Cue dance music...Doo doo doo do doo do....
You know what's really cool? Even if you're not the best in something, if you work harder than someone who is better than you, you can outrun them if you're willing to put forth that effort. Through listening to Gary Vaynerchuk, I've been adopting his ideas on "hustle", and these are the ways I've been applying it to my life.
Recently, I went to a small event where local artisans and small businesses were displaying their work. From pottery, to plants, to "Go Pocket"- a small brand new company that I actually just had the pleasure of having an awesome- shoot for. (The owner of Go Pocket invited me to the event, as it would be a great place for me to network.) Upon arriving, I was happily surprised with the beauty of the place. It was at Stable Cafe in San Francisco. It satisfied my - nearly - unhealthy adoration of succulents, greenery, air plants, and even a stone oven keeping the kind-of cold guests of kind-of cold San Francisco pleasantly toasty.
I met up with Caitlin, Go Pocket's owner, and she began to introduce me to some of the business owners. I enjoyed talking with them and learning about the history of their companies, their inspirations for starting them, and what they hoped for the future...I not-so-secretly hoped they may need a photographer. Once getting to that part of the conversation, most of them already had photography work done, and they even showed me examples...
When I saw the photography work they already had done, I was slightly intimidated. Oh man, I didn't have those capabilities to make such flawless work yet! I didn't have the equipment, or even that knowledge! They were...dare I say, better than me! How could this be??
No, I didn't let myself get to that point actually. I know that no one is actually "better" than anyone else. It is a matter of experience...as well as some upscale equipment I don't have the ability to get yet, which is totally fine. I like the challenge. It makes me need to be resourceful, which makes me a better photographer. One day I will be able to use that equipment, but until then I will continue to develop my skill set with the tools I have on hand.
But what about that hustlin? What NOT about that hustlin?
The point I'm going to make is, it doesn't matter if someone is better than you. That seriously doesn't matter one bit. Even if they are smarter than you, it doesn't matter. What actually matters is, are you willing to put more work in? Are you willing to stay up one extra hour longer than the other person? How about two hours longer? (That's actually exactly what I'm doing right now to tell you the truth! I know it's worth it.)
My mind began to wander to the darkness of self doubt and insecurity while I flipped through the amazing gardener's how-to/DIY floral arrangement book that sat next to her gloriously beautiful air plant arrangements strategically and perfectly placed right nearby. "How did the photographer, whoever they are, create such a flawless, otherworldly photo?" And instead of getting down on myself, I thought deeply about the techniques and set up that they probably used, and reminded myself that I will get to that point and someday very soon know those skills as well. I actually almost felt embarrassed for offering my photographic services to her, since she already had the most spectacular photos in this book. But I didn't because I have my own strengths, and all it is is a lack of experience which, well...comes with time and experience!
Hustle is also amazing because it is something that one can have absolute control over. You can choose how hard to work, how late to keep working, how quickly and intensely to work. It is something within your grasp.
Hustle hustle hustle...Werk werk werk.