

We all have that pesky voice in our heads that's constantly shouting, "You're not good enough," or, "You're not trying hard enough."
At some point, this voice starts affecting your psyche and the way you perceive what's around you. It digs into your brain and places doubt in almost everything you dream, desire, or do.
Unfortunately, that voice doesn't ever really stop and even when you're doing seemingly well in life, a quick look to social media can put you right back to square one in a rut of a self-deprecating session. However, I learned that while the inner voice doesn't stop, it does get quieter. Especially when you learn how to change it.
Using this voice as a motivator instead of a depressant transformed the way I looked at life and those around me. Here are a few helpful ways to tackle negativity in your life.
Body Shaming Yourself
We are so ready to stop men and other women from body shaming each other, but what about what we say to ourselves? We all tend to compare, and sometimes it can be constructive, but never when you're referencing your body. Your body is yours, with its own timeline and process. To make yourself starve, run, or diet because you want the body of someone else is the same as body shaming yourself.
Love your curves, lumps, and moles. Embrace what you have and work to make that better.
Society is focused on outer beauty but that doesn't mean your inside voice has to be. We are so strict on society telling us what size we need to be, but half of us are not as nice to ourselves. If you want to change your body, do it for you. Don't do it for what you believe your husband wants, or what society deems 'sexy'. Transform yourself for you.
Stop Comparing
When you compare your finances, success, or life to others - you're automatically diminishing the life you have. You're shitting on the work you've done to get there and the obstacles you've overcome to succeed; you are punking yourself, essentially.
It's hard to not compare in a world saturated with images of people being happy and having everything, but it's imperative you do.
We all know that everyone only shows the happy parts of their lives. It can be argued that you are only shown the parts that people want you to see, or want you to envy. Few times do you get on Instagram and see a person's shitty day or a day they felt overwhelmed by the world and needed a hug. Your success and happiness in life should not be measured by someone's ruler. Start congratulating those that are succeeding around you and before you know it - you'll be applauding yourself! (Not to mention, all those people you supported will support you!)
Lose The "I Don't Fit In" Attitude
Nobody is leaving you out. It's time to ditch that notion. How can you be left out of your own life? Surround yourself with empowering, strong, and caring people who make you feel wanted and needed and who listen to your successes and failures. "Fitting in" isn't something to achieve, it's something to pity. Focus on doing the things that make you happy and don't pay attention to what others are doing. Your purpose is unique because it's your purpose, you're not supposed to be part of the norm (which is all relative anyway).
Your life is bigger than this moment, enjoy your struggle.
Ever think about when you were 13 and prayed every day to be older? If only you knew then what you know now, eh? This is now. This is then. Live in these moments. Being anxious about future endeavors that you can't control (ie: marriage, kids) is distracting you from enjoying what you have now. There will never be a time in your life like the one right now; make sure you are learning from it. If you're in a hard time, understand you will get out and have a lesson to learn. If you're in the highs of your life, be grateful and take it all in. We all have an ebb and flow to our life. Our mission is to enjoy and learn from it all.
Life is way too short as we are often reminded by the media. The trick is to enjoy what you have and be proud of what you're building for your future. Don't be caught up in the lives of others.
As far as I'm concerned, it's never paid any of my bills.
Featured image by Getty Images
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- 5 Actionable Steps to Overcome Negative Thinking | Inc.com ›
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Courtney is a contributing writer, based in Puerto Rico by way of Tennessee. Interested in the intersection of fashion and culture, she has an affinity for fashion, empowerment, and really good tacos. Keep up with her on Instagram (@hautecourtxo).
From '106 & Park' To Prime Time, Rocsi Diaz Is Still That Girl
Rocsi Diaz is no stranger to the camera. From her iconic run on 106 & Park to interviewing Hollywood heavyweights on Entertainment Tonight, she’s been at the center of culture for years. Now, she’s back in the hosting chair alongside none other than Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders for We Got Time Today, a fresh talk show exclusive to Tubi.
The show is exactly what you’d expect when you put a media pro and a sports legend together—a mix of real talk, unfiltered moments, and guest interviews that feel like family kickbacks. As the duo wraps up their first season, Rocsi sat down with xoNecole to talk about teaming up with Deion, the wildest moments on set, and why streaming platforms like Tubi are shaking up the talk show world.
Scoring the Gig & Clicking Instantly with Deion
Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Essence
Deion Sanders had been dreaming of hosting a talk show, and when Tubi came calling, it was only right he made it happen. But before he found the perfect co-host, he held auditions with different women for the spot.
Lucky for us, Rocsi threw her hat in the ring, and the connection was instant. “You just can’t buy chemistry like we have,” she tells us. “We are legit like big brother, little sister—fighting, cracking jokes, telling each other off. When you watch the show, it’s like watching family.”
Mixing News, Culture & Sports—Minus the Snooze
With We Got Time Today, Rocsi and Deion cover everything from the latest headlines to celebrity tea and, of course, sports. But instead of stiff, rehearsed segments, the show keeps it loose and unpredictable.
“We’re not breaking the mold—it’s not rocket science,” Rocsi jokes. “We just bring our own flair, our authenticity, and our personalities to it. Deion has firsthand experience in sports, so when we talk about athletes, he brings a different perspective.”
And the best part? Unlike traditional talk shows that rush through quick interviews, We Got Time Today actually takes its time. “A lot of shows might give you one or two segments with a guest,” Rocsi says. “With us, we actually sit down and have real-life conversations.”
Her Top Guests (So Far!)
From music icons to relationship experts, the show has already had some unforgettable guests—but a few stand out for Rocsi.
“Ice Cube was our first guest, and he’s just legendary,” she says. “Kirk Franklin had us cracking up when he broke into a full choir freestyle for our Christmas special. And anytime we get Dr. Bryant on to put Deion in the hot seat? That’s my favorite!”
And of course, there’s Nick Cannon. “Nick was amazing,” she adds. “You already know he’s going to bring the energy and say something wild.”
Tag-Team Hosting with Deion: The Inside Scoop
While Deion Sanders is best known for his football greatness, Rocsi says he’s also one of the funniest people she’s ever worked with.
“He’s goofy—like, really goofy,” she laughs. “A lot of people didn’t know that side of him, but now they do. He can crack a joke, and if you’re too sensitive, good luck, because he will go in. But the best part? I throw it right back at him! Sometimes we just look at each other like, ‘Okay, that was a good one.’”
But beyond the laughs, she admires his insane work ethic. “Watching him juggle everything he does is just super admirable,” she says.
How "We Got Time Today" Brings That "106 & Park" Energy
Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images
For those wondering if We Got Time Today feels like 106 & Park 2.0, Rocsi says it’s a whole different vibe.
“The only comparison I’d make is that it’s a destination for the culture,” she explains. “It’s a platform where our people can come, feel safe, and have real conversations. But other than that, this is Deion’s world—we’re just having fun in it.”
The Talk Show Shake-Up: Why This Show Hits Different
Unlike traditional networks, We Got Time Today lives exclusively on Tubi, proving that streaming platforms are changing how we watch talk shows.
“Tubi is giving more people opportunities and making content more accessible,” Rocsi says. “Deion is a huge Tubi fan—he literally loves Black cinema—so it just made sense for him. And honestly? He’s got me watching it too!”
Real Ones Only: Women Holding Each Other Down
Rocsi credits her best friend, Chantelle, for always keeping her grounded. “She kept pouring into me, reminding me of who I am,” she shares. Even Deion Sanders makes sure to give her flowers, often calling her “the hostess with the most.”
In the industry, she’s built lasting bonds with women like Julissa Bermundez, Angie Martinez, and Angela Yee. “Julissa and I still kick it—her house is basically Sephora, so I just shop there,” she jokes. She also cherishes her friendships with Melyssa Ford and Robin Roberts, who have offered unwavering support. “Robin has always been there for me,” Rocsi says, reflecting on the wisdom she’s gained from the legendary journalist.
With the show’s first season wrapping up, Rocsi is grateful for the experience and excited for what’s next. “We’re having a good time, and the audience can feel that,” she says.
And if you haven’t tuned in yet? Well, Rocsi and Deion got time—so you might as well make some too.
Catch We Got Time Today now streaming on Tubi!
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Feature image by Leon Bennett/Getty Images
5 Things Viola Davis Did To Step Into Her Action Star Era At 59
She’s already ruled as The Woman King, and now Viola Davis steps into her full power as Commander-in-Chief in G20, proving once again that the Oscar winner has the range.
Now streaming on Prime Video, G20 is the Patricia Riggen-helmed action-packed thriller starring Viola as President Danielle Sutton who must single-handedly take down terrorists at a global summit (yes, the character's military background def comes in clutch). The film, which was produced by Viola and her husband/producing partner, Julius Tennon, also co-stars Anthony Anderson, Marsai Martin, and Christopher Farrar as the first family.
So how did the queen of dramatic roles prepare to save the world (and her family) at nearly 60? Keep reading to learn how Viola Davis entered her action star era, all while making it look so easy.
1. Viola Said Yes to the Hero Role She Didn’t See Coming
When producer Andrew Lazar first approached Viola with the G20 script, it was back in 2015 and the actress couldn’t believe they saw her as the flick's action lead. “I am seeing myself way more expansively now that I've been liberated from the definitions of the world,” she told Entertainment Weekly. Per EW, Davis shared that the role reminded her of the movies and heroes that made her fall in love with acting as a whole. “Sigourney Weaver in Alien, Harrison Ford in Air Force One, Bruce Willis in Die Hard. I wanted to be the hero in the story. I wanted to be Indiana Jones,” she added.
2. She Let Her Inner Child Come Out to Play in 'G20'
For Viola, taking on the role of President Danielle Sutton wasn’t just about proving she could do it, it was about remembering why she ever wanted to. “One thing that people don’t understand when you’ve been in the business a long time is that you can forget the fun,” she said. “You can forget the fun of play and pretend, and it reminded me of why I fell in love with it.”
3. She Kept Her Warrior Workout Going, Even After 'The Woman King'
Lucky for Viola, she was already action star-ready thanks to the training she did for The Woman King and shooting G20 shortly after. She didn't need to get back in shape because she was already there and had the reps (and the biceps) to prove it. “I shot this movie right after doing The Woman King, so I never stopped working out,” she shared in an interview with USA Today. “So yes, I can do a lot of pull-ups, let’s just say. I’m tougher than people think I am.”
She credits her trainer, Gabriela McLain, whom she jokingly calls “Lord Voldemort” for pushing her through squats, punching exercises, and heavy lifting. The physicality was real, and Viola was ready.
4. She Did (Almost) All Her Own Stunts
If you didn't know Viola did most of her own stunts in G20, now you know. “I did almost all of it, believe it or not. I’m a masochist,” she laughed. Between fight scenes and pulling off high-intensity sequences under pressure, Viola said the fight in the kitchen scene in particular was an experience that was not only fun for her inner child but freeing.
She told EW, “Little Viola had the most fun. I always wanted to play with the biggest boys and pretend to take them down.”
Anthony Anderson (as Derek), Marsai Martin (as Serena), Viola Davis (as Danielle), and Christopher Farrar (as Demetrius). Credit: Prime Video
5. Viola Brought Real Emotion to the Role of a Leader Under Pressure
While G20 isn't short on the action, Viola brought the emotional depth and nuance we’ve come to expect from her in her work. Not just as the POTUS, but also as a wife and mother. “Playing a leader requires negotiating with yourself emotionally [and] intellectually because it’s not about you,” she explained to EW. “How do you save the world and then save your children and your husband when you are saturated with fear?”
Catch G20 on Prime Video. Now streaming.
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Featured image by Tristan Fewings/Getty Images for The Red Sea International Film Festival