4 Empowering Mindsets to Nail Your Pageant
Every shift in your life starts with a shift in your mind. One of the biggest mistakes in pageantry that I see is that contestants will focus on their skills only… yet neglect their mindset. Don’t let that be you, queen! Here are four must-have empowering mindsets you need to build confidence and make your mark at your pageant:
1. The interview is simply a conversation.
During interview, you are simply conversing with the judges. As I like to say, it’s a conversation with a purpose. Looking at it as a question and answer session can have your nerves on overdrive. Transform the way you look at the interview and see it as an opportunity to converse with a new group of friends. This will help you calm your nerves and actually communicate in a way that makes an impact.
2. I am enough.
Too often, I see contestants questioning their ability to win the crown. Remember this – you are capable of your dreams. Aim to be your best, but know that you are enough as you are. Pursue excellence while embracing the unique things that make you, you.
3. My voice is powerful.
Never shrink your voice nor compromise your values for a crown. Determine where you stand on critical issues and be willing to stick to your beliefs no matter what when you compete. Knowing your values and having clarity on where you stand will propel your sense confidence when you compete. You’ll be a lot less likely to crumble under pressure and have the boldness to be yourself – no matter what.
4. I am my only competition.
Unlike team and high-contact sports, your performance at the pageant solely depends on YOU. Think about it. In sports like basketball or football, the ability for one team to score is hindered by the defense of the other team. This is not the case in pageantry. Another contestant’s performance can not hinder you in any way…unless you freak yourself out mentally. When present yourself in front of the judges, no one else can interrupt you nor limit your actual performance. You are a one woman show! Therefore, know that being your absolute best is the standard and you are truly your only competition when you arrive at your pageant.
If you need help developing a winning mindset and overall edge, I’m just an email away at slayyourpageant@gmail.com!
Ocielia Sprowl
A Former Miss Black USA, National Speaker, and Author, Ocielia has 20 years of compelling speaking, community outreach, and effective pageant coaching experience that has allowed her to guide multiple national and international winners to the crown. (As well as state and local winners, too!) She is the founder of Slay Your Pageant, a pageant coaching company dedicated to helping women stand out from the competition. You can learn more about Slay Your Pageant on Instagram at @slayyourpageant.