Why the highest form of Equality is to make NO exceptions, be it Sport or WORK : The 10 Anti-Commandments of 'As a girl'

This picture was clicked after we won an epic finale in a London basketball league. I’m sure it isn’t lost on anyone seeing the picture, that 'As a girl' I stand out. As I walked back home after this exhaustingly exhilarating final match, I couldn't stop thinking about all the 'As a Girl' rules I was constantly told, growing up. It was in a way Society's 10 commandments defining what a girl should & shouldn't do. It also hit me how all pervasively shackling these commandments were be it in a sports ground or at a work place. And in that moment, how liberating it felt, to not heed to them. Therefore I wanted to take this opportunity to pen down some honest Counter wisdom or Anit-Commandments to these 10 'As a girl' commandments, which I believe will hold true as much for a Workplace as for a Basketball court. ?

1. “As a girl don’t be so competitive to win, just play for the fun” - Play to win but have fun otherwise too. If you don’t play to win then how do become the best version of yourself?!
2. “As a girl, don’t be too ambitious, play to your level”- Play with one level up, because the struggle to keep up with them is the best motivation to improve, no matter whether you are a girl or guy !
3. “As a girl be lady like. Don’t try & play like the guys”- Play your best. Ignore the labels of lady-like or man-like. If you want to be treated an equal then earn your stripes. Earning > Entitlement!
4. “As a girl, be strong, don’t show vulnerability”- Be authentic , and own it with honesty be it strength or vulnerability and relationships automatically get fostered no matter peer, senior or junior!?
5. "As a girl, don't stand out. Blend in & stay low"-Raise your hand, ask for the ball, yell when needed, play uninhibited, no matter whether its a stadium or the whole world watching!
6. “As a girl, you’ll stop playing once you reach a certain age/stage in life”- Play as long as you feel like, as long as you can. The only thing that defines when you stop playing is when YOU feel like doing that and an age or stage !
7. “As a girl, better to have hobbies like music, painting etc rather than sport”-Do both, Why choose !
8. “As a girl, stick to what you’re good at"- Play to what adds value to the team and to the situation, even if that isn’t necessarily what you’re good at. If that means you need to learn/adapt your style of game, do that & contribute!
9. “As a girl, keep it strictly professional”- If it matters, it will get personal, and that’s ok . Roll with the emotions, humanise the relationships and the professionalism will also be more authentic !?
10. “As a girl don’t play outdoors. It will affect your skin and hair”- Use a good sunscreen and just go out there & shine :) !?

The highest form of sexual equality is to make no exception of any form, be it in sport or work. Therefore, the only ‘As a girl’ commandment worth remembering is ?“ignore any ‘as a girl’ commandment” ??

James Michael Lafferty I took the liberty to take some inspiration from few of your articles on lessons/parallels from Sport to Work . As always, love your writing , thank you.