A true icon never wastes time on what doesn’t align with their joy.
- Have standards, and don’t let just anyone meet them.
- Use the power of “no” for things that don’t align with your goals.
- Don’t feel guilty about letting go of what (or who) holds you back.
Conclusion
And there it is! I know it’s easier said than done. But the key is to take that first step—everything else becomes easier with time. Feel free to come back and revisit this list whenever you need to. And remember: you deserve to be the iconic diva you’re becoming.