Author Brianna Wiest Wants You To Use Envy As A Self-Improvement 'Tool'
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Before she made a living as a writer—first as a journalist and then as an author sharing thoughts on self-development and mental health in books like The Pivot Year—Brianna Wiest relied on writing as a tool for enlightenment. “Writing was my joy; it was my processing,” she says. And even as it became her vocation, Brianna continued to turn to writing as a mode of discovery—the only difference being that now, millions of readers also benefit from her hard-earned insights.
When it comes to acting on those insights (i.e., making meaningful life changes), Brianna favors a “microshift” approach: tiny changes that add up to something big. “A lot of the time we’re looking for one tipping point, a before and after,” she says. “Anything new, no matter how good, is uncomfortable until it’s familiar. We have to gradually reorient our comfort zone until the habit becomes preferred and defaulted.”
The 31-year-old used this method to create a consistent exercise routine. She began going to the gym for five minutes at a time, until she could work up to 10, then 15, then longer. Now, she enjoys a variety of modalities, including strength training and hot yoga. It all adds up to a true mind-body connection!
Sweat and Savor Growth
“Real self-care is both lovely and hard. It’s making a budget and buying new skin care. That’s an inspiring place: working on the stuff that isn’t comfortable and enjoying more fully the stuff that is.”
Reconsider Comparisons
“I’ve always used envy as a tool. What if the people you’re jealous of are not your competition but your mentors? What if they are showing you something you desire but have been suppressing?”
10: The number of books Brianna has written; her latest is coming soon.
Fashion Credits: Adeam jacket, adeam.com; Alo Yoga bra, aloyoga.com; Lululemon shorts, lululemon.com; Converse sneakers, converse.com; Lady Grey Jewelry ear cuff, ladygreyjewelry.com; Alexis Bittar ring, alexisbittar.com; Wigwam socks, wigwam.com
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