A Transparency Post

Recently, I competed in the area level (the second level) of the speech competition I’m in. I lost and came in second place.

Let me tell you something…

I HATE to not win a speech contest! However, this time was different.

Even though I’m still disappointed I lost, I can tell I have grown in the last 4 years since I’ve competed. Grown as in that I did not take it as hard as I would have in the past. Why? Because I was not married to the result.

I was married to the process.

Before when I lost, it would feel devastating the whole day and I’ve even cried while driving home from a contest. Not this time.

I knew I had practiced, made changes where needed, and I felt really good about how I performed. The first place winner is also a very strong speaker, so – from what others told me – they said they felt bad for anyone having to judge a contest that included us! Kudos to the winner! We both did our best.

Preparing myself to perform at my best is something I CAN control. The result – what the judges decide – is something I can’t.

So that’s my advice – be married to the process of whatever you do.

And every speech contest sharpens me, so that is ALWAYS a plus!