If you’re a binger like me, then you know Netflix is the go-to place for obsessing over, and cramming your brain with, new Netflix shows. One recently caught my eye: Girlboss. Let me just say, I’m more than happy to share my binge-watching experience with you.
The Netflix comedy series, starring Britt Robertson, chronicles Sophia Amoruso’s edgy journey to establishing her multimillion-dollar fashion business, Nasty Gal. Sophia Amoruso also wrote a memoir entitled #GIRLBOSS, and although I haven’t read it (yet), I really enjoyed Netflix’s “loose” re-telling of the events that occurred in Sophia’s life up until she became a fierce entrepreneur and badass businesswoman.
For those who don’t know, Sophia Amoruso started an online eBay store in her early 20s selling, or “flipping” as the show describes it, vintage clothing and accessories. She named her shop “Nasty Gal Vintage” to reflect her personality. However, eventually, eBay took homegirl down, so she was forced to move her clothing shop somewhere else. Where did she take it? To the big leagues, of course. What an inspiration she is to me…
The leading lady of the show, Britt Robertson, portrays Sophia Amoruso as a badass rebel chick who does, and says, what she wants. However, the first few episodes of the show demonstrates Sophia’s struggle with adulthood and trying to figure out what she’s going to do with the rest of her life.
Naturally, as college students and individuals in our 20s, we can relate to this. We’re all trying to find our place in the world. Like young Sophia, we’re trying to figure out what we’ll do for the rest of our lives. Thus, there’s so much we can learn from Sophia’s story. So, here it is, the 15 things you and I can learn from Netflix’s series, Girlboss.
1. It’s Not the End of the World
If you don’t have your entire life figured out, nothing bad is going to happen. The world isn’t going to end, and you’re most certainly not going to die. You just haven’t found your forte. But, you’ll find it. It might be sooner or later, but it will come to you when you least expect it. Then, you can feel confident in saying you’ve “got it all figured out.” Although, none of us ever truly will.
2. It’s OK to Work Multiple Odd Jobs
Listen, there are bills to pay, your mouth to feed, and you’re going to want to sleep somewhere warm and dry. So, you work a job you don’t necessarily see yourself in 10 years down the road. That’s more than okay. You’re supposed to work. You’ll probably work multiple temporary jobs before you find the right long-term one. How else are you going to live? You can’t expect your dream to work miracles overnight. The goal isn't to compromise. You can find time for your dream and work, too. There’s just one important thing to remember: never give up!
3. It Doesn’t Take a Genius
Or does it? Nah. If there’s something you want to do, like start a business, then you don’t have to be a genius to do it. In fact, you’ll probably learn as you go. If you have the right dedication, and let passion drive you, then there’s nothing you can’t accomplish! Believe it, and you can achieve it!
4. Interact with the World More
Sophia is a lively, feisty, rebellious, badass, vintage queen in this show. Some of us are a little more reserved than that. But, maybe we should try to be more like Sophia. She doesn’t sit around and wait for things to happen. She goes out into the world and makes life happen. She’s motivated and stubborn. If you ever have extra energy, and you don’t know what to do with it, take a chance and interact with the world. You might be surprised of the adventures awaiting you. And, adventures can lead to positive or negative experiences, but these experiences will help you grow and become a stronger, better person. As Sophia says on the show, “Get a dog, have a cigarette.”
5. Don’t Let Worrying Keep you from Living
Stop worrying! Dance around your bedroom with a red string, and pretend it’s the coolest firework kite with a rainbow tail ever imagined. Whatever it is that makes you happy and helps you deal with the stress of adulthood life, just do it and try to let go of the anxiety.
6. It’s OK to Make Mistakes
If you don’t make mistakes, how will you learn and grow as an individual? Don’t let your mistakes define your life. If you find yourself doing things you shouldn't be doing, change your actions. Simple!
7. Exercise your Instincts
Sophia used her instincts on the show a lot. She used the atmosphere and vibes of San Francisco, for instance, to help her decide on an eBay shop name. She listened to the city, and it spoke to her. Of course, that wasn’t the only time on the show she used her instincts. Sometimes you just need to follow your gut. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s most likely not. If something feels right, follow that feeling or energy. You might find something that surprises you…in a good way!
8. Utilize your Creativity
Please don’t waste your creativity. Creativity can lead you to success and help you to do great things. I can’t name every person in history that has utilized their creativity to go places, but, man, there’s a lot. To think that you could be the next success story is something you shouldn’t take lightly. As my motto goes: creativity is productivity!
9. Perseverance is Everything
If you’re motivated, committed, and preserver through the best and worst times in your life, only good can come of it. If you start a project, finish it. If you have an idea, follow it and see where it goes. Yes, there’s always going to be obstacles in the way. But, don’t make excuses because of these obstacles. Not taking ownership or action in your life is more dangerous than obstacles. Don’t lack motivation, commitment, or perseverance. I’m telling you, giving up isn’t an option if you want to be successful. And, this brings me to my next point.
10. Setbacks Happen
Indeed, setbacks happen. That’s okay, though. Setbacks are only a chance for you to prove yourself. Push back with more fire!
11. Be Better
If you think you're lacking in the "good person" department, just be better. If you’re being a shitty person (excuse my language), stop being a shitty person. If you don’t like who you are, change yourself and your attitude. Be a better person. Do better for yourself and for others. Also, don’t half-ass anything. Go big or go home!
12. Friendship Doesn't Have to be Conditional
Sometimes you’ll meet people in your life who come and go. But, the people that end up staying longer than usual, don’t take them for granted. You’ll go through bad times and good times. If that friend sticks by you and goes through everything with you, then never let them go. Eventually, your friend becomes your family.
13. There are Still Good People in the World
This may come as a shock, but, yes, there are some decent people on the planet, still. You might not be able to spot them right away, but they’ll be there and pop up when you need them the most. And, if you get slapped by an old woman, it's because she's trying to help you. Maybe slapping the ridiculous out of you is the only way she can! Just go with it.
14. Don’t Tell your Story, Show your Story
Will people ever understand you? Maybe not. But, you can always show them who you are at your core. Let your soul shine through. You may gain a lifelong friend and earn some respect. Most importantly, you may change somebody’s perspective on life…or not. Either way, it’s a beautiful life!
15. Be a Girl Boss
That’s right—I said it. Be a girl boss! Or be a nasty girl. Whatever you choose to be, stay true to yourself. Be as authentic as possible. Be you and only you. In the end, this will take you far.
In all, I recommend everyone watch this show because it's fun, exciting and teaches you important life lessons. Girlboss showed me that life is a journey worth adventuring. It has its ups and downs, but good things are coming. Keep moving forward and don't doubt it for a second! Just wait and see.
