New Jersey is the #1 Most Competitive State in America
Ambition is a defining trait of the American spirit, and it affects every aspect of our lives. It’s not just about striving for success in our careers or reaching for the stars; it’s about winning at the neighborhood chili cook-outs, dominating game nights with the family, and even asserting your dominance on the road. If you’ve ever wondered which state in America embodies this competitive spirit to the fullest, the answer might just surprise you: New Jersey.
A recent survey conducted by Solitaire Bliss delved into the competitive nature of individuals across the United States, revealing some intriguing insights into our competitive tendencies. Nearly 2,000 respondents were asked about the various ways they exhibit competitiveness in their everyday lives, and the results were nothing short of fascinating.
When it comes to competition, New Jersey takes the top spot, with a scorching score of 81.28. These residents have an unparalleled knack for keeping a close watch on their competition, ensuring that they stay ahead of the pack. Whether it’s vying for the title of the neighborhood’s chili cook-off champion or racing to the front of the line at the local game night, New Jerseyans bring their A-game.
Interestingly, New Jersey also holds the title of the most competitive state when it comes to health and fitness goals. This means that New Jersey residents are not only striving to outperform their peers in fun and leisure activities but are also determined to be the best when it comes to maintaining their health and fitness.
Furthermore, New Jersey is the number one state where people aren’t shy about flaunting their financial success to those who they know make less than them. It’s clear that this competitive spirit extends into the financial realm, with individuals in the Garden State proudly showcasing their achievements.
In New Jersey, competition isn’t just about achieving personal goals; it’s also about positioning oneself in a spot where they can monitor the progress of others and ensure they are doing better. This mentality infiltrates various facets of life, from leisurely pursuits to the hustle and bustle of everyday activities.
New Jersey’s competitive spirit isn’t an anomaly. Virginia, Connecticut, Iowa, and Nebraska are also home to their own unique competitive subcultures. Whether it’s battling for supremacy on the highway, vying for recognition in the workplace, racing to catch green lights, or striving to be the hardest-working early bird or night owl at the office, ambition runs deep in these states as well.
In the end, this survey highlights the enduring American spirit of ambition and competition. It’s not just about reaching for the stars; it’s about thriving in the small, everyday moments of life, just like the residents of New Jersey. So, whether you’re at a chili cook-out, a game night, or simply on the road, remember that in America, ambition and competition are in our blood, and it’s what keeps us constantly moving forward.
Take a look at the full report
5 Hair Salon Faux Pas: What Not to Do During Your Glam Session
Booking an appointment for something totally different
This happens a lot more than people usually think. It’s like when clients schedule their appointments ahead for a simple service like a haircut, touch-up, or partial highlight. But when they show up, they’ve decided they want something more involved, like switching from a touch-up to a full highlight or going for a balayage which takes way more time. The stylist might not have enough time that day to pull off a whole new hairstyle. “I am always excited to change it up, but when I have only scheduled a 30 minute color touch up and a client is requesting a balayage which takes about an hour or more, there just isn’t enough time!” wrote the Beauty and The Blonde blogger.
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Neglecting your personal hygiene
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Imagine: a client walks into a hair salon, but there’s this whole hygiene situation going on. Strong odors that you just can’t ignore. The stylists are trying to work their magic, but it’s hard to focus when there’s a funky smell in the air. You want everyone to feel good about being there, right? You don’t want to be the one disrupting the vibe of the hair salon due to your stench. “So I get this one guy who is in sweats and looks like he hasn’t showered in a good two weeks,” a stylist tells Oola, a lifestyle magazine. “He sits down and I could INSTANTLY smell him. It was putrid.” The stylist completed the style but was had to completely sanitize their station due to their client.
Bringing an unrealistic inspo photo
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Encountering clients with far-fetched hair expectations and inspiration photos that are miles apart from their own hair reality is quite a challenge. While it’s great that they’re bringing ideas to the table, sometimes those ideas need a reality check. Certain hairstyles and trends are a journey, not a quick pit stop. It’s like expecting to go from zero to hero in a single leap. Just like Rome wasn’t built in a day, some hair goals require a process to achieve that jaw-dropping outcome they’re aiming for. “Clients [come in] with extremely dark hair [and] expect it platinum blonde or a fashionable pastel color because they’ve seen some video on YouTube or some backstreet salon did it to their friend,” Hannah Jafferji, a hairdresser tells INSIDER. “It’s not possible in one day, and if your stylist has integrity they would explain why it’s not possible.”
Negative gossiping
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Hair salons have always been a hub for good-natured gossip among pals and even random friendly faces. Well, it’s all fun when you’re swapping funny stories or venting a bit to your stylist, but let’s not take it to the level of turning a haircut into a full-on complain-a-thon. Seriously, who knows who might be eavesdropping? It’s also not a good look to trash-talk other salon employees, whether it’s the front desk superstar or a stylist you’ve had in the past. “It is not your responsibility to entertain the person doing your hair,” Kristina Maccaro, colorist and salon owner tells Reader’s Digest. Besides being a bad gossip could get you mentioned on a Reddit thread.
Rushing your stylist
If there’s a salon no-no, it’s hurrying your stylist. These pros are all about giving you top-notch service. You’re a living showcase of their skills, and sometimes nailing that perfect look takes a bit more TLC or time. If you have a tight schedule post-salon, just give your stylist a heads-up. That way, they can adjust things as needed to fit the clock. Also, when you book, ask how long your treatments will potentially be, that way you have ample time in your day.
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