How to Be an Independent Woman

Your best relationship should be with yourself.

There’s Nothing Political About It - Yeah, folks might try to project personality traits on you based on how you wear your hair, but we know that whether you rock an Afro or a blow out, it’s just a hairstyle—no agenda required. (Photo: David Jakle/Corbis)

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You Got This - To quote Destiny’s Child, “Ladies, it ain't easy being independent.” Being an independent woman takes one-part hard work and one-part having confidence in yourself, but it can be an extremely rewarding process. Here’s nine simple steps you can take now to be on your way towards a more self-reliant you. By Jazmine A. Ortiz (Photo: David Jakle/Corbis)

Less Stress - Doing the do helps you keep your cool in typically high-stress situations, such as speaking in public. It can even help keep anxiety at bay, too. (Photo: laflor/Getty Images)

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Take Initiative - Be a go-getter! Pitch ideas and take the lead on projects at work, apply to your dream school or enroll in that class you’ve been dying to take. Sometimes it just takes a little extra effort to get the ball rolling on your dreams. If you want results, be prepared to do the work. (Photo: laflor/Getty Images)

Manicure/Pedicure - Pamper yourself. Get rid of those cuticles. Scrub those callouses away. Make sure that whoever’s doing it sees that your nails are extra-polished. (Photo: George Doyle/Getty Images)

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Be Good to Yourself - There’s no shame in letting others do nice things for you, but it’s even more fulfilling to have the power to do them for yourself. Take yourself out to dinner, buy yourself a nice dress, go for a mani/pedi or whatever else your heart desires. You’ll feel a sense of empowerment knowing you are capable of creating your own happiness. (Photo: George Doyle/GettyImages)

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Be Your Own Trendsetter - Individuality is an extremely important part of a being an independent woman. So don’t constantly copy every detail of the outfits you see on celebs, just draw inspiration and throw in your own twist. You’ll stand out from the crowd and your look might catch on. (Photo: GettyImages)

Photo By GettyImages

Protect Your Eyes - You may wear your sunnies because they look fabulous, but they are protecting you from the signs of aging, too. Those little lines folks get around their eyes as they get older? They’re in part from squinting into the sun. So wear your sunglasses any time the sun makes an appearance. (Photo: LWA/Larry Williams/Getty Images)

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Stop Seeking Validation From Others - Are you always looking to someone else for approval? Don’t base how you feel about yourself on compliments from others. Be sure to take advice with an open mind and be cautious not to change simply to please someone else. The key is having confidence in your own choices; it shines through in everything you do. (Photo: LWA/Larry Williams/Getty Images)

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Find the Right Place to Study - Some people like the library, a coffee shop or their dorm room to study. Just try finding a place that works for you, isn’t distracting and is close to where you live. (Photo: Scott Stulberg/Corbis)

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Stay Focused on Your Goals - You’re bound to encounter naysayers on your road to becoming an independent woman. If you want to do something, and you believe it’s for you, don’t let someone else’s words throw you off course. Also, keep in mind that putting your life on hold for someone can have hefty consequences. Continue to do your thing and the right people will fall into place. (Photo: Scott Stulberg/Corbis)

Don’t Compare Yourself - Remember that only YOU can be YOU. Women are constantly in competition for the hottest body, cutest clothes, biggest ring and other menial things. While it’s good to want the best, remember that you need what’s best for you. Be comfortable with where you are in life, knowing that you are on your way to accomplishing great things. (Photo: Michael Meyersfeld/Great Stock/Corbis)

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Don’t Compare Yourself - Remember that only YOU can be YOU. Women are constantly in competition for the hottest body, cutest clothes, biggest ring and other menial things. While it’s good to want the best, remember that you need what’s best for you. Be comfortable with where you are in life, knowing that you are on your way to accomplishing great things. (Photo: Michael Meyersfeld/Great Stock/Corbis)

Seek Out New Experiences - Explore a new city or try some exotic cuisine — whatever you do, make sure you try new things in life. We tend to be creatures of habit, but breaking out of your shell can be liberating. An independent woman is constantly growing, so challenging yourself to new experiences will keep you on your toes. (Photo: Sam74100/Getty Images)

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Seek Out New Experiences - Explore a new city or try some exotic cuisine — whatever you do, make sure you try new things in life. We tend to be creatures of habit, but breaking out of your shell can be liberating. An independent woman is constantly growing, so challenging yourself to new experiences will keep you on your toes. (Photo: Sam74100/Getty Images)

Action! - Did you know that you can actually reduce your breast cancer risk? Read on to find out specific things you can do to save your girls — and your life. By Kenrya Rankin Naasel (Photo: Silke Woweries/Corbis)

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Get to Know Yourself - Sometimes alone time can be just what the doctor ordered. Take some space away from everyone to find your calling, work on your craft or just gather your thoughts. Here’s a tip: Keeping a journal can be a great way to gain some perspective on what you want out of life. (Photo: Silke Woweries/Corbis)

Photo By Photo: Silke Woweries/Corbis

Put Yourself First (But Remember Others) - Don’t continuously set your needs aside for others who won’t return the favor. Do what you need to do to reach your goals, and once you have, help out the people who were there for you. Being an independent woman is not about being alone at the top. It's a great feeling to share your success. (Photo: Moxie Productions/Blend Images/Corbis)

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Put Yourself First (But Remember Others) - Don’t continuously set your needs aside for others who won’t return the favor. Do what you need to do to reach your goals, and once you have, help out the people who were there for you. Being an independent woman is not about being alone at the top. It's a great feeling to share your success. (Photo: Moxie Productions/Blend Images/Corbis)