I think it helps to remember to:
1. Not be our own worst critic.
2. Eat well, so you have enough energy.
3. Practice, review, practice and sleep on it.
4. Practice AGAIN!
5. Remember its just a competition. It doesn't define who we are or what we are capable of. There are so many variables. We have to submit 3:00 of time that is supposed to represent "a taste" of what we are capable of. Add pressure, and some nervousness and its enough to make any dancer a bit more tense!
Which brings me to 6. Relax, have fun, be yourself!
7. Be proud of what you did and all of the work that went into it. All of the sweat, pain, falls, pole kisses, late nights, thinking and work! It is work!
8.Reward yourself wether you are picked or not. If you don't get picked, its not the end of the world. There will ALWAYS be another competition 😀
@ Charley, I am sorry you are going through that! I felt sooooooooooooooooo down on myself last week too. I just had a baby 5 months ago and I was feeling bad about not having as much energy as I did prebaby. Sounds crazy huh?! Well of course I am worn out sometimes. I got 2 kids, breastfeeding 1, am a mommy, a mother, a student(off this semester), do hair part time and find the time to pole 2x a week studio, 2x a week at home! Whew, I had to remember to give myself some credit! I have been poling for 7 years now and atleast I am submitting something for the first time!(even though I have performed hundreds of times) Suddenly competing turned foreign. I had to snap out of my funk and just give it my all! Ya know you were one of my inspirations for even submiting! I hope we are all recognized for our talents, if even just by our own selves!
Enjoy, good luck again!🥂