Are you in to win?

I start by asking. It’s the first question I will ask when if I partner up with anybody for a competition.

Are you willing to do whatever it takes?

In doing the scavenger hunt, I found myself becoming so determined. There was a time when I would brainstorm…constantly searching Flickr and Google for inspiration.

It was as if I was brainstorming a product for work. Not quite the how do people spend their evenings at home?, but rather what pose do I need to be a saint? or how can we be romantic with a burrito?

I would research techniques, study other methods, and visit shops where something has been either professionally done. I would wipe away my natural social anxiety and be the demanding customer wanting to always know more…know more. I would stare at my supplies and come with ideas…since to have many ideas is better than just a single idea.

But when I would run across a competitor, I would suddenly shrink back. They’re probably doing better, I would think to myself—struck suddenly with a pang of envy and jealousy. But no, I would wipe those thoughts away and offer sincere greetings. Because it’s a casual competition and I want meet people just like me.

And when the winners are announced, I would always be surprised to be at the top. Did they just send me a jolt of self-esteem? Hey, thanks!