Top 5 Competition Prep Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Whether you’re a seasoned titleholder or a first-time competitor, pageant prep can feel like a never-ending balancing act between too much and not enough, between excitement and overwhelm. I’ve seen it all: the late-night panic sessions, the “maybe one more mock interview” spiral, and the pressure to be perfect.

So let’s talk about the five most common competition prep mistakes I see women make and how to steer clear of them. Plus, I’ll share one bonus mistake at the end (the biggest one of all).

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1. Over-Preparing

You can absolutely overdo it.
There’s a point where preparation crosses into panic. When you’re running through flashcards backstage or cramming current events before your interview. It might feel productive, but it’s actually feeding anxiety, not confidence.

Over-prepping often comes from fear: fear of not being enough, fear of missing something, fear of failing.
The truth? You can’t memorize your way into confidence.
Real preparation is about depth, not volume. Knowing who you are, what you believe, and how to articulate that with calm clarity.

If you’re over-prepping, it’s time to trust what you already know.

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2. Under-Preparing

On the flip side, under-preparing (or procrastinating until the last minute) is another fear response. Avoidance usually means you’re overwhelmed or doubting yourself.
You might say things like, “I’ll get serious next week” or “I do better under pressure.”

You don’t.
Preparation gives you freedom. It allows you to enjoy competition week instead of scrambling.

If you’ve been putting things off, take it as a cue to check in with yourself. Not to shame yourself, but to ask why. Is it burnout? Fear? Confusion about where to start? Once you identify that, you can move forward intentionally.

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3. Taking Too Much Advice

When you’re surrounded by directors, coaches, parents, volunteers, and friends – everyone has an opinion.
And if you’re trying to please all of them, you’ll lose sight of your own voice.

You’ll get contradictory feedback (“Be bubbly!” / “Be serious!”) and before long, you won’t even know what feels authentic anymore.

Your intuition matters most. Ask for feedback from trusted people, but remember: you are the filter. Advice is information, not instruction. Take what resonates and leave the rest.

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4. Not Setting or Following a Budget

Pageantry should never put you in financial distress.
I’ve seen competitors spend thousands on gowns, hair, and makeup – and skip investing in the skills that actually matter, like communication, mindset, and interview prep.

Wardrobe enhances you; it doesn’t define you.
And if you’re choosing between a couture gown and coaching that develops lifelong skills, I’ll always advocate for investing in yourself.

Set a realistic budget, prioritize what will help you grow, and remember: your mental peace is priceless.

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5. Focusing on the Wrong Things

You can have the best wardrobe and the best walk, but if you’re not working on your mindset, your self-belief, or your communication skills, you’re out of balance.

On the other hand, you can be articulate and informed but neglect how you present yourself onstage or how you fuel your body.

Balance is the secret ingredient in preparation.
Focus on what you can control: your effort, your attitude, your self-awareness. Ignore the noise (the “winners wear white” rumors, social media comparison, or any superstition about what it takes to win).

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Bonus Mistake: Forgetting to Have Fun

This might be the biggest one of all.
If you’re not enjoying the process, you’re missing the point.

You’ll never get these moments back. The rehearsals, the laughter backstage, the friendships, the rush of stepping under the lights. Don’t let stress steal that from you.

Winning feels great, but the true reward is the growth, confidence, and memories you build along the way.

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In short:

• Over-prepping burns you out.
• Under-prepping leaves you anxious.
• Too much advice drowns your instincts.
• A poor budget drains your peace.
• Focusing on the wrong things clouds your purpose.
• And not enjoying the process robs you of the joy you worked so hard to earn.

Show up prepared. Stay grounded. Have fun.
Because the most magnetic thing on that stage isn’t perfection, it’s joy.

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Want help finding your balance?
Schedule a free coaching consultation to talk through your goals, prep plan, and next steps. Whether you’re interested in one-on-one coaching or small-group mastermind programs, we’ll map out what you need to succeed in competition and beyond.

👉 Book your complimentary consult here.