No Regrets With Christina Phillips
Meet Christina Phillips
After moving to NYC from North Carolina, Christina chose one word to define her path; "relentless". Learn more about why it's important for her to "do", to live life with no regrets, and to stay dedicated to the unwavering determination that she set for herself.
Name.
Christina Phillips
Occupations, affiliations and projects.
SoulCycle Instructor, Dancer, Actress.
“People Who Do” focuses on those who excel at moving forward throughout their passions in life, why is it important to you to “do”?
I must "do" in order to live life fully & without regret.
To date, what accomplishments (of any kind) are you most proud of?
Two moments that I was so happy I almost burst into a million pieces: July 2003 - getting my Actors Equity card & February 2015 - booking a role on a TV show. On the daily? Any day a rider’s outlook is changed for the better or when they have the best class they’ve ever had.
#1 motivating mantra to get through tough moments.
There are so many mantras that lift me up in different ways it is hard to choose just one. Something I have heard Melanie Griffith, Master Instructor at Soul Cycle, say a thousand times: WALK STRONG TO BE STRONG.
What’s your favorite thing you’ve learned so far this year?
This year I decided to give myself a word - Something I wanted to define who I am and how I would go about getting what I want. I chose the word “relentless.” I decided that I couldn't be as polite (Hello southern girl!) or timid as I have been in the previous 9 years that I have been in NYC. There had to be a new approach to achieving my goals. I have changed the language that I use - no "maybe" or "I hope". One of my riders and I were talking after class and he said, “Chris - don’t hope or wish for something just own it. It’s yours already. Hope is a band-aid for doubt.” It left me speechless - who can argue with that? I got myself a new agent and landed my first co-starring role on The Mysteries of Laura on NBC (which ironically was a role where I had to play a spinning instructor!) Something as simple as eliminating a few “band-aid” words has already had a profound affect on how I act and react to what this city throws at me.
“This year I decided to give myself a word - Something I wanted to define who I am and how I would go about getting what I want. I chose the word ‘relentless.’ I decided that I couldn’t be as polite or timid as I have been in the previous nine years that I have been in NYC. There had to be a new approach to achieving my goals.”
What’s your biggest lesson you’ve ever learned, ever?
It’s trite and definitely not my favorite lesson but one that changed my life - Be with the ones you love AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE. Tomorrow is not guaranteed. Say I’m sorry. Say I love you.
What's your go-to song to put you in a better mood?
Definitely Love On Top by Beyoncé. Scott and I danced to this at our wedding and I attempted the 85 key changes in the song that come with it.
I swear you work magic at SoulCycle! What’s your favorite thing about instructing?
The metamorphosis - In my riders and in myself (since I have been with Soul). I love watching people realize they are athletes. They lose weight (actual weight and emotional) and start to make changes to live a life they don't need a vacation from. I never thought that the things I say could have such an affect on the 60 people in the room. People really listen!
You’re also a performer! What drives you to perform?
Oh man. The high. The escape from reality. It’s exhilarating to feel all eyes on you and have the audience in the palm of your hand. As a dancer - it feels good to communicate without words.
Top 5 people you would invite to a dinner party
I mean...If you know me…Beyoncé is definitely seated next to me at that dinner table! My Dad - to ask him all the things I never got to. Bob Fosse - I love his style and his amazing body of work. Billy Joel - I want to know the stories behind each song. And Prince…because…what is that man hiding behind those glossed lips? And If Prince can’t make it because he is being fabulous somewhere…then 1980’s Eddie Murphy.
3 words you want to be remembered by.
Unstoppable, Kind, and Flawless (a la Beyonce).
By "do-ing", you create your own unique legacy. How do you want your legacy to look/be remembered?
I would want to be remembered as a force, one that accomplished my dreams while staying true to who I am and how I was raised. Strong, Humble, and True.
Click here to continue to follow Christina's journey on Instagram.