So, I know what you’re all thinking…and I’m not going to be the one who dishes on how Beyoncé is a genius. I’m not a Bey stan (okay, let me rephrase: I love Beyoncé but to a healthy level) but I do note that this woman operates on different wavelengths than most people. After watching her latest doc, I’m going to share some lessons I took away from Homecoming on Netflix and how I think we ALL can learn from this momentous, Black-filled, joyous moment that only God could give us.
First of all, let’s note that Beyoncé has a team who helps make the magic happen.
I know that this is one of those statements that could definitely upset some people, because it slightly is demystifying Beyoncé and her glory. Well, so it seems. But really, I think it should be noted that Beyoncé has a LOT of people who work with her to make it happen, mostly because we can all get into these modes where we think we’re not doing enough compared to others that we see. Oftentimes, the people we are comparing ourselves to have amazing teams, systems, communities, and people of support behind them. What we can’t do is compare OUR good to someone else’s good — first of all, you never know the playing fields and if they’re even. Secondly, as you grow and build, you’ll be able to afford the team. Don’t worry if that’s not a reality by TOMORROW, you just have to know and see it for yourself.
This is something I even struggle with — literally being a one-woman show can be exhaustive, and you’re looking around like HOW is everyone doing ALL these things so well?! Well, many of them have an assistant, or a graphic designer friend, or a student who wants to shoot video, etc. At the end of the day, the talent will get the applause, but know there is a HUGE smoke screen behind it. THAT should encourage you to keep going and to not feel like you’re behind. Keep putting in the work, your time will come.
Secondly, the power of Beyoncé is that she makes you want to be a better you…not necessarily make you want to be her.
I have never wanted to be Beyoncé. Of course her life looks glamorous, and her work ethic is insane, but to actually want to be her (or anyone, for that matter)? Nah, fam. I’m good. I think Beyoncé teaches us a very important lesson in owning your power and actually being in your own lane. WHO can challenge Beyoncé on her gifts? Nobody. And not because nobody is as talented or gifted vocally or musically, but because Bey has better thins to do than get into comparison mode. She is only in competition with herself and she consistently challenges herself to step up to the plate and do better than the time before.
You’re not in competition with anyone other than yourself.
This is a lesson I still struggle with. Like, even now. It’s hard when you’re working to create new things that surpass any dream you’ve ever imagined, but that’s why you have to remember that you’re the only one in YOUR lane. Can’t anyone do you better than you. So instead of attempting to recreate the magic of those who you may see doing cool things, stick to your magic and your gifts. That’s even biblical, that your gifts will make room for you.
Thirdly, being a student of your craft pays off.
One thing I truly admire about Bey is her studious nature. She understands that there are countless women who have come before her and who were not granted the same opportunities as she was, and she honors them by doing the research and paying the proper tributes. As she was preparing for Homecoming, she couldn’t just say, “Oh, I want to do my show like this,” without doing her research. The band, the costumes, the movements, everything was researched and detailed.
Be a student of your craft and actually put in the work.
I realized a long time ago that there are so many people who will eventually eliminate themselves out of the game because they refuse to step up and learn, take initiative, and stay hungry. Most people want to get the social clout and don’t want to actually put in work. I have a feeling that if Instagram and Twitter had been really poppin’ during the early times of Destiny’s Child, Bey still wouldn’t have really been on there like that. Because instead of trying to pretend that she’s poppin’, she was working to ensure that was her reality. Don’t get caught up in the hype and not really do the research needed for your industry. If you want to be a fashion designer? Study previous designers. If you want to be an editor? Learn editors who previously worked at the jobs and brands you admire. Learning is free and yet it is so abused. There is NO way her show would have resonated the same had she just thrown it together.
So tell me, what did y’all learn from Beyoncé’s documentary? Leave the comments down below.
