Beyonce's "Homecoming": A Word on Work Ethic
written by Schondra
“I respect things that take work. I respect things that are built from the ground up. I’m super specific about every detail...every tiny detail had intention.” – Beyoncé
Ever since Beyoncé released her live-concert documentary and album titled “Homecoming” a little over a month ago, thoughts about Queen Bey’s combined effort of creativity, passion, and discipline have encouraged others to reflect on their own work ethic.
The over two-hour long documentary, which not only showcases the “Formation” superstar’s “Beychella” performance last year but also shows candid moments backstage and during rehearsals, exposes a deeper level of Beyoncé’s engagement in her performances. From sharing her restrictive diet to reviewing costumes and lighting—even down to balancing newborn twins and marriage, the Queen’s impressive level of maintenance off and on stage serves as an inspiration to creatives everywhere.
Across social media, fellow celebrities and fans alike shared pieces of knowledge from Beyoncé thanks to the Netflix-released documentary. From mentioning the eight-month process prior to her iconic Coachella performance to Beyoncé’s take on correcting and note-taking, many of the views on “Homecoming” praised the songstress’ behind-the-scenes work ethic.
Yet, amid the public appreciation of the Texas-native’s productivity, we constantly, (sometimes proudly) shame ours.
Even with the consideration of endless resources and money the R&B star has gained over the years, Beyoncé’s repeated success by planning, practicing and executing is a simple tactic many struggle to apply in their own daily lives. As a millennial of color and creative myself, “Homecoming” speaks to our generation and what we’re capable of; I prescribe as a subtle call to action.
With that said, developing a solid work ethic is imperative to reach the success we desire.
So, how can we get better?
Work ethic as defined by the Merriam Webster dictionary is “a belief in work as a moral good.” No matter your medium, to be successful in a skillset, you have to find purpose. While the music arrangements and pyrotechnics definitely assisted in creating a great show, Beyonce’s “moral good” with “Homecoming” was to showcase black excellence and culture on a scale it has never been before. From the samples played, to the (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) HBCU-inspired uniforms; her effort to communicate ideas of the black experience ignited her dedication to executing an entertaining and positively received performance.
And It doesn’t matter how many months we’ve done it, how many times we’ve done it, there are notes every time because there’s always something that we can improve upon. — Beyoncé
Beyoncé’s Coachella performance took roughly eight months to create, with more than half of the time focusing only on music production; an extraordinary example of passion, consistency, and integrity. Continuous practice of a skill strengthens sincerity and promotes newfound knowledge. Building results off of purpose are, in itself rewarding and provides a framework of constant improvement instead of plateauing on past achievement.
“There were days that I thought, you know, I’d never be the same. I’d never be the same physically, my strength and endurance would never be the same...In the beginning it was so many muscle spasms. Just, internally, my body was not connected. My mind was not there. My mind wanted to be with my children. What people don’t see is the sacrifice. I would dance, and go off to the trailer, and breast-feed the babies, and the days I could, I would bring the children.” – Beyoncé
Sometimes, new people, events or opportunities jade one’s purpose. However, most times, these things just require some good old-fashioned discipline. And even when the balance has been established, the innocent idea of questioning your own abilities can cloud your judgment. One good thing to remember is that all successful people have experienced self-doubt and failure.
Tackling not only breaking the historic record of being the first black woman to headline Coachella but also giving birth to twins, Beyoncé’s work ethic was two-fold. She pushed her body to its limits at its most vulnerable stage while simultaneously competing with the already high expectations she had built over her 22-year career. Even with lagging confidence, Queen Bey was able to triumph through her doubts by staying consistent in her purpose.
“I’m so lucky and grateful that I’m able to take all these crazy ideas and actually make it into something that heals people; that may spark vision in people, that shows them to dream big, that shows them that they are limitless. It’s possible. If my country ass can do it, they can do it.” – Beyoncé
Now, enough about Beyoncé.
If you’re reading this, YOU BETTER GET TO WORK!