Published 8/21/22 by HS

I don’t mean to burst anyone’s bubble, but…you eventually must COMPETE! You shouldn’t be competing with your friends, family, or romantic interests because these are spaces meant to cultivate relaxation and rest, or at least they are supposed to. But when out in the real world, resources, opportunity, and whatever you want, however badly you want, especially if you want it, you’ll put your best foot forward.

When I say put your best foot forward, if you’re a model, make sure you come to set in shape with the best of your portfolio; if you’re a graphic designer, make sure you have the best equipment; if you’re a photographer make sure you have the best booking schedule, with times, places, prices, etc. I’m focusing more on competition in creative fields because that’s what I currently work for myself.

Never let people speak fear over what you’re doing. People will always speak negatively about you/ throw you off and what you’re doing when they feel you’re a threat. Take this as confirmation and keep it pushing because you’re on the right track. Your confidence needs to be at the forefront of the competition. I know we are all individuals and unique and one of one, but that doesn’t mean we’re exempt from competing for what it is we want for our lives. Let your confidence, conviction, and authenticity be the driving force in you being on point… and no I don’t mean ballet unless that’s what you do. From what I’ve seen and experienced, competition is only bad in intimate settings between friends, family, lovers, partners, etc. But in an environment where you have no emotional investment, it literally fuels the best possible products, results, the end goal, and everything in-between.

Also, when you finally step into whatever. If you want to do full force and are seen as a threat, especially in professional settings, never let anyone bully you out of anything. Never let anyone PUNK you. Never let anyone make you sweat. Idc if it’s a reaction they want out of you, be dangerously passive because people will eventually see that you’re not the issue. Whether you’re in a creative or corporate setting, it can always be background, especially if you’re not a White heterosexual or male-identified.

If they’re passive aggressive, do nothing.

If they try to embarrass you, do nothing.

If they try to sabotage, you do nothing.

Speak ill on you do nothing * unless you have the money for a cease and desists/gag order then do that*

If it is a group of people picking on you, do nothing.

If there are rumors or gossip about you, do and say nothing.

If you feel like someone is tryna one up, you do not do anything.

When you emotionally detach and become objective, you can see everyone does these things to get a reaction… No facial expressions, no talking back, no roasting *even if it’s tempting, no attitude, no words, no sentences, no thoughts, no body language indicators of being bothered.

Starve them. * I’m making a point be dangerously passive because sticking up for yourself while causing a ruckus or a scene is a straightforward way to get blacklisted or to be labeled as difficult, especially if you are Black, a woman, femme, not straight, or all four combinations.

You have to remember that when it comes to working especially creative work it’s always chess, not checkers.