Be the Best You

The New Year is only a few days old, and we all find old habits hard to break. One simple resolution I made was to organize all the stuff on my table. The papers, books, notes, and other items had piled up over time. The New Year was now three days old, and the pile of stuff was still there. Finally, I acted.

While I was sorting through my notes, I stumbled upon a scrap of paper with the words “Be the Best You” written on it. I have a habit of jotting down my thoughts on slips of paper, especially at night when they wake me up.

This thought came to me as I was reflecting on the past year and planning for the new one. It made me pause and contemplate its meaning, and it put an end to my quest to organize my belongings. Early the next morning I awoke around 5 A.M., still thinking about the words, and decided to share my thoughts with you.

The world is built on the foundation of competition, where the idea of being the best is ingrained in us from a young age. We are constantly compared to our peers, and our performance is measured against theirs. In certain situations, being the best is crucial for success. Many times, the comparison to our peers is short-sighted.

You may not have yet gained the skills or physical ability to do what others do. It is important to realize that you did your personal best at that moment regardless of your peers. I remember my early days being compared to the professional. My work sucked. I did not have any idea of how the camera worked. My compositional skills were non-existent. However, I got better.

I learned. Occasionally, I make a good photograph among the pile of poor ones. Somebody should invent an un-suck filter for our cameras (I think Adobe is getting close). I learned I did not enjoy photographing people and eventually discovered landscape photography.

I have a deep love for landscape photography. It has allowed me to witness the breathtaking beauty of nature and capture it through my lens. Some of my work has been recognized with awards, but what counts is knowing that I put my heart and soul into each photograph. While there may be photographers out there who have taken better shots, it’s the photographs that I have taken to the best of my abilities that I cherish the most.

Being a creative person is a unique experience. It’s not about competing against others, even though there are shows, critics, and winners. It’s important to keep in mind that what may be considered the best is subjective and varies from person to person. The main purpose of creating is not to prove you are superior to others but to make your best effort and create something meaningful to you.

Regardless of whether you’re new to the craft or have been honing your skills for years, the standards for your art will evolve as you do. Take a moment to look back at your past work and appreciate the growth that has taken place. Remember, your best work is simply a reflection of who you are at that moment.