Comparing yourself to other pageant contestants will only end in defeat. When a contestant starts focusing on the other girls (or ladies), the tendency is to compare their own perceived weaknesses to another’s perceived strengths. It’s like comparing an apple to an orange. The two aren’t similar at all. They’re totally different.
Which would you choose- an apple, orange or banana? The appearance, nutritional value and taste of these fruits are completely different; and, I didn’t give you much information on which to base your decision. You don’t know if I want you to eat the piece of fruit fresh from the refrigerator, bake it in a recipe or juice it. Your decision will be influenced based on the purpose the fruit will serve.
Let’s say I wanted you to bake a pie. You would most likely choose the apple. That doesn’t mean the banana and orange are bad. They’re just not a fit for what is needed at the time. But if I wanted orange juice or banana bread, the selection would be different.
When a person starts to play the apples to oranges game at a pageant, that’s when the negative self talk sets in. All the reasons why they’re not good enough start running through their head; and they eliminate themselves from the opportunity. Or, it can go the other way. Through the comparison game, they have come to the conclusion that they’re the superior choice and they expect to win. The line between arrogance and confidence may be thin; but the energy between the two is huge and everyone can feel it.
Here’s the deal. At a pageant, you have no idea if the judges are looking for an apple, orange or banana. It’s their job to select the one person that will best represent and serve the needs of the pageant at that time. The directors inform the judges as to what qualities and requirements to look for in the titleholder.
Let’s say they’re all the traits of an apple. The judges are looking for the best apple in the bunch. You may be the perfect banana; but they’re not looking for a banana this year. They’re looking for an apple. It’s not to say an apple is better than a banana. But the apple is a better fit for the direction or purpose of that pageant on that day.
This is something you have no control over. Each year the needs of the pageant are different so you can’t say, “this pageant picks only oranges” or “I need to be an orange to win”. LOL. You can’t successfully become someone else any more than an apple can change into a banana. All you can be is the best version of you at the time of the pageant.
If you want to discover what makes you unique, contact me to get started.
The comparison game can affect all areas of a person’s life. In comparing jobs, marriages, children, and material objects, people aren’t appreciating the unique traits about themselves. What areas of your life have you been comparing yourself to someone or something else? How’s that way of thinking working for you? Awareness of your thoughts is the first step to moving towards change, if that’s what you desire.
Rhonda Shappert
September 29, 2010 04:36
Technorati Tags: Pageant preparation
