Comparing yourself to other pageant contestants

Comparing yourself to other pageant contestants is a sure path to defeat. When you focus on others, you tend to measure your own perceived weaknesses against their perceived strengths. It’s like comparing apples to oranges – they are completely different.

Consider choosing between an apple, orange, or banana. Each has a unique appearance, nutritional value, and taste. Without knowing the purpose, you can’t make an informed decision. If I asked you to bake a pie, you’d probably choose the apple. That doesn’t mean the banana and orange are inferior; they just aren’t suitable for the task. Similarly, if the goal was to make orange juice or banana bread, your choice would be different.

In a pageant, playing the comparison game leads to negative self-talk. You start thinking about why you’re not good enough and eliminate yourself from the opportunity. On the flip side, you might convince yourself you’re the best and expect to win, which can come off as arrogance rather than confidence. The energy between the two is palpable and noticeable to everyone.

The truth is, you never know what the judges are looking for – an apple, an orange, or a banana. Their job is to select the person who best meets the pageant’s needs at that time, based on the qualities and requirements set by the directors. If the judges are looking for an apple, being the perfect banana won’t help you win. It’s not that an apple is better than a banana, but the apple fits the pageant’s purpose for that year.

This is beyond your control. Each year the pageant’s needs change, so you can’t predict whether they want an orange or an apple. You can’t become someone else any more than an apple can turn into a banana. All you can do is be the best version of yourself at the pageant.

Comparisons can affect all areas of life, not just pageants. Whether it’s jobs, marriages, children, or material objects, comparing yourself to others prevents you from appreciating your unique qualities. Reflect on areas of your life where you’ve been making comparisons. How has this mindset impacted you? Awareness of your thoughts is the first step toward change if that’s what you desire.Recognizing and embracing your own unique traits can significantly uplift your personal “posture” in life.

If you want to discover what makes you unique, reach out to me to get started.