35 Things I've Learned in 35 Years 🥳

Wow. I can’t believe I’m 35.

It feels like just yesterday I was graduating college. Since then, I’ve traveled the world, lived what feels like multiple lives, fallen in and out of love, and taken more chances than I can count.

When people hear my story, they often say, “Wait, how are you only 35?” And I get it. Because I’ve lived boldly. I’ve messed up. I’ve rebuilt. I’ve thrown myself into everything from biochemistry to American Ninja Warrior to entrepreneurship and keynote stages.

So for this blog post, I wanted to mark the moment.
To pause.
To reflect.
To share 35 lessons that have shaped me.

No matter what age you are, whether you’re 25, 45, or 65, my hope is that something here resonates and helps you move forward, one bold step at a time.

1. Failure isn’t failure - it’s redirection.

Every “failure” taught me something I couldn’t have learned any other way. It was never the end. It was always the beginning of something better. So “celebrate” the failures, something even GREATER is on the other side!

2. When someone says they don’t want to be with you -believe them.

It’s not your job to convince someone of your worth. Love doesn’t require convincing. I’ve had moments in my life where I have tried to “chase” love or the person because I deeply want to show them how great I am, that they are missing out on something incredible. But what I realized is that when someone says something…believe it. And it’s okay. It’s just getting you one step closer to the person who is meant to be in your life. Don’t ever chase, raise your vibration, be the best version of you and you will attract!

 

3. Dogs are literally the best.

Unconditional love, constant companionship, and endless joy. Humans don’t deserve dogs, but I’m so glad we have them. I have an amazing doggie Pepper. Who is the light of my life. She’s confident, protecting and giving me the most unconditional love. My only regret, is not getting a dog sooner in my life. Here’s a cute picture of my Pepper Girl!

 

4. Wherever you go, there you are.

You can’t escape yourself. Healing isn’t found in a new location - it’s found within. The amount of times I have tried to escape the inner work 🙈. This year, I even took a solo trip to Hawai, Kaui. An Island that I have been dying to go to, only to realize after a few days of being there solo that it would have been so much better with a significant other. I was hoping the beach and the island would make me magically solve all my problems.. but they were still there…same problems different location.

5. Sometimes it’s not fear of the unknown - it’s fear of letting go of the known.

Even when the known is no longer serving you, it’s hard to release it. But growth lives on the other side.

6. You get more of what you focus on.

What you water, grows. Focus on fear, and you get more fear. Focus on solutions, and you find momentum.

7. You attract who you are.

If you want different energy, become the version of you who vibrates at that frequency now - not later.

 

8. Take action based on your dreams - not your fears.

Fear will try to run the show. Don’t let it choose your future.

9. What’s meant for you won’t pass you.

Even if it detours, delays, or shows up looking different than expected. This one is hard for me because I get attached to people, things, work and opportunities. I always want everything to stay put and stay the same. But it’s always a great reminder because what is truly meant for you will stay

10. Don’t be afraid to swing and miss.

The home runs come from the at-bats you’re willing to take. Swing, take the shot, send the cold email, ask the person out, and it’s okay if it’s a “miss” as long as you went for it.

11. Aim to get as many “No’s” as possible.

Rejection is data. Collect it boldly. A friend the other day said “I am trying to get 100 NO’s” as she does some cold outreach and that was powerful. Because she knows that with 100s there is bound to be a yes, but she shifted it to make it more fun.

12. What gets measured gets managed.

Track it. Own it. Improve it. Finances, business, nutrition, food. We need that data so that we can see if something is either working or not working and adjust it.

13. When a spark of courage hits - run with it.

That bold moment might be fleeting. Use it. I like to call this “Do you know who the F I am moments?” Maybe you’ve had one before? I’ve had so many moments of feeling unmotivated, comparing myself to others… and then there’s been the moment where some kind of courage hit and I felt like a super human. USE it when you get it! You don’t need 100% Confidence you just need 1% Courage!

14. If you’re depressed, you’re living in the past. If you’re anxious, you’re living in the future.

Come back to the now. Sometimes I tend to live in my head, I go back and reflect on moments for work or with a person and I just LIVE there. I wish I could either relive the moment or I want to go back and change what I said or how I acted. As real as this might be, it’s not productive. It leaves you feeling depressed. And I’ve always had other times where I am focused on the future, the things I am trying to achieve, the feeling, whatever it might be. Then you are sitting there anxiously awaiting it all. But truthfully the ONLY time we are promised is right this very second. So why not live there instead?

15. Trust your intuition.

My gut has never steered me wrong. Ever.

16. The right life partner amplifies you.

They’re your safe space- not your fixer, not your fantasy. Your partner. I had a lot of thoughts on this the other day. You see, I’ve realized in the past relationships I’ve been in I’ve truly been scared to fully let go, to be me, to show my good and bad sides because I was scared of judgement. I wanted them to see me in the BEST light possible. But my best friends I’ve had for years, they have accepted me for ALL of it. So same thing with a life partner. So my goal this year is to be more open, to share who I am the good and bad because a true life partner will amplify you, be there with you, not to “fix you” or your problems, but to be an epic support system to help you rise.

17. Great girlfriends are everything.

They’ll pick up the phone at midnight. They see you when you forget who you are. I am so grateful that I have the most amazing female friends in my 30s. There truly is nothing better then knowing that you can call at any time, say all the things and they still love you inside and out.

18. Messy house = messy mind.

Tidy space, tidy thoughts. The times I was most anxious in my life or I felt all over the place was when my space was also messy. If you want a clear mind, clear your space first.

19. The universe has plans you can’t yet see.

Let go of how you think it should be. In my Keynotes I always talk about the “hallway”..the dark space from what is known to what is unknown. And sometimes we think we are headed to two doors, let’s say a red or blue door… but what WE don’t know at the time is there’s actually a yellow door with something we NEVER could have imagined.

20. Growth feels like grief sometimes.

Even when you’re leveling up, it’s okay to mourn what you’re letting go of. That version of you got you here. Thank her. Release her.

21. Your story is your greatest asset.

Every pivot, every tear, every comeback - someone out there needs to hear it. Speak it loud. As I sit here writing my first sub-stack I realize that I am in a place of transition and it’s scary, but I also know I will be sharing this story in my keynote and book one day.

 

22. There isn’t one “right” way.

There’s the way that works for you. You can see ALL the business models. I have tried SO many of them, and so many of them work. But the one that TRULY works is the one that works for YOU and your lifestyle and vision.

23. People don’t buy gimmicks - they buy how you make them feel.

Lead with authenticity. Always. One of the biggest things I am learning is that people are buying a transformation and they are also buying your energy.

24. Your energy is the superpower.

Even when you feel under-qualified, people remember your vibe. Multiple times last week.. people have come up to me saying “I saw you from across the room and you were just glowing, your energy was radiating” or “I love your story, your message but more importantly, I love your energy” or “If I could put your energy in a container and take it somewhere with me I would”

25. If you’re stuck - get space + move.

You don’t always need to do more. You might just need to be more present. Take some space, get outside, turn all the apps off. Then start moving through it, say how you are feeling, write it down and then go for a walk and get outside. 

26. You are your own worst enemy.

But you can also become your best teammate. Majority of the time WE are the ones saying the worst things to ourselves. Everyone else around us are just living their lives.

27. Energy management > time management.

Protect your energy first - the rest follows. As I’ve gotten older, what I have realized is that time management is one thing but ENERGY management is actually more important. What tasks light you up, what tasks kinda suck. Manage your energy so you can manage your day. Outsource tasks you need to outsource that aren’t serving you.

28. No one’s coming to save you.

But you? You can absolutely save yourself.

 

29. Anything can work- with full belief.

Self-belief is the real strategy.

30. Small wins stack.

Don’t underestimate the power of tiny progress over time.

31. How much of your life are you spending in your life… versus on your phone?

Disconnect to reconnect.

32. People can suck.

But every trigger is a teacher. Reflect. Learn. Evolve.

 

33. Know when to quit.

And know when to keep going. Both are brave. Someone asked me this at a speaking event the other day. And truly, there is a point where you can quit and that doesn’t mean you are failure. But if you’ve been thinking about it for 6 months or a year, it might just be time. For me, when I was a biochemist I was always dreaming of opening a gym while I was at work. And that stayed there for MONTHS…until I finally decided to take action.

34. Your health is worth more than anything.

Time, money, ego- it’s all secondary.

35. If it’s been on your heart for a long time- it’s time.

Stop waiting. Start now.

36. We all have work to do. *Extra*

No one has it all figured out. You’re not behind. You’re on your way.

FREE Pull-up Workshop for Women 35+ 💪🏼 (Watch the Replay)

I had a doctor come up to me and thank me for the work I am doing with the Pull-up Program. Because the pull-up isn't just about the skill. Its about increasing grip strength, overhead mobility and helping women feel powerful in their bodies again. 

The TOP indicator of overall health and longevity is Grip Strength and one of the TOP issues this doctor sees with women is that their overhead range of motion is lacking.

So this Workshop is for the women who are READY! Ready to do something they thought was impossible and improve the heck out of their lives! 

Sign-up + Watch the Replay instantly  

www.angela-gargano.com/first-pullup  

Will YOU be the next success story?! 

She did it LIVE on a call with me—her first pull-up!

Using the Pull-Up Revolution method, she went from feeling stuck to pulling herself up with confidence. 💪✨

This could be YOU. This WILL be YOU ;)


If you’ve been wanting to conquer your pull-up, build strength, and feel unstoppable, now’s the time to take action.

Megan is a strong woman and she has a very full life with children and a full time job! She takes good care of her body and works out all the time. She really wanted to get her pull-up! But it wasn’t happening even though she has an incredible strong upper body!

What she didn’t realize was that pull-ups are a full body movement and to get pull-ups, you have to train the whole body in a specific way, especially for women!

Megan started Pull-Up Revolution and it all started coming together for her and fast. The workouts are designed to help you succeed and realize your pull-up goals! They strengthen the whole body and help you to put all the pieces together!

Megan got her pull-up in less than 2 weeks. Incredible!!! Let’s go Megan!

CLICK HERE TO JOIN PULL-UP REVOLUTION

NOW BOOKING FOR 2025 SPEAKING EVENTS

Are you or someone you know looking for speakers for your next event or conference?

What if it all goes right?!

The Perfect Keynote for Professionals, Teams, and Organizations

What if, instead of fearing the worst, you envisioned the best? What could you accomplish if you embraced every challenge as an opportunity? How might your team grow if they learned to see setbacks as stepping stones? We all face obstacles, uncertainty, and pressure—but not everyone knows how to turn these experiences into fuel for success. That’s where Angela Gargano steps in.

As a 6x American Ninja Warrior, fitness coach, and resilience expert, Angela has seen both sides of the journey—triumphant wins and crushing defeats. She’s known the frustration of setbacks, from tearing her ACL on national television to battling her way back to peak performance. Through it all, she developed a powerful mindset that not only helped her return stronger but also allowed her to thrive. Angela shares this mindset with audiences worldwide, showing them how to embrace their struggles, shift their perspectives, and take control of their lives.

What If It All Goes Right? is based on Angela’s R.I.G.H.T Framework: a powerful 5-step process designed to equip individuals and teams with the tools to overcome challenges, embrace change, and achieve extraordinary results. This keynote isn’t just about surviving tough times; it’s about using those moments to unlock new levels of strength, confidence, and potential. When you shift your mindset, you can unlock a world full of possibility and positivity. 

BOOK ME FOR YOUR NEXT EVENT

These are a few of my favorite things

Check out the products I use daily and those that have made tremendous impact in my life! I hope they'll help you too! From Supplements, Books, Toe Spacers, to Equipment, Redlight, Protein Drinks & More! 

PWRLift 

Welcome my NEW Sponsor @drinkpwrlift 

Join the Hyrox Ladies Heat in Austin here! 

We talk a lot about important of protein a lot especially for females. WELL this drink has 10g of protein AND electrolytes! So it is a way healthier version of Gatorade AND has that additional protein that all you ladies are needling! So swap this for gatorade, powerade any of those super processed artificial drinks for something that taste just as good and is WAYY better for you! 

For 20% off your Order! Use Code: AGARGANO20

Grab your Drinks Here! 

Joi Wellness Smart Supplements

I used to have a TON of supplement bottles... and I was taking a ton of stuff I "thought" I needed...until now.. I am pumped that I found Joiwellness! 

1-First you get your blood taken (you can do this at a local lab corp)

2-Then they do a full reading on all your levels! I got a FULL panel so I could see hormones, nutritions etc that I needed! 

3-THEN over a virtual Zoom call a doctor goes over your panel WITH you so you can understand what is going on in your body!

4-Then they create CUSTOM supplements based on what YOU need! 

They come in this cute little packet sot they are easy to travel with and it makes taking your supplement so easy so you CAN stay consistent with it! 

Anyways they are doing a 20% off sale side wide! Use my link below and CODE: BETTERYOU2024! 

Click here to try

MEMORE

So you might be seeing me post a lot about Memore green powder lately! And that's because its not only an amazing quality green product but it also has 100% Serving of Greens (most products only have 25%), it taste great warm & cold AND... DRUM ROLL PLEASE.. its actually affordable lol most green packets are so expensive its annoying haha 

Use Code: ANGELA for a discount 

Link: www.yourmemore.com/angela

Slate Milk 

You might see me drinking Slate Milk on my Stories on Instagram! I am OBSESSED! I am currently LOVING the Vanilla Latte AND French Vanilla Flavor! 

20g of Protein in each can so it's perfect to hit those protein goals! 

USE CODE: ANGELAG

for 15% OFF your Order

Click Here

Merchandise 

Had a LOT of request from you all about the Strong Feel Good Merch! 

Use Code: JUSTBECAUSE for 10% OFF 

Sale Ends March 7th 

Hoodies, Tanks, Shirts 

START SHOPPING

Oura Ring! 

I have been using it to track my sleep, my HRV and also help with tracking my cycle. So many people are DIFFERENT with their energy levels and readiness! You can use this as data to determine what would be best for you specifically! I think it's much better than the Whoop! I think right now they have $50 off their Rose Gold Ring!  

Click Here

Pull-up Bar, Bands, Liquid Chalk 

I keep getting asked about the equipment I use for pull-up! My at home bar is affordable, easy to use and sturdy! I also have a great recommendation for Assisted Pull-up Bands & Liquid Chalk! 

You can check them out by Clicking here

FOREVER STRONG

Pre-Order this book from my friend Dr. Gabrielle Lyons! 

Dr. Lyons offers an easy-to-follow food, fitness, and self-care program anchored in evidence and pioneering research that teaches you how to optimize muscle—no matter your age or health background. Discover how to overcome everything from obesity to autoimmune disorders and avoid diseases like Alzheimer’s, hypertension, and diabetes by following Dr. Lyon’s powerful new approach to becoming forever strong.

Get the book

Truecoach

For any of my COACHES on here! STOP USING excel Spread sheets! I've been using TrueCoach for my clients programing since 2018 and its a GAME CHANGER 

CLICK HERE to try it for 14 Days FREE and get $50 off your first month if you decide to sign-up! 

TOE Spacers 

I have Bunions...gross right? These toe spacers are great! I wear them every morning to help keep my toes in alignment and prevent and other issues! Its basically like a retainer for your toes! 

Get ya Some Toe Spacers

https://spacermobility.rfrl.co/ropqy

Code: ANGELA393

 Red Light Therapy! 

Here is the Red light I am currently using! I will post more on benefits soon! 

I particular use it to help with my circadian rhythm! It also has anti-inflammatory and anti aging properties! 

USE CODE: ANGELAGARGANO

Click Here