The Hilary Silver Podcast: Episode Summary
Title: 5 Daily Habits To Be My Best Self
Release Date: March 14, 2025
Host: Hilary Silver
Introduction: Understanding "Best Self"
In the fifth episode of The Hilary Silver Podcast, titled "5 Daily Habits To Be My Best Self," host Hilary Silver delves deep into the often nebulous concept of being one's "best self." Recognizing that personal growth can seem vague and overwhelming, Hilary aims to provide clarity and actionable steps for listeners seeking to define and embody their ideal versions.
Hilary begins the episode by addressing the common misconception that personal growth is an abstract or esoteric pursuit. Instead, she frames it as intentional and practical self-awareness. "Personal growth isn't some esoteric thing. It's simply about being intentional," she states early on, setting the tone for a grounded and actionable discussion (00:00).
Defining Your Ideal Self
Hilary emphasizes the importance of self-awareness as the foundation for personal growth. She encourages listeners to critically assess their current selves—their thoughts, beliefs, behaviors, and emotional states—to identify areas that require development. By fostering "gentle, radical honesty," Hilary advises against self-condemnation, promoting a compassionate approach to self-improvement.
"Your ideal self is like the horizon. You never actually arrive when you are walking and you see the horizon line in the distance. Even if you keep walking towards it, you never really actually reach the line. It keeps moving as you do" (05:30).
This metaphor underscores that striving for the ideal self is a continuous journey rather than a final destination. Hilary distinguishes between the ideal self—the evolved version one aspires to—and the best self, which represents the ongoing effort to bridge the gap between the current and ideal selves.
The Five Daily Habits
Hilary outlines five specific daily habits designed to connect listeners with their ideal selves and support their journey towards becoming their best selves.
1. Waking Up Early
Timestamp: 09:15
Hilary champions the practice of waking up early, not out of obligation but as a deliberate choice to enjoy solitude and quietude. She describes this time as sacred, a moment to be fully present with oneself without external demands.
"I wake up early... I get to enjoy my own company, being with myself. It's a sacred time for me to be with me" (09:45).
This habit sets a calm and centered tone for the day, contrasting with the chaos of rushing into daily responsibilities. Hilary suggests that starting the day with quiet reflection can lead to increased calmness and centeredness throughout the day.
2. Self-Check-In Routine
Timestamp: 12:30
During her early morning quiet time, Hilary engages in a self-check-in process, asking herself critical questions about her current state:
- How am I feeling right now?
- Who am I right now?
- What's going on with me?
She likens this practice to catching up with a close friend, emphasizing the importance of giving oneself undivided attention and genuine curiosity.
"Do you ever really give yourself that kind of undivided attention and devotion? Are you so curious with yourself as you are with a bestie or a long lost friend?" (14:00).
This habit fosters self-validation and emotional awareness, empowering individuals to consciously direct their thoughts and emotional states for the day ahead.
3. Daily Physical Workout
Timestamp: 18:45
Hilary integrates daily physical exercise into her routine, not merely as a means to burn calories but as a way to connect deeply with her body. She highlights the concept of kinesthetic intelligence—the ability to use and understand one's body effectively.
"It's about being present with myself, physically being aware of my movements, being in my body and noticing being attuned and physically connected to my Physicality" (19:30).
Whether she’s lifting weights, taking a long walk, or following a Tracy Anderson routine, Hilary treats her workouts as a form of physical meditation, enhancing her embodiment and self-awareness.
4. Intentional Music Selection
Timestamp: 25:10
Music plays a pivotal role in Hilary's daily habits. She selects music intentionally to influence her emotional state, shifting from the high-energy "task mode" prevalent throughout the day to a more balanced and harmonious state. By curating playlists that resonate with her desired emotional and energetic states, she balances masculine and feminine energies.
"I select music that takes me to an internal place where I'm connecting with and experiencing my feminine self" (27:00).
Hilary shares her Spotify playlist with listeners, encouraging them to explore how music can be a tool for emotional regulation and personal alignment.
5. Continuous Self-Accountability
Timestamp: 35:15
The final habit involves ongoing self-accountability. Hilary stresses the importance of maintaining awareness throughout the day, not just during morning routines. This involves:
- Regularly checking in with oneself
- Choosing actions and behaviors intentionally
- Embracing the power of the pause to process emotions and decisions
"I'm conscious and I'm aware of how I'm feeling so I can choose my actions or behaviors intentionally" (37:45).
By holding herself accountable, Hilary ensures that her daily actions align with her values and the version of herself she aspires to be, fostering a sense of internal integrity and self-responsibility.
The Magic Question: Guiding Your Decisions
Timestamp: 43:20
Towards the episode's conclusion, Hilary introduces a powerful tool for maintaining alignment with one's ideal self: the magic question. When faced with uncertainty or decision-making dilemmas, she suggests asking:
"What would my ideal self do right now?"
This question encourages individuals to approach situations from the perspective of their ideal selves, facilitating responses that are consistent with their long-term personal growth goals.
"This question has helped me grow so much and I know it will do the same for you" (46:10).
Hilary emphasizes that answers to this question reside within oneself, negating the need for external validation or advice.
Conclusion: Embracing the Journey
Hilary wraps up the episode by reiterating that personal growth is an ongoing process, likened to chasing the horizon. She encourages listeners to adopt these five daily habits as tools to bridge the gap between their current selves and their ideal selves, fostering continuous personal development.
She also promotes her curated Spotify playlist and invites listeners to engage further by visiting her website and accessing additional resources mentioned during the episode.
"Hit follow, tune in, and let’s make self-centered the best thing that’s ever happened to you" (02:30).
Hilary's blend of practical advice, personal anecdotes, and motivational insights provides a comprehensive guide for anyone seeking to cultivate their best self through intentional daily practices.
Key Takeaways
- Define Your Ideal Self: Understand and articulate the version of yourself you aspire to be without attaching pressure to achieving perfection.
- Establish Morning Routines: Incorporate habits like waking up early and self-reflection to set a positive tone for the day.
- Connect with Your Body: Engage in daily physical activity as a form of self-awareness and embodiment.
- Use Music as a Tool: Select music intentionally to influence your emotional and energetic state.
- Maintain Continuous Accountability: Stay present and intentional throughout the day, regularly checking in with yourself to ensure alignment with your values and goals.
- Ask the Magic Question: Use "What would my ideal self do right now?" to guide decisions and actions, fostering internal guidance and self-reliance.
By integrating these habits into daily life, Hilary Silver empowers listeners to navigate their personal growth journeys with intention, self-compassion, and sustained motivation.