Brayden Henderson

During my freshman year, I competed in Creed Speaking. This was my first time doing a contest, but I still remember the countless class periods I spent reciting it over and over again. I had said it so many times, I thought there was no way I could ever forget it. 

At my area contest, even though I was extremely nervous, things went well. I was able to move on to districts. At districts, it felt like there was so much more pressure on me, which didn’t make any sense. My classmates, my parents, my advisors … none of them said I needed to win or that they would be disappointed if I lost. However, I still felt scared. I felt like all that work would be for nothing if I wasn’t able to win. 

I had put all the pressure on myself, and when I got into the contest room, it really hit me. I said the wrong line. There was no way, I spent so much memorizing the creed how could I say the wrong line? I thought all that time spent was a waste. Except it wasn’t. Although I had failed, I learned it wasn’t the end of the world and you shouldn’t put your self worth in the outcome of a competition. 

FFA members, oftentimes we put too much pressure on ourselves, whether it’s school, contests or planning events. We let that pressure and fear control our minds instead of being present and enjoying the nature of the event itself. It is important to prepare as much as you can, but that fear can sometimes stop you from doing what you prepared to do. Don’t let fear decide what you’re capable of before you’ve had the chance to find out.