The Rules According to Lili Taylor

Adapted from The Rules According to Lili (More Magazine July/August 2007 issue)

(Photo Credit: studio360.org)

Lili Taylor can currently been seen playing Ann Bellows, a psychiatrist on Lifetime series, "State of Mind".

1. Just Say No
"In my early twenties, I didn't get that I could say no. I mean, it's just one word. But for women, saying no isn't easy-it's not part of our training. I went through a lot before I learned that if I wasn't happy in a job, I could say, 'No, I'm not coming back,' or, 'No, you're not allowed to treat me this way.' Sometimes I would take work because I felt pressured, even though it wasn't what I truly wanted or believed in deep down. Learning to say no has been a cumulative process."

2. Repeat After Me: Gratitude, Gratitude, Gratitude
"When you're young, you don't always show a lot of it. But start thinking about gratitude, and you may get some sleep on nights when you think things aren't fair. Sometimes just saying the word can make the whole picture much bigger."

3. Show Up Every Day
"Whatever is going on in my life, I show up fully and give it my all. Practicing that on a daily basis is a struggle, but I'd rather exit life saying"I totally tried,' than 'god, I didn't bite into my desire.'"

4. Get A (Creative) Juicer
"There's a key to ourselves in other people that I didn't always value. I've learned how much our different relationships bring to our life. I have artistic friends, so I'll dabble in music when I'm with them-or write or paint, depending on who I'm with. They keep my creative juices flowing."

5. Throw Out Your Planner
"Someone once told me to 'keep it in the day,' and it's the best advice I've ever received. She said, 'All you've got to do is focus on today. The rest will take care of itself.' I like that guidance because it makes things more manageable."