No truer words could be spoken during this pandemic.
We were hoodwinked into thinking 2020 was our year.
Not only was it going to be a new year, but a new decade as well.
And here’s what’s happened just five months in:
We’re in the midst of an unprecedented pandemic that’s infected more than 3.5 million people worldwide.
We lost Kobe, GiGi, and Pop Smoke.
And our icons continue to be called home.
2020. Needs. To. Relax.
But still, time and time again, we’ve managed to overcome and make lemonade out of life’s lemons.
And this time, it’s been through virtual creativity.
There have been DJ showcases, benefit concerts, beat and song battles (S/O to Teddy Riley for one of social media’s funniest nights), and TikTok challenges and dances all in the palm of our hands.
And since we’ve been forced to stay inside, it’s been crickets from the Boomers.
They’ve realized how invaluable our phones are during this time — not only to be entertained, but also to stay in touch with family members and loved ones.
But as a creative myself, the hailstorm of content out there can be intimidating and overwhelming.
I feel a heightened pressure to create because of my new free time, despite still having to work my 9-5…I just happen to be doing so in a hoodie and sweatpants.
My perceived free time really isn’t free.
But because I’m home, I feel the need to be doing something to further my art and brand.
You can find yourself creating just to create.
And by doing so, you’ll lose your voice and authenticity.
Social media’s SportsCenter complex has heightened significantly because we’re all home and posting to the timeline ether.
Think of the SportsCenter’s Top 10.
Back when sports were a thing, every day the Top 10 would showcase 10 amazing bit-sized moments from sporting events around the world.
Now think of how many sporting events happened on a daily basis, coupled with how long each event was.
Because of this, the caliber of the moments that make the Top 10 are borderline supernatural.
This same concept applies to social media — times 10.
Social media is chockfull of people’s hyper highlight reels:
I ate beans and coleslaw all four years of college, worked 5 jobs, used the same pencil, and through it all, I graduated magna cum laude!!!
I just interviewed for my dream job!
*retweets the same tweet a week later*
I was one of 97,583 applicants to apply for the job and I got it!
Of course I’m being facetious, but seeing announcements like those can be deflating, especially when you’re in the middle of a rough patch.
No one shows the journey of getting to the announcement or major milestone.
No one shows the tears, the heartbreak, and the toil.
We only see the buttoned-up end result.
This can trick you into holding on to every word from the I’ll-sleep-when-I’m-dead socialites (not to downplay the good in a strong motivational kick to the behind from time to time).
If you’re really about the marathon and not the sprint, let that gumbo simmer a little.
It may not be ready yet.
But be careful because this mentality can carry over into your art.
You can find yourself creating just to create.
And by doing so, you’ll lose your voice and authenticity.
Take your time to think about:
How do I want my art to be remembered beyond this pandemic?
Am I solely inspired by vanity metrics (likes, shares, retweets, and reposts)?
When no one’s paying attention, am I still creating?
What distinguishes my art from others?
How am I paying it forward?
If you’re really about the marathon and not the sprint, let that gumbo simmer a little.
It may not be ready yet.
And also remember, it’s ok to just be during this pandemic.
Bryann said it earlier — this time is not a productivity contest.
Our loved ones are dying.
Millions are out of work.
We’re on the brink of another recession.
…and 45 is still in office.
God Bless us all.
Remember:
It’s ok to rest.
It’s ok to catch up with family and loved ones.
It’s ok to binge watch Ozark.
And it’s ok to keep telling yourself your diet starts on Monday…for the 17thtime this year 🙂
Take this time to figure out what works for you.
Drown out groupthink.
And stop comparing your scrimmages to people’s highlight reels — word to my boy, Michell C. Clark.
P.S. I’d be remiss not to thank our medical and healthcare professionals, as well as our public officials who are working tirelessly during this time. You all are invaluable and we’re forever indebted to you.
BABL 