Hi guys! Welcome to Episode 598 Wildly Successful Lifestyle podcast. I’m Heidi and Im just really glad to be here with you growing together, getting better together, doing the best we can to create a life that’s not just successful by the world’s standards, but deeply fulfilling from the core of who we are. Today’s episode is called “You Are What You See,” and we’re talking about the power of being intentional—intentional about what you watch, who you surround yourself with, and how those choices shape the life you’re building.
Back when I was in interior design school, I used to tell the younger students something that seemed obvious to me: be intentional about what you’re taking in. I’d say, “Pay attention to the magazines you’re flipping through, because what you look at shapes how you design.” If you want to create high-end spaces, you need to immerse yourself in high-end inspiration—study the textures, the aesthetics, the feeling of luxury. The more you surround yourself with a certain style, the more it becomes part of your creative DNA. You don’t just stumble into designing beautiful spaces; you choose what influences you. I’m not sure if those girls took it to heart, but over time, I realized this idea of intentionality stretches way beyond design. It’s about life—how we think, how we act, and who we become. And in today’s world, with social media, streaming platforms, and endless content at our fingertips, being intentional about what we see and who we’re around is more critical than ever.
Think about it: every day, we’re bombarded with images, ideas, and voices. From the moment you pick up your phone, you’re choosing what to let into your mind. And those choices? They’re not neutral. What you watch and who you spend time with act like invisible architects, building your mindset, your habits, even your dreams. The scary part? A lot of this happens without us even noticing. You glance at a post, watch a quick video, or listen to a friend’s rant, and it plants a seed. The algorithm catches on, serving you more of the same, and suddenly, your perspective shifts. That’s why we have to be intentional—because if we’re not, the world will happily choose for us.
Think about it, If you’re a married woman and you’re constantly scrolling through feeds of women living a fast-paced, party-heavy lifestyle—maybe they’re always at clubs or posting provocative selfies—what do you think that does to you over time? It might start subtly: you feel a little restless, maybe question if your life is “exciting” enough. If you’re not intentional, those images can make your stable, meaningful marriage feel boring by comparison. Or if you’re a married man and you’re hanging out with guys who joke about marriage as a trap, or you follow accounts that push that “ball and chain” narrative, it can seep into how you view your relationship. You might start focusing on what’s “missing” instead of the partnership you’ve built. That’s not an accident—it’s the result of what you’re letting in.
I learned this the hard way a few years ago when I was working on my design business and my podcast. I wasn’t intentional about what I was consuming online, and my feed was full of these ultra-polished entrepreneurs. What appeared to be perfect schedules, perfect lives, perfect everything. I’d watch their stories and think, “Heidi, you’re not doing enough.” But here’s the thing: I was working hard and living a life I loved. Yet, those images made me feel like I was falling short. The algorithm kept feeding me more, and it wasn’t until I took a step back that I realized I was letting someone else’s highlight reel design my definition of success. So, I got intentional. I took a step away from certain social media platforms and also unfollowed accounts that felt like pressure instead of inspiration. I sought out people who shared the real stuff—the wins, the struggles, the messy middle. And it was like a weight lifted. I was designing my perfect life, not chasing someone else’s.
This applies to every area of your life. If you’re single and want a deep, lasting connection, be intentional about what you’re watching and who you’re around. If your feed is full of superficial dating advice or people flaunting fleeting flings, it can skew what you prioritize. You might chase the spark of instant chemistry instead of the slow burn of compatibility. But if you surround yourself with examples of healthy, intentional relationships—whether it’s real-life friends or online voices who value commitment and communication—you start to see what’s possible. You show up differently, and you attract differently.
Parents, same for you too. If you’re constantly around people who compete over whose kid is the most “gifted” or scrolling through feeds of perfect family moments, it’s easy to feel like you’re failing. But if you intentionally seek out communities—online or in person—that celebrate the chaos and joy of parenting, you’ll feel seen. You’ll realize your messy, love-filled home is wildly successful, even if it doesn’t look like a magazine spread.
And let’s not forget your career or personal growth. If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur but you’re watching content about overnight millionaires or spending time with people who downplay your ambition, it can breed doubt or impatience. Instead, be intentional—find mentors, podcasts, or accounts that show the real journey of growth. Surround yourself with people who cheer for your progress, not just your wins. Same goes for health. If you’re around friends who obsess over extreme diets or you’re watching fitness influencers push unrealistic standards, it can mess with your head. Choose voices that promote balance—movement you enjoy, food that nourishes without guilt. It changes how you see yourself.
It starts with first, auditing your inputs. Take a hard look at what you’re watching and who you’re spending time with. Open your phone, scroll your social media, and ask: Does this align with the life I’m intentionally designing? Does this person or content lift me up or drag me down? Be ruthless—unfollow, mute, or limit time with anything or anyone that doesn’t serve your vision. It’s not about being mean; it’s about protecting your mind.
Second, choose your influences with purpose. Think about the life you want—your relationships, your career, your health—and seek out people and content that reflect that. If you want a strong marriage, follow couples who share honest, uplifting stories. If you want to grow your business, find mentors who talk about resilience, not just results. In my design days, I’d hunt for magazines that matched my style; now, I hunt for voices that match my values.
Third, set boundaries. Algorithms are relentless, so train them. Hit “not interested” on posts that don’t align. Take breaks from screens and spend time with real people who inspire you—friends, family, or even strangers at a community event who share your vibe. And if someone in your life constantly pulls you away from your goals, it’s okay to limit their influence. You don’t have to cut them out, but you can choose how much space they get.
Finally, check in with yourself regularly. Journal about how your choices are affecting you. Are you feeling more aligned with your purpose? More energized? If not, tweak what you’re seeing and who you’re around. Intentionality is a practice, not a one-time fix.
remember: you are what you see consistently. Be intentional about what you let into your eyes, your ears, and your heart. Surround yourself with people and visuals that reflect the wildly successful life you’re creating—not someone else’s version of it.
Share this with 3 people who inspire you to be better! I love you guys, I’ll talk to you in a few days,
