Interview with Olivia Myers Miss Iowa 2008, 2nd RU to Miss America 2009

Olivia Myers is a client of Mental Management and was recommended to Mental Management by her pageant coach Cathy Herd. Cathy posted the following interview in her recent newsletter. Some questions were additionally asked to Olivia for this post. Please Enjoy!

Congratulations on finishing 2nd runner up to Miss America! Did you anticipate such a good outcome?

Thank you. Actually, I believe that my success was partly a result of anticipating such an outcome. I learned to approach the competition with both humility and expectation, which enabled me to remain true to myself without mentally limiting my performance. When the pageant was over, on the other hand, I felt more disbelief that I had done so well! Being selected from among so many incredible women was an honor.

How long has it been since Miss Iowa placed 2nd RU or higher?
In 1992 Catherine Lemkau-Herd was 1st RU to Miss America. Iowa’s last 2nd RU was Susan Thompson in 1968.

What type of preparation do you think most contributed to your success at nationals?

I couldn't have succeeded without addressing each area of competition individually, but I believe the most important type of preparation was that all-encompassing development of the inner self. At Miss America, the judges told us they weren't looking for the best swimsuit or the best talent. They were looking for the girl who just had to win because of this indefinable quality that simply radiated from within her. Most contestants looked pretty awesome in their swimsuits-I really don't think it was the hours at the gym, as important as they were, that set me apart. In addition to running, I spent a lot of time discovering my true essence-the spirit, values, and passions that define me-as well as how I could let that essence speak for me in interview and onstage. That, I think, was key to my success.

How was your frame of mind during competition?

I kept my mind focused on my goal and what I needed to do to accomplish it. It was easy to start comparing myself to other contestants, but I kept reminding myself that the objective was not to outshine anyone else, but to allow the best of Olivia to shine through. In order for me to do that, it was important for me to focus on my strengths and to simply "live in the moment." That is what I told myself every time I walked onto stage-you've spent enough time thinking about this moment; now is the time to stop thinking and just perform.

What surprised you most about competing at nationals?

Honestly, I was surprised that I felt so at ease. I expected to feel more nervous for my Miss America interview than for any previous one, but I actually felt more relaxed and in control than ever before. The same was true onstage. The competition at nationals was far more intense than at the state level, but by trusting my preparation and deciding to savor every moment, I was able to thrive in the competition rather than fret and fear it.

What advice would you give to those contestants striving to get to nationals and placing as well as you did?

Find what motivates your desire to compete, and let that drive your preparation. View your pageant experience as a journey, the ultimate goal not only being to do well, but also to leave you a more well-rounded, self-aware, and confident young woman. Take time to consistently reflect upon who you are and how you have arrived at this moment in your life. This will not only make the journey worthwhile, but it will also help set you apart in competition since the judges are looking for someone who is well-rounded, self-aware, and confident and who conveys a sincere desire to be Miss America.

How was competing at state different from competing at nationals?

Many contestants, me included, were much more invested in the competition at nationals-physically, emotionally, spiritually, financially. The fact that we had whole-heartedly dedicated the previous months of our lives to those few nights in Las Vegas, along with the knowledge that we could only compete at Miss America once, created an entirely different atmosphere than at state. The stakes were higher as well: either I was flying back to Iowa on Sunday or my entire life was about to turn upside-down. So for me, the biggest difference had less to do with the competition itself than with what the competition represented on a personal level.

What was the interview like?

I had so much fun in my interview! It came and went so quickly, and I left the room wishing I could have more time to chat with the judges. My interview was much more conversational at Miss America than at state. I'd say they were looking for someone who makes an interesting conversation partner. The judges threw me questions quickly and oftentimes followed up, depending on my response. They challenged me in such a way that I could clarify my views rather than become defensive, and their questions called for a good balance of introspection, humor, and intellect. I was surprised that the new presidency never came up and impressed by the quality of questions (although they were few) regarding my platform.

I imagine your schedule was hectic while you prepared for Miss America. Can you walk us through what that was like during the last few weeks before competition?

There were exactly three weeks between Christmas and my arrival in Las Vegas, and as much as I wanted to be with friends and family, I had to really focus during that time. Much of my wardrobe was custom made in Sioux Falls, SD, and during my last two weeks of preparation, I made two trips to Sioux Falls, where I ended up spending several nights. Online shopping became a godsend, as I could find the perfect shoes and pieces of jewelry (I'm a new fan of HSN!) right from my hotel room. Due to copyright issues, I didn't have the final version of my talent accompaniment until Christmastime, so my dance routine gained a sense of urgency in those finals days as well. While attending to last minute details and alterations, I was also, of course, continuing my workout routine, studying the news, and discussing potential interview topics with anyone who would lend an ear. To be perfectly honest, I will miss the crazy excitement of those days!

How did you feel best supported during your competition?

Sometimes the best kind of support came when I found an empty corner in the rehearsal hall, turned on my iPod, and read the cards and messages from those who love and believe in me the most. That said, I cannot tell you how much the support of Cathy Herd meant to me during competition. The best thing about having Cathy's support was that I could trust her. I could trust her with any question or concern, because she really got to know me when I became Miss Iowa and helped me become a better version of Olivia, never asking me to become someone else. It was as if she gave me the counsel I would give myself, could I actually put my finger on the right words to say, and I attribute much of the ease I felt during competition to her consistent support. I guess she was like HSN-a godsend in every way!

Your talent was one of the best I have seen in the top ten in years. Tell us about preparing for talent.

Thank you! Preparing for talent was a wonderfully fun and challenging experience. I knew I only had 90 seconds to leave my mark on the Miss America stage, so I was picky about everything that went into my routine. The first challenge was coming up with an original version of "Fever" that would be fun yet simple so as to not overshadow my taps. Then, it was all about stepping a little outside the box, getting into character, and filling up the stage. I had a lot of fun deciding what attitudes I wanted to convey at different points in the routine-cool and confident here, sexy there, now just fun and fabulous. I literally got out a thesaurus one day and made a word map for my wall! I learned that talent is about more than honing a single skill-it's about creating an experience for both the audience and yourself.

How important do you think it is to have coaching before Miss America?

Let's just say that I don't think I would have finished second runner-up without coaching. My only word of caution is to find the right coach—someone you can trust and enjoy working with.

Tell us about mental management and how did it help you during competition?

Mental Management is a system for controlling the mind under pressure. It helped keep my mind clear and focused during competition, but I would say that it helped me even more prior to the pageant. Mental Management changed my self image in such a way that I could visualize myself as Miss America, and success became a mental reality before it actually happened. I was surprised how much this mental shift altered the way that I prepared and competed. When I walked into my interview, for example, I walked in "as Miss America" in my mind, which I think helped the judges see me in that role, too.

What was the most important thing you learned through training with Mental Management?

That I could want to win the Miss America Pageant, and believe in my heart that it was truly possible, without compromising my priorities in life or my sense of humility. This may seem like an unlikely lesson, but for me, it was critical. Mental Management changed the way that I think about competition, and then helped me discover practical strategies for approaching it most effectively.

Do you feel Mental Management is important for pageant preparation and why?

Preparing for a pageant is really a hefty undertaking. With multiple areas of competition that each requires unique skill sets and types of preparation, it can sometimes seem overwhelming. I feel that Mental Management is important, because it helps the contestant overcome that feeling of being overwhelmed and to focus her thoughts and energy on one task, one goal at a time.

How did changing your Self-Image make an impact on your competition experience?

The way we view ourselves impacts how we think, feel, and act. So by changing my self-image, I could change the way that I prepared for Miss America and, ultimately, how I performed in competition. For example, by viewing myself as an insightful, relatable, and witty speaker, I was more likely to take the steps that would actually make me more insightful, relatable, and witty. Then, by imagining my interview going really well-and continually playing that image in my mind-I could walk into my interview with the expectation of success. This kind of mindset produces a confidence and charisma that is invaluable in competition.

Would you recommend Mental Management training or products to other contestants and why?

I would. Being mentally prepared for a pageant doesn’t mean that a contestant can work less hard, but it does mean that all of her hard work is less likely to be compromised when the pressures of competition set in. It also empowers her to more freely enjoy the journey that is her pageant experience.


How have you changed since winning Miss Iowa?

I could write a book in response to this one, but in short, I have become a better person. I not only feel more confident in who I am, but I am also more aware of who that person is. When I look back on my year as Miss Iowa, I imagine that I'll view this sense of personal growth and discovery as the biggest and most discernible gift. I have also learned how to more effectively communicate and to advocate for a cause. On another note, my year as Miss Iowa has uncovered a hidden fondness for fashion, and now that Miss America is over, I'll have to develop some thrift to go along with it!

Olivia's platform is Teaching Tolerance: Fostering a Just and Caring Culture from the Classroom Out. She has recently started a new website for her platform called www.speakingoftolerance.com

For more information on Mental Management training for pageant performance please email Heather Sumlin at heather@mentalmanagement.com or call 972-899-9640.

Open House March 11!

Open House
March 11
Come and Meet Us!

March 11, Mental Management Open House, 700 Parker Square, Ste 140 - Flower Mound, TX.

The Mental Management System is the #1 mental training system used by elite performers today! 3 master level instructors will speak at this event to help give you an edge in sport, business or performance in today's climate.

Speakers include:

Olympic Champion Lanny Bassham, Founder and CEO

Troy Bassham, Director of Junior Development

Heather Sumlin, Director of Performance Programs

Speaking times:
10am
2pm
6:30pm

Reply by email to info@mentalmanagement.com or call 972-899-9640 to register to save a seat at one of these special sessions - limited seating available at each session. Cost to attend is FREE!

This is an opportunity for us to meet those who live or office near the Mental Management office. We will have special pricing on products and seminar discounts available as well so feel free to stop by and see us! Also, everyone who stops by our office on March 11th can enter a drawing for Free consultation!

The Mentor Factor

The Mentor Factor - (track #3 from the Performance Coaching Audio CDs)

I’m not sure why this is true, but it seems to me that some of the most important things in life are really hard to learn. Like being a parent for the first time – who is really prepared for that? I can’t think of two more unqualified people in the world than a mom and dad on the first day of this job. We just don’t take courses in parenting. It’s the same thing with coaching. The role of a coach is critical to the development of many people, but it’s hard to find good information about coaching and how to coach. When I first became a coach, I was really astounded at how little information was available. Now, there are a few books that I guess you could pick up, but if you ask most coaches where they learned how to coach and they’ll probably say “Well, I just kind of picked it up.” Stay at something long enough, and pretty soon you get good at it.

I spent about 6 years in Colorado Springs, and during that time I was reflecting a little bit on what I had done and what I had accomplished as a competitor. I had been a coach much longer than I was a competitor. When you tell people you are an Olympic gold medalist, they just kind of quit thinking you can do anything after that; you are always introduced as the Olympic gold medalist. But I have actually spent more time as a coach. I was the Olympic coach in ’84 and ’88 and had many competitors going to the Olympics and World Championships. We certainly developed our share of Olympians and World Champions, even a couple guys that actually went on to win gold medals in the Olympics. It gave me a lot of insight into what might help other people. I found as a coach I needed to be very efficient in what I did.

Running the International Shooting School, most of my students were there because they were pretty much on tight budgets; they didn’t have any big government support. My students were private students, and their parents were normally paying for it – so we had to get the money’s worth for everything that we did. So, I was always looking for ways that would work and principals that would help me become more effective and more efficient.

I’m going to share those with you. Some of these may be things that are common sense, and you may say “Yeah, I’m doing that already” – that’s great. Some of them may be new and different for you, they certainly were for me. I wish I could give credit for all the great people that shared these things with me. Sometimes I’ll remember where I learned something or who taught me something, but most of the time I just can’t – so I apologize to all those guys that I’m standing on the shoulders of, but I will tell you what I know about it and how we were able to develop a very effective and efficient system to help people perform well under pressure.

One of the things that I had to learn early on was that I can’t take credit for any of the successes of my students and I can’t really be blamed for any of their failures. I had a hard time with that. I kind of felt responsible when they didn’t perform well; and although I don’t think I ever felt like I wanted to take credit when they did do well – but I think one of the things you have to come to grips with early on is that you are only there for one reason, and that is to save the performer time. You’re not there to win through them or to win even with them – you’re there really just to assist them, or to aid them in their struggle and their journey in the sport.

And so, we can’t make an athlete perform, but we can help them to perform and we can save them time and that’s really our role, to help someone do a better job. Now there is a special relationship that sometimes occurs in the performance coaching situations. It doesn’t always occur, and it doesn’t have to occur for you to be a good performance coach. But when it does, it is really remarkable – and I’d like to like to talk about it first. It’s called the mentor factor.

Mentorship is an extremely interesting thing when it happens. When I surveyed Olympic champions to find out what they were doing mentally to win, this concept kept coming up of “Well, I had a mentor one time that told me this” or “I had someone who mentored me” and I thought, can we define this, can we define this mentor experience? When does it happen? When is it not a mentor experience? How can we come to understand what’s going on?

So, I discovered this way of doing it. I think you have a mentor when three things exist at the same time. You have a person that is capable, caring, and is a confidant. A mentor has to be, in my opinion, of course everything in this tape is about my opinion, I’m a world class expert in that (as we all are) but, I believe for it to be a true mentorship experience, all three have to happen.

A capable person is someone who is capable of helping in the area that they are mentoring. Now, parents are often capable in helping their children and mentoring to their children, but sometimes they’re not. If my child is learning to play the flute, for example – if I don’t know how to play the flute, I’m not capable of mentoring to them in flute playing.

The second area is that they must be caring. Now, I hope that all of us as parents are caring, and caring all the time. But a caring person is someone who is vitally interested in not only the success of this individual, but interested in them personally. And that they care about them, and want what’s best for them.

And finally, they must be a confidant. It is a situation where you have the trust of the individual so that they’re able to come to you and say “I’ve got a challenge” and know that if they share a personal thing with you that it will stay personal. This is a very special relationship, so if you’re fortunate enough in your life to have even one mentor – it’s an incredible situation.

In order for it to be a mentoring experience, you have to have a teaching moment occur. For a teaching moment to occur, you as the apprentice need to go to the mentor and say “I need help” and be willing to listen. I think many of us have mentors in our lives, but we don’t have the teaching moment. But when those two come together – the mentor is available, and the apprentice is ready to be taught… it is a miraculous turning point in a person’s life.

I can probably count on one hand all the mentors I’ve had in my life, and all the teaching moments I have had in my life – and that’s true of most people. We would hope that we would be in a position to mentor more often. Maybe we don’t look for the mentor situations or we don’t try to find them because it is certainly an important thing, but it is not something we are taught in school or something you expect to necessarily have happen.

But the mentorship experience is powerful, and most elite performers have had a mentor. Now I suppose my mentor, the one that I remember certainly first, was my father. Now, I’ll give you an example of how this happened. I was the kid that never made the team, I mean I was bad at everything in school, the kids wouldn’t even pick me for dodge ball I was so poor. And so finding a situation where I could learn a sport, or to succeed in anything was a big task for my father. He was always looking for something for me, and encouraging me.

So when we discovered rifle shooting, and he took me to a rifle club – it was a great experience the first day. I really liked it and my father could tell that this was maybe something that would build my self-image, so we went back the next week for the next rifle team meeting and we found out that they were going to close down the program because they just didn’t have enough interest. I was just devastated as I walked off the range. Here was something I finally found that I was interested in and could probably do well and now I had no opportunity. My father just looked at me and said “Don’t worry about that son, just because they’re not going to shoot, doesn’t mean you’re not going to”. And I didn’t know what he meant, but he had already made up his mind at the meeting that he was going to buy a rifle for me, a rifle for himself, and all the equipment that we needed, and got the keys to an indoor range.

He would pick me up after school about 3-4 days a week and would take me to the range and he would train me – and he became my first coach. But that was a mentor experience for me because not only did I learn about rifle shooting, but I got to learn about the special relationship of a father and son can have together.

This article is a short track from the Audio CD set Performance Coaching - to order the complete set.
Lanny Bassham is the author of "With Winning in Mind" and "Freedom Flight - The Origins of Mental Power". His Mental Management System has been used by elite athletes and performers since 1977. To find out more about his program please call 800-879-5079 or 972-899-9640 - info@mentalmanagement.com www.mentalmanagement.com

Mental Management Students Head to Miss America!

January 24th on TLC the New Miss America will be crowned. Will she be a Mental Management Student?? Tune in to find out.

You can also watch our pageant clients this month on a new reality series called Countdown to the Crown where all 52 contestants are shown in a variety of competitions and the viewers (YOU) get a chance to vote for 4 places in the top 15. 4 girls will have a chance at the crown based on YOUR VOTES - show airs on Friday nights on TLC (9pm Central). Check out the show and vote for your favorite. Miss Texas & Miss Iowa are students of Mental Management and Miss Pennsylvania is a customer of ours as well.

For those of you who may not know Miss America is a full time job. The winner travels the country promoting her platform and speaking to a wide variety of audiences. She is a spokes person for our country and is much more than just a pretty face. Being involved with pageantry over the past several years we have learned that pageantry is a tough sport and we encourage you to tune in if you have a chance to see how our students handle the pressure of competition!


Miss Texas Rebecca Robinson has attended a full day training course with Lanny Bassham as well as several two hour session with Heather Sumlin leading up to Miss America. Living local she has been able to do on going training on a regular basis and is excited about heading to Vegas next week!

"Eight years ago when I won Miss Teen Texas, I learned the importance of being mentally prepared. In the pageant world, one's mental focus affects every category of competition, not to mention the impression that is left on others. I truly believe that had I not gone into the pageant fully mentally ready, I would not have won.

Mental well-being and preparedness can also be applied to life. How does one react in the workplace? At home? In tackling new tasks?

When I began working with Mental Management as Miss Texas I finally found an actual system to help develop this mental capacity. Not only does it help organize focus into a mental structure, but also frees one's mind from the extra weight and mis-management presented by everyday life. Mental Management is crucial to anyone competing in the game of life and can only increase one's chances for personal success."
Rebecca Robinson, Miss Texas 2008

Miss Iowa, Olivia Myers has taken several hours of phone training with Heather Sumlin and has several products including the Performance Analysis Journal which she keeps to help her stay on track.

"Mental Management helped me achieve a level of concentration and confidence that is necessary for anyone seeking the job of Miss America. I received mental strategies and training techniques that I could easily transfer into daily life. Now when the competition begins, nothing will distract me from the task at hand. Thanks, Heather!" Olivia Myers, Miss Iowa 2008

Mental Toughness for Pageantry - A Great Success!

December 27 - 31, 2008 we had a wonderful time with 20 pageant competitors who attended Mental Toughness for Pageantry to help improve their mental skills for competition! It was a remarkable week and we enjoyed every moment! Below are some testimonials from some of the ladies who attended. Good Luck to all in your up coming competitions in 2009!

"As a current titleholder, I can honestly say that the key components of life and competition are self-image, positive self talk, marketing, communication skills and setting goals. Lanny and Heather have done such a great job developing and teaching techniques that will assist you in focusing on what is best for you. After working with them, not only do I feel so confident in who I am and excited about who I am becoming. Thank you for an incredible life changing experience!" Stephanie Murray Smith, Miss South Carolina USA 2009

"Mental Management for Pageantry has provided me with practical information on staying mentally focused and confident during competition. I feel more confident than ever about entering Miss USA!" Kaity Bettina Rodriguez, Miss New Jersey USA 2009


"Mental Management gave me the tools to control my attitude and mentality under pressure, so I can perform to my fullest potential." Kristen Dalton, Miss North Carolina USA 2009

"Lanny and Heather, thank you so much for giving me the tools to turn my greatest weakness into my greatest asset!" Jessica Nolin, Miss Alaska USA 2009

"My experience at Eagle U with Lanny Bassham and his Mental Management program completely changed the way I prepare for, and think, during competition. I recommend the Mental Management program to anyone who wants to succeed! Anastagia Pierre, Miss Florida USA 2009

"I am a goal oriented person. The goal getting skills I've learned in the Mental Management program are priceless! I know with persistance in following their simple steps I can attain any and all of my goals. Lacey Minchew, Miss Louisiana USA 2009

"Not only was this an amazing experience with amazing people, but I also learned great tips in the progress! I truly feel prepared and more confident." Allison Kusenberger Miss Arkansas Teen USA 2009

"Mental Management taught me how to wear the crown even if I didn't win." "Mental Management was the best thing my parents have ever done for me by sending me." Taylor Schettler "Miss Colorado Teen USA 2009


"This seminar is extremely helpful and opens your eyes to many useful skills. After completing the program I feel more confident in myself and my abilities." Kelli Harral Miss Texas Teen USA 2009


"The Mental Toughness for Pageantry Program enlightened me with such insightful ideas and stratgies that will not only help me with pageantry but through my daily life as well. It is certainly effective and powerful - I would recommend it to anyone!" Scarlett Howell, Miss North Carolina Teen USA 2009

"Mental Management has given me the most amazing experience and information throughout the week. Lanny and Heather, I can't thank you enough for being a big part in my journey to Miss Teen USA 2009." Kasey Staniszewski, Miss Maryland Teen USA 2009

"This being my second time with Lanny and Heather I can honestly say it helps when in competition! I really think this program us a big reason for my success. It helps to stay focused in competition and truly believe you're the best." Brittany Guidry Miss Louisiana Teen USA 2009

"Mental Management has inspired me to "think outside the box" and to see different layers in everyone. The positive skills that I have learned here will be very beneficial to me in every aspect of my life! You Guys ROCK! Mary Helen Caver, Miss South Carolina Teen USA 2009


"Mental Management has been such an asset to my competition preparation. By using my personalized mental program, I will be able to go into my competition with a clear mind, do my best, and have the edge that I need to succeed." Kathryn Dunn Miss Frisco 2009

"The Mental Management System has been a real eye opener for me. I feel more prepared and confident for my future endeavours. This has been a great experience for me and I have learned a great deal of information to aid in my future. Thanks Mental Management! Kristen Girault, LA

"I feel so accomplised in the fact that I have overcome problems as far as my goals go and also in things that are new to me that make me feel accomplished although I haven't even competed for my state title with this new information yet. I really and strongly recommend this program to all girls that are involved in pageants. Barbie


"To often we know what we want but not how to get it. Through the Mental Toughness for Pageantry program, I learned life altering behavior changes that I will follow for the rest of my life. I believe through this process not only have I matured but I have become a better person." Zakia Mack, NJ

"Mental Management has definitely been a life changing experience for me. It has taught me so much! I now know how to balance my conscious mind, subconscious mind and self-image in any situation!" Amberly Messier, RI

What Does it Mean to WIN?

This article was posted in a newsletter for pageant contestants in the Miss Plano Frisco Pageant in Texas. (A local preliminary to Miss America) We got some good feedback on the material and wanted to share it on our blog for those who might enjoy the message.

I know that you have worked hard preparing for next weekend. This may be your first pageant or your 30th but my message is the same no matter your level of experience. Winning is not always about who leaves with the crown at the end of the evening. Winning IS always about walking away feeling like a winner inside. In pageants we spend a lot of time telling girls about prize packages and what you "get" if you win a title. I want to spend a moment to tell you what you receive no matter where you place.

At the Spring Meeting for Miss Texas last year My Father, Lanny Bassham said "Everything we do in life is preparation for something greater". This pageant is preparation for something for you. For one girl it will mean you will win a title and train to compete for the state title. For everyone else it will be preparation for something else...another competition, your dream job, a future performance, you may meet someone who changes your life, you never know.

We learn more on our struggle up the mountain than we do standing on the summit. Those who walk away without the crown could gain more from the experience than those who win. We learn about determination, perseverance, taking on challenges and striving to be the best we can no matter the odds even if we don't win the title. When we step outside our comfort zone and challenge ourselves we live up to our expectation!

You do not win or lose in competition - you Win or Learn! There is no lose if you chose to take every experience as preparation for something greater. The reality is that most of the contestants will go home without a title because that is how competition works - not everyone takes home the prize. However, I learned so much through competing when I didn't win that I would never advise someone to wait and only compete if they knew they could win. I bet I competed in 40 pageants over 7 years and I won 6 titles. Many times I left a competition without a crown but I never left without growing as a person. I never saw my experience in pageants as a loss. Every competition taught me something and I am who I am today based on those experiences. I didn't wait until I knew I could win before I started competing. My Father always says "Perfection is the purest form of procrastination".

I'm so proud of you for stepping out of your comfort zone and taking a chance to go for your dreams realizing that to wait until you are perfect would be waiting a lifetime! Typical people have fear that holds them to a level less than their potential. Typical people do not compete in pageants - typical people do not demand more from themselves and put themselves in positions to be disappointed. Thank you for stepping outside of what is typical and walking down the road to unique and extraordinary!

By Heather Sumlin

When Stage Presence Matters

This is an article that appeared on Turn For The Judges Website - a website dedicated to helping pageant contestants, parents and directors find pageant related information. We have many clients of Mental Management who compete in pageants or are stage performers so this post is for them. Last night I attended a pageant where I noticed several girls not connecting in their performances and it reminded me of this article.

When Stage Presence Matters

My favorite pageants to watch are the ones that include a talent portion. I’m a singer and performer myself so watching others perform is a joy to me. Most competitors I have met who compete in talent say that talent is their favorite part of competition but that does not always show on the stage. What amazes me the most is the lack of stage presence knowledge. If talent is included in your pageant competition, please take the time to prepare for your performance. Do not just go through the motions on stage. Below are some key points I think every performer should take to heart in preparation for talent competition.

Practice! Practice not only your moves, your words, your notes but practice your performance. Pretend EVERY TIME you practice your talent selection that you are performing for 10,000 people in a sold out arena and the man on the 3rd row is about to sign you as an entertainer making you millions. Pretend for a moment that the little old lady in the last row is straining desperately to hear you or see you. Pretend that there is a depressed woman on row 6 who needs a little inspiration to make it trough the next few months and YOU are that inspiration. Forget about the judges, forget about the scores and think about the people you may touch. Put those feelings into your performance, not the feeling of winning but the feeling of changing a life through your talent. This will completely change the way you practice and approach your song, dance or music forever. Every day you practice talent practice it as if it is the day of competition. Whenever possible practice for an actual people. Family members, friends and neighbors make a great audience.

Remember Your Job as an Entertainer: Your job is not to simply sing or dance or play music. That will not impress judges or change any emotions or lives. Your job is to tell a story through your performance. To tell a story you have to let the audience into your performance. You have to include them in your movements, your eye contact, your tempo changes and your volume changes. Imagine that you have to get your message across to a person who doesn't want to listen....what would you change about your performance to reach that person?

Choreography is Key: You need to have set movements within your song - dancers already have movement obviously and this may be easier for them - make sure those movements include eye contact with as much of the audience as possible (judges included). Singers and musicians - have set movements and reasons for those movements. Practice those movements so they are embedded in your subconscious and will come out like or not on competition day. If you not practice set choreography you are likely to either not move or move without purpose on competition day.

A Performance Without Personality is Pointless: Bring the emotion of the song to the stage - use your eyes to tell the story. Your motions and eye contact should reflect the power of the message not your nerves or lack of emotion/feeling. You need to understand what message you are trying to send and do everything in your power to change the lives of those who matter - your audience.

Prepare Mentally For Competition: Most contestants do not have a clue how to mentally prepare for competition because it is typically not taught by pageant directors, parents or coaches. Confidence places a key role in performance of any kind. How do I prepare mentally for competition? What can be done to help ensure a more consistent performance under pressure? Mental Management Systems was founded by Olympic Gold Medalist, Lanny Bassham. He used the system to win his medals and has been teaching his mental training techniques for the past 30 years. The book "With Winning in Mind" and Audio CD "What Every Pageant Contestant Should Know First About the Mental Game" is a good place to start.

Written by Heather Sumlin. Heather spent 7 years competing in pageants as a teenager and young adult. Since 1995 she has been a director, judge, entertainer and volunteer in the Miss America System. Currently she volunteers as the Mental Management Trainer for the Miss Plano/Frisco Organization in Texas. She is the Director of Customer Relations with Mental Management Systems and is a certified instructor of Mental Management to pageant competitors and stage performers.

9 Characteristics of Successful Leaders

Initiative: an introductory step and active effort to cause results-producing action. Strong leaders are always ready to take the first step toward their goals. Know that sometimes you have to walk before you run, but as long as you are taking the first step toward your ultimate goal you are headed in the right direction. Break down your goals into tasks and give those tasks specific deadlines and GET IT DONE!

Assertiveness: the ability to take charge and present opinions forcefully and persuasively. Surely you recall an occasion where there were many people trying to take control of just one situation and as a result hardly anything gets accomplished because there isn't that one person who is assertive enough to stop the confusion and make it happen. This is a great example of how a leader who demonstrates assertiveness and the gusto to "make it happen" in a timely manner is absolutely critical.

Decisiveness: the conceptual and analytical thought processes used in solving problems and making decisions; the willingness to commit oneself when asked to make a definite choice. The decisiveness and assertiveness of a great leader go hand and hand. Being decisive and assertive does not mean being demeaning or taking away from the validity of anyone else's thoughts or ideas. It means taking the ideas and opinions of a few or many and deciding which plan of action will be most effective in completing the current goal.

Being a Team Player: the ability to function in a team environment; the demonstrated attitude of ensuring the success of everyone involved. Hearing, understanding, and respecting the views of many can be a truly challenging feat. A tenacious leader makes certain to delegate responsibilities and show every member of their team the utmost respect. In work and in play, a leader knows the importance of letting their team members know that they are appreciated and remembering the platinum rule (Treat others the way they want to be treated). Always listen to understand and make sure you know what your team members are bringing to the table.

Conflict/Resolution: the ability to resolve differences of opinion with peers, superiors, and subordinates while accomplishing the task at hand and maintaining relationships. A strong headman utilizes their knowledge of their peers, communication skills, and the power of praise to make every person feel like their feelings and "truths" are acknowledged and considered. It takes compassion and understanding to show the pros and cons of both sides of an argument and serve as a mediator. A strong leader can work through a difficult situation using strong communication skills and being interested not just interesting.

Intelligence: Your conceptual ability, breadth of knowledge, verbal expression, depth of response. Superhero training is a great example of how there are many different types of "intelligences" and that no one is any better than another. Intelligence (whatever type it may be) is an essential piece of leading a group.The most significant part of being an intelligent leader is acknowledging the fact that often times it requires more than one person and intelligence type to really come up with masterful ideas.Intelligence and power partners are an imperative key to unleashing your full potential as a force to be reckoned with.

Creativeness: the ability to be a visionary and dreamer. "If you continue to do what you've been doing, what makes you think you won't continue to get what you've been getting??" It's the perfect question for the visionary and dreamer.If you want to make a change or see different things, you must first see things differently. A creative leader is not afraid to take chances or go for something that seems "outlandish." Creative leaders are the driving force of technology and our ongoing evolution.

Oral Communication Skills: effectiveness of expression; the ability to deliver a verbal message in a fluid, articulate, succinct, and persuasive manner. Although 93% of communication is non-verbal, the 7% that is verbal is CRITICAL. Notice the way a strong leader speaks: with intention and power. Your voice and the way you deliver a message can be one of the most powerful tools that you have. Speak with purpose and portray that what you have to say is important!

Confidence: the display of strong self worth through actions, poise, charisma and presence. Everyone knows when a strong leader walks into the room and knows they are a 10! A confident leader knows that they have the power to change the game just because of who they are. Recognize that being confident also means being humble and gracious; knowing that you too are a work in progress. Continue to show confidence by working hard to accomplish your goals and helping and empowering others get more of what they want and less of what they don't want.

9 Characteristics of Successful Leaders written by Austen Brown a graduate of and a speaker at Eagle U, as well as a full-time student at the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth , Texas. Her passion is helping young people pursue their passions and mentoring young ladies toward spiritual maturity.

Article provided by Eagle U.

Queens Turn to Olympic Champion for Advice on Capturing the Crown

December 21st we had a room full of queens, parents and board members in our office for mental training. Helen Bassham and Heather Sumlin both volunteer for the Miss Plano Frisco Organization and each year Lanny donates 1 day of training to the titleholders to help them prepare for Miss Texas. Since starting this in 2006 the MPFO team has been very successful at Miss Texas. Shilah Phillips, Miss Frisco, won Miss Texas in 2006 on her first attempt and placed 1st Runner Up to Miss America - the best Texas has finished in over 30 years! Miss Plano, Heather Hodges was 4th Runner Up in 2006 and as Miss Frisco in 2007 she placed 1st Runner Up. Erin Hunt, Miss Teen Plano in 2006 placed 3rd Runner Up and as Miss Teen Frisco she placed 1st Runner Up to Miss Teen Texas. Teen Frisco in 2006 Morgan Fuller won talent and was 6th overall (Morgan also won a state teen title in another system the same year). Pageantry is a tough sport - the better you are the shorter your career unlike most sports we are familiar with. In pageants once you win your local title you do not have anymore competitions until the state pageant so there is less time to train in an actual competitive environment. Couple that with all the other stress that goes along with preparation and pageants can prove to be a very mental sport indeed.

Below are some comments from some of those who attended the session:

"The first word I think of when I think about the Mental Management seminar is inspiring. This was an experience that will help me reshape my life. It was really good to hear Mr. Bassham's story as to how Mental Management got started. I have already started to use the tools he suggested to change what I do when there is a decision to be made. His story was very encouraging and I plan to use the tools he has given us to help me make my year as Miss Plano as successful as possible." Adrianna Nelson - Miss Plano

"Since I become apart of the Miss Plano Frisco Organization I have heard nothing but great things about the work I would be doing with Mental Management. I now know why so many people felt changed after they left the first seminar. You truly do not understand how great the program is until you are able to experience it for yourself. I with one session already feel more calm about things, touched by the amazing stories that Mr. Bassham shared with us, excited about my future with the program and thankful that I have the opportunity to work with such great people such as Lanny Bassham and Heather Sumlin! I know that we are going to have lots of hard work and good times ahead." Brittany Forrester - Miss North Texas

"I was SO excited to finally go to the Mental Management Seminar conducted by our sponsor and Olympian Lanny Bassham! I read his book "With Winning in Mind" and listened to Heather's CD "What Every Pageant Contestant Should Know First About the Mental Game" as soon as I got them, so I'd been anticipating the seminar for a while, and let me tell you, it was everything I'd hoped for and more. Lanny is so WISE. You can tell from his demeanor, his stories, and this thoughtfulness that he has so much life experience. He and his personal story were so inspiring, all of us gained so much confidence and drive from the seminar. I can't wait to start applying his methods to not just my Miss Texas preparation, but also to my life!" Brooks Dennard - Miss Frisco

"The morning of the Mental Management seminar, I woke up feeling so excited. I did not even mind waking up so early because I was about to experience a life-changing event. I had seen and heard of how wonderful and helpful the Mental Management System was but I am glad to say that it was even better than I expected. Lanny Bassham and Heather Sumlin taught us numerous things about the mind that I had never even thought were relevant to physical performance. I went into that seminar expecting great things, and I am elated to say that my expectations of this seminar and system were greatly exceeded.

It was a memorable day full of myriad questions and detailed, thorough answers. Stories were told that left everyone in the whole room emotionally touched and in tears or laughing hysterically. I feel so lucky and privileged to have attended this seminar and have the opportunity to meet an Olympic gold medalist, Lanny Bassham, who is one the most intelligent and cordial person I have ever met. This is not only a system that I can use for pageantry; I can use it for all aspects of my life such as school, tennis, and my future career. I am truly thankful that Lanny Bassham offered a full day to help prepare us for the Miss Texas and Miss Teen Texas pageant. And I would like to extend another thank you to Heather Sumlin who helped us apply what we learned in the seminar solely to pageantry. It was a remarkable day that I will never forget! Thanks again to Mental Management Systems!!!" Lea Ciskowski - Miss Teen Frisco

"I hope you had a blessed and Merry Christmas. I wanted to take a moment to say thank you for spending a wonderful day with my daughter and I. Your insight and compassion for life is truly contagious. As we left your office after your mental management coaching with the MPFO/North Texas girls we knew that God had opened this door not only for Brittany to prepare for Miss Texas but also for life. As we set and listened to you and your father's encouraging insight and amazing stories it strengthened the way I had been raised and the way my husband and I had raised Brittany, "To embrace life" no matter what comes. After hearing the story of the POW, I set and reflected how God has taken care of every detail of my life and my family's life. You and your family are amazing and we are truly blessed to know you. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. I hope you all have a Happy New Year!! God Bless" Terri Forrester (Brittany's Mom)

Elizabeth Pospisil Takes the Gold and the Crown!

I am still such a novice with my Mental Management program. However I am reaping the benefits for both my Competitive figure skating and pageantry. I recently competed in the National Teenager Texas state pageant and was not only awarded the Miss Tx Jr Sweetheart 2008 Title but also won a $10,000 scholarship for my highest Academic Achievement and the Supermodel for the junior division. I also took the talent award with my Tap dance Footloose. I will compete in Nashville this summer for the National Title. This has been a winning year – I am currently Miss Texas Preteen 2007 for the prestigious National American Miss and was also formerly Miss Texas Junior Teen America 2007. With the Mental Management System I feel unstoppable!

The very next month I was scheduled for Intermediate track program competition in the Skate Dallas Invitational. It was my first time to skate my program in a competition and I had not had it choreographed very long. I was the first on the ice and my nerves almost got the best of me – but these are the moments that your Mental Management program helps to reduce the stress. I was so excited when I checked the standing and had won the Gold. Because of my improvements, I have shortened the learning curve using the Mental Management System. I will be testing on my third level in a 1 and ½ years, the usual time spent at each level is 1 to 2 years. I am moving up like gang busters and have attained a gold medal at every level.

I just do not know where I would be had I not found Lanny Bassham’s Mental Management Systems and Heather Sumlin. I have come from a pretty good competitor to the winning circle! Thanks so much for taking me on and being so patient with me. I look forward to increasing my Mental Management program and my winnings.

Thanks for Everything,

Elizabeth Pospisil

(Liz has attended several training sessions with Heather Sumlin for Mental Management preparation for pageantry and skating. She also keeps a Performance Analysis, reads "With Winning in Mind" and listens to "What Every Pageant Contestant Should Know First About the Mental Game". She was only 11 when she attended her first session and is the youngest One on One student we have taught. It is amazing the growth she has been able to attain at such a young age. Her maturity today at only 13 years of age is remarkable - a true winner in every way. Congratulations to Liz for sticking her her mental program and for being a champion inside & out!)

Mental Management & Pageantry

Mental Management Systems has been working with pageant contestants for the past several years. This summer Pageantry Magazine published an Industry Insite on our company.

Click here to view the article and advertisement

Here is a short version of the article:

What types of clients and events do you serve?

We teach a wide variety of clients, from professional athletes to parents of competitive youth. Recently, we have become more involved with pageant contestants, helping them apply Mental Management to improve the chances of reaching their goals. We can help anyone who has to succeed under pressure, including pageant competitors, stage performers, parents, directors and coaches.

Describe your products and services.

We offer products and one-on-one training. The best products to start with for pageant competition are the book With Winning in Mind and the audio CD What Every Pageant Contestant Should Know First About the Mental Game. Our web site lists all of our products that are applicable to pageantry and stage performance. The next step would be to call our office and set up a one-on-one training session. We also send out a free email newsletter each month which is helpful as a resource for our clients and way to stay in the loop.

What goals do you set for your clients?

We believe that goals should be about what you attain, not only what you accomplish. Pageants and other stage performance competitions are subjective in grading, making it difficult to goal set for something you do not have complete control over. We help clients set goals for situations they can control. We also want them to leave the competition feeling good knowing that they performed up to their potential under pressure. After Miss America this year, we received a phone call from Shilah Phillips, Miss Texas, telling us that her mental performance in competition was exactly where she needed it to be and thanking us for helping her with her preparation.

Why do you feel competitive events are important for participants?

I think competition forces you to strive for greatness, face failure, struggle through adversity, and analyze yourself deeply. Pageantry is a tough sport! Sometimes you learn more from your struggle up the mountain than you do standing on the summit – we love helping to make the climb a little faster.

Why do you enjoy being a part of the competition event industry?

Competition is everywhere. We compete for jobs, a spot on the team, the lead in a school play, promotions, business from clients—you name it. To be truly competitive, you need to have all of the ingredients in place, and your mental preparedness is part of the mix. There is nothing more rewarding than having our clients call or e-mail us with success stories. I can’t imagine a better business to be in.

Mental Management Systems, LLC
700 Parker Square Suite 140
Flower Mound, TX 75028
Heather Sumlin
mentalmanagement.com
800-879-5079

Changing Your Self Image

This article is from our October 2006 newsletter.

If you think you can beat me and I think you can beat me, it is all over for me! Self Image, our opinion about ourselves, can determine our outcome in any performance. So, what can we do to strengthen our Self Image and also our chances of winning? First, we will begin by reviewing just what causes the Self Image to grow or to shrink and then we will get into practical things you can do to affect your Self Image.

Of the three mental processes Conscious, Subconscious and Self Image, the Self Image is perhaps the most mysterious. The Self Image includes your habits, attitudes and your comfort zone. When we perform within our comfort zone our Self Image is OK with that but when we perform too well or too poorly the Self Image tends to correct us to perform within the comfort zone. This can destroy a great start and create a crash-and-burn finish or it can lift you out of a bad start into a “score that is like you” at the finish.

When we perform well or when we imagine we are performing well our Self Image grows. The opposite is also true. Every time we make a mistake or think about making a mistake we improve the probability of making that same mistake in the future. This happens because it becomes like us to perform in the way we are picturing, good or bad. Control the imprinting and you control outcome in the future. Remember, it is much easier to rehearse a perfect performance than to actually have a perfect performance because we can always determine the results in an imagined imprint.

One of the greatest contributors to a poor performance is to exaggerate the effect of a bad performance by thinking about it or talking about it. It is common in a competition to hear competitors talking about their mistakes. Every time they talk about it they imprint a mistake in their Self Image and, in a way, determine their future performance through that imprint. Bad habits cost competitors titles. I believe that more competitions are lost by mental failure than by technical error. One of the chief contributors to failure is to reinforce a mistake by thinking about it and talking about it immediately after performing.

I encourage you to implement a new thinking pattern to your daily life and sport. I suggest that you decide today to choose to improve your self image by controlling your thoughts after a task. Instead of complaining about your poor performance and dwelling on it, trying imagining you performed perfectly. And try to spend more time thinking about the positives of your sport, business or life and less about the negatives!

With Winning in Mind,

Lanny

Recommended Tools to help with Self Image Growth:

With Winning in Mind

Freedom Flight

Performance Analysis

TV Reporter Jeff Crilley - Getting News Coverage

A couple of years ago Lanny and the Mental Management Team met News Reporter Jeff Crilley at one of his Free Seminars. We have enjoyed getting to know him and think his message might be helpful to some of our clients who own businesses or volunteer for non-profit organizations and need to get news coverage. Below is an article we posted in a past newsletter from Jeff. If you live in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area he has a "Do It Yourself" PR group that meets each month. (Lanny spoke for one of hi meetings earlier this year)

TV REPORTER SHARES THE SECRETS TO GETTING COVERED ON THE NEWS

By Jeff Crilley, Author, Free Publicity

Do you have a great idea for a story, but no clue how to get it in the news? Are you tired of pitching press releases the news media simply ignores?

After twenty years of beating the street as a TV reporter, I have a scoop for you: the media needs good stories. But most stories are pitched so poorly, they are lost in the blizzard of faxes that blanket every newsroom.

So, here are five steps to increase your chances of getting covered that even some PR pros don't know:


1) BE UNUSUAL

The old adage about "Man bites dog" still holds true. The news doesn't cover what's normal. We cover the abnormal.

Holding a golf tournament? That's not necessarily news. Check your paper. If
you live in a large city, there are probably a half-dozen tournaments every weekend. But if you created an unusual event, you just might get coverage.

I've heard of tournaments that get great publicity with a helicopter golf ball drop. They sell chances for large cash prizes by writing the person's name on the ball and then hire a helicopter to drop a thousand golf balls over a hole. If your ball drops in the hole, you win. Sometimes the photo of all those balls dropping will make the front page.

2) BE VISUAL

Reporters tell stories with pictures. If the pictures aren't there, chances are the reporters won't be either.

Even the most non-visual story can be made visual if you're creative. Recently outdoor gun ranges all across the country made TV newscasts by inviting reporters out to talk about safety and to show on a target what the spray of gunshot from Vice President Dick Cheney's accident might have looked like .


3) CHOOSE THE RIGHT REPORTER

Perhaps the most common mistake even some PR pros make is trying to sell a good story to the wrong person. Most reporters have a specialty, like "crime" or "business."

So, seek out the reporter who will have the most to benefit from your story. Start studying the news. Before you call a TV station or try and pitch the paper, become familiar with a reporter's work. Don't try and sell an investigative story to a reporter who covers entertainment.

4) WRITE LIKE A REPORTER

If I were going to send a press release to a reporter, I'd write the kind of headline that a newspaper would run. And I'd make the rest of the release so conversational that a TV anchor could read it right on the air.

Why is this so important? A major market newsroom gets hundreds of press releases every day. Often the decision on whether to cover your story is made in a matter of seconds. Many times that well-crafted sentence in the third paragraph of your press release is never read.

5) WAIT FOR A SLOW NEWS DAY

The holidays are the slowest "news times" of the year. When government offices are
closed, so are most of our sources. Take advantage of it.

In fact, take out your calendar and begin circling government holidays. If the government isn't making news, we reporters are scrambling to find something to cover. Pitch even an average story on a day when the media is starving for news, and you're much more likely to get coverage.

There you go. Now you're armed with knowledge that even some well-paid public relations professionals don't practice. If your idea is unique, visual, and pitched to the right person when the supply of news is running thin, you're in!

Jeff Crilley is an Emmy Award Winning Reporter who speaks at no charge on PR. His book Free Publicity is available at bookstores everywhere or online at www.jeffcrilley.com

Others Have Endured More and Complained Less

The article below was posted in our MENTALCOACH April newsletter from 2005. We did a short series on some of the "Lessons of the Box" from Lanny's Audio CD "Freedom Flight" for a few months and this is one of those articles.

"No matter how bad your environment is others have endured more and complained less"

For me (Lanny's daughter, Heather) this principle hit me the hardest. In today's negatively charged society it is easy and acceptable to complain. We complain about work, our spouses, friends, our commute, in-laws, kids, finances and almost everything else. It is easy to be unhappy with our surroundings and to tell everyone else all about it.

No matter how bad your situation is, there is someone out there who has it much worse off than you do. Someone out there is fighting to stay alive and has no reason to believe they will live. Someone else is living with no home and no hope of finding shelter or food for her child tonight. Still another has lost their wife and kids and is very much alone. Imagine for a moment that these people are not angry or bitter or negative even though they have every right to be. Imagine that they are thankful to live another day and have a positive outlook on life despite their misfortune.

I don't think life is easy for anyone. We all have our unique challenges and complicated realities. However, we must take the time to treasure what we do have and cancel the negative self-talk no matter our situation.

In competition, one of our biggest challenges is to control what we say to ourselves and to others. Most of the negative self-talk is driven by our environment. You get lost heading to your match, trial or tournament. Your spouse or significant other picks 15 minutes before your event to begin to remind you of all the ways you have failed in your relationship or marriage. You know you have a difficult time competing when the weather is bad and today it is pouring out but your event is not canceled. You start the competition and you are not performing at your potential. Your mind is racing and it is because of your environment. You have to be able to turn off the voices in your head that are yelling back at your spouse, still angered by getting lost, thinking you can't possibly win and mad at God for making it rain.

If we complain less (internally or verbally) we will be a much more pleasant person to have around and succeed more often. Stop thinking so much about what is going on around you and have a good time for that one moment. Have fun anyway - despite your surroundings. It's raining? So what - think to yourself "I'm even better at my sport in the rain". Your spouse is upset at you and/or making you feel guilty? Do your best to put it out of your mind at least until the competition is over - think of the things you love about what is going on around you. Get away from the situation and play the best game of your life anyway. Never let your environment dictate what your mood is for the day - or your level of play for that matter. Who is in control of you? YOU ARE!

In Freedom Flight, you learn how the character Jack Sands is able to take a situation that seems hopeless and endures it, learns from it and becomes a better person for it. We all can learn a little something from a man like this one.

Journey of a Dream

Recently when reviewing the Audio version of "With Winning in Mind" we noticed that the poem "Journey of a Dream" was not included on the CD. Journey of a Dream is a poem written by Lanny Bassham and included on the 2nd edition printing of the book "With Winning in Mind". Many people pass by it as it is before the table of contents. So just in case you missed it, here it is! Hope you like it!

Journey Of A Dream

A dream is born in the mind,
A picture of what might be
A vision of a new and better life.
But if it stays in the mind,
It becomes another wish unfulfilled.

It must move on

The dream moves to the heart,
Feelings surround it, giving it life.
But if it stays in the heart,
It becomes a “could have been,”
Dying in the fire of emotion.

It must move on.

The dream moves to the hands,
There to be put into action
Having been given life in the heart,
It comes to fruition through work.
But if the dream stays in your hands,
It becomes self-serving.

It must move on.

So place your hand in the hand of another,
And the dream moves on…forever.

-Lanny Bassham

Miss Texas Visits Mental Management!

Photo by Zac Grimaldo

Monday August 6th we had the pleasure of training the newly crowned Miss Texas, Molly Hazlett as she begins her preparation for Miss America. At only 20 years of age this was Molly’s 3rd attempt at capturing the Miss Texas crown. Although young, Molly is very driven and became a business owner at the age of 15 opening her own dance studio. We were extremely impressed with her maturity, humbleness and presence. She is an amazing young lady and we are excited to be working with her over the next few months to help her prepare mentally for the Miss America competition in January.

Miss Texas is a tough job. On top of the typical appearances of modeling, interviews with reporters and signing autographs, Molly will speak to over 100,000 school age children on her platform of Drug and Alcohol Awareness as well as promoting Texas Cares for Children and the Miss Texas Organization. She will make over 350 appearances this year leaving her few days off to train for Miss America so she will have to prepare on the road. More than just a crown comes with the title of Miss Texas. Molly won a car to use for her year of service, a furnished apartment to live in rent free, over $11,000 in scholarships for school and many other incredible prizes. The photo included in this post was taken by the Official Photographer for Miss Texas, Zac Grimaldo. Training for Miss America is provided from various sponsors including Mental Management. Molly attended an 8 hour class on Monday and will receive a year’s consultation with Heather Sumlin as she prepares for Miss America.

Mental Management sponsors the Miss Texas Organization and the Miss Plano/Frisco Organization each year. The reason we sponsor in pageantry (may seem odd to some) is because Helen Bassham (Lanny’s wife) and Heather Sumlin (Lanny’s daughter) have been involved with pageants since Heather was 13 and have a special interest in the Miss America System. Today they both serve on the board of the Miss Plano Frisco Scholarship Organization which is a local preliminary to Miss Texas. These organizations are non-profit and use the money raised to give scholarships to the women who compete.

Most competitors we train in other sports could have many chances at a National title. With the pageants you only get one shot. Molly won’t be able to come back next year and compete again. Miss America in January is her first and only shot at the title! Because of that intensity and pressure we feel our Mental Management System can help give contestants an edge.

I Am

One thing I like to challenge people to do when I work with them is take the time to get to know yourself. I think we walk through life everyday and we meet people, we get to know others but how often do we actually take the time to sit alone and soul search? I know I spend much more time as a Mom focusing on the needs of others and not truly goal setting or soul searching for what I want for myself. This hit home for me 2 years ago when I read an assignment my son had done in school.

The teacher gave the first 2 words of several sentences and the kids filled in the sentence - the sentences began: I am, I wonder, I see, I hear. I learned so much about my son through that exercise and I pass it on to my students today. Below are his answers - (he was 9 when he wrote this and I haven't changed his words).

I Am by Austin Bassham/Sumlin

I am a very nice person who cares a lot about my parents.

I wonder why people have dreams about different things.

I hear people call for my help when they need me to zip their backpack or something like that.

I see people with no money, no homes, no anything on the news.

I want those people to earn a home and have happy lives.

I am a person who does not want anything bad to happen to anybody on earth.

I pretend I am not sad when I am.

I feel sorry about those people out there who have no homes at all.

I touch the keys on my piano and play what I can.

I worry that endangered species of animal such as the tiger will go extinct.

I cry when an eagle gets a broken wing and doesn't go to a vet.

I am a person who cares for every living thing in existence.

I understand that some people are mad at the world for something.

I say that someday I will become an inventor and invent something that will help those people.

I dream that weird things happen and I have to find out what is happening.

I try to remember to help those people.

I hope that in the future people will have better lives than before.

I am also a person who prays to God.


Post written by Heather Sumlin
Director of Customer Relations
Instructor for Pageant and Stage Performers

Person In The Glass

When you get what you want in your struggle for self, And the world makes us
King for a day, Just go to the mirror and look at yourself, And see what
that person has to say.

For it isn't your father, mother, husband, or wife, Whose judgment upon you
must pass: The person whose verdict counts most in your life, Is the one
staring back from the glass.

He is the person to please, never mind the rest, For he is with you right up
to the end, And you've passed your most dangerous difficult test, If the
person in the glass is your friend.

You may fool the whole world down the pathway Of years and get pats on the
back as you pass, But your final reward will be heartaches and tears, If
you've cheated the person in the Glass.

Dale Wimbrow, 1895-1954

We all struggle from time to time with our self talk and our self image. No one who walks this earth has a more important opinion of you than you do!

Miss Teen Texas

Mental Management Systems recently had Miss Teen Texas, Callie Thompson, in the office preparing for Miss America's Outstanding Teen Pageant coming up August 7-11!

Callie spent the day working with Heather and is ready to blow the competition away!

Mental Management pageantry clients, including Heather Hodges, (first runner up to Miss Texas; preliminary swimsuit and talent winner), Erin Hunt, (first runner up to Callie Thompson, Miss Teen Texas. Erin also won preliminary talent and overall fitness), and Miss Texas 2006, Shilah Phillips (first runner up at Miss America last January) experienced great success with Mental Management. We're so proud of each of them for using Mental Management in handling the pressure of competition. They worked hard and it showed!

Good luck to our other pageant competitors with your upcoming events!

Are You Willing to Change?

You may have noticed, or not, that many people who made a promise to themselves to change for the New Year have now, after five weeks, gone back to their old ways. We made the decision to eat better, exercise, practice more, work with an instructor, or improve our attitude. But what is so amazing is how many of us fall short in just a few short weeks. Why? Why is it so easy to say, but so hard to do?

The answer lies in our Self Image. We have enormous amounts of imprints of our old habits and attitudes and they tend to overshadow the new imprints we are trying to generate. This makes change difficult. So the question becomes, "How do I make change easier?" It doesn't matter if your trying to improve your golf game or lose some weight. It doesn't matter if you promised your doctor that you would eat better or that you are going to put in more practice time every week. No matter what you want to change, it has start with changing your Self Image.

Self Image tends to direct our life. It's easy to concentrate on something for a short period of time, but over time our Self Image challenges the new thoughts and something has to give. We either change our Self Image by thinking and acting the way we want or our Self Image forces our thoughts to shift back to the old self. This battle may remind you of the little devil and angel on your shoulder battling out what's best for you. It is why we promote using a directive affirmation as outlined in With Winning in Mind. This is the most powerful Self Image changing tool that one can use, but it takes commitment and discipline to use properly. Before you go off and create a directive affirmation, try the following steps first. These steps may get you on track and get you where you want to go. If they don't, then use the directive affirmation.

First, write a list of the changes you want to make. If you write down the things you want to change it will give you a better idea of how you can prioritize your goals. I have a client that wants to get into better shape. He thinks it will help his golf game and life if he could take off 20 pounds. While this may be true, it's a lot harder to do than to say. He decided to get up 30 minutes earlier and exercise everyday. He made a decision to drink more water and give up soft drinks. Although the plan sounds great, it only lasted six days.

By the end of week one John had lost some weight, 2 pounds. But life got in the way. He had a business trip in the beginning of week two. This got him off track. Instead of water on the plane, it was diet coke. Then it was, "I'll get to my exercise routine when I return home". What do you think happened?

If John would have made a list he would have listed the following: drink more water, eat better, exercise more. By doing this we can now prioritize our list and tackle them one at time. This allows the Self Image to be more comfortable with the desired change.

Second, take small steps. You must first crawl before you can walk and walk before you can run. John could have made similar progress by changing one thing instead of many. It's sometimes easier to make one change at a time. For example, he could have said, I am going to limit myself to two soft drinks a day and be discipline to drink water the rest of the time.

Third, tell someone. There is power in a support group and you need someone to keep you honest and on track. By sharing your goal with someone else they can help keep you motivated and move you into having the attitude you want. If John would have told his instructor that he wanted to get into shape and lose weight for better results on the golf course, his instructor would have been able to help him stay on track. Let's say John had a lesson in the middle of week two and the instructor was informed of John's plan, he would have been able to ask him how that plan was working. This would have helped put John back on track.

Four, set a time table. Give yourself three or four weeks to change this new habit and attitude you want. This sounds so much more realistic than making a life change. The Self Image is more willing to give in for short periods of time. By doing this we are able to stay motivated long enough to increase the likelihood of having permanent Self Image Change.

So try these techniques and see if you can have the change in your life that will give you the results you need.
By Troy Bassham, Director of Junior Development

Congrats to Olivia Myers, Miss Iowa - 2nd RU to Miss America!

Congratulations to Miss Iowa, Olivia Myers on her success at Miss America!

Olivia placed 2nd Runner Up to Miss America on January 24th which was broadcast live on TLC. Along with her 2nd RU placement she also won $20,000 in scholarship money for college! The last time Miss Iowa placed this high at Miss America was 1993!

Olivia did phone consultation training with Mental Management trainer Heather Sumlin in preparation for Miss America. With her training she received a Performance Analysis Journal, the book "With Winning in Mind" and the Audio CD "What Every Pageant Contestant Should Know First About the Mental Game".

Here is an excerpt from an interview she did for pageant coach Cathy Herd (the entire interview and more will be posted in our next pageant specific newsletter later on this month)

***What surprised you most about competing at nationals?*** Honestly, I was surprised that I felt so at ease. I expected to feel more nervous for my Miss America interview than for any previous one, but I actually felt more relaxed and in control than ever before. The same was true onstage. The competition at nationals was far more intense than at the state level, but by trusting my preparation and deciding to savor every moment, I was able to thrive in the competition rather than fret and fear it.

***Tell us about Mental Management and how did it help you during competition?*** Mental Management is a system for controlling the mind under pressure. It helped keep my mind clear and focused during competition, but I would say that it helped me even more prior to the pageant. Mental Management changed my self image in such a way that I could visualize myself as Miss America, and success became a mental reality before it actually happened. I was surprised how much this mental shift altered the way that I prepared and competed. When I walked into my interview, for example, I walked in "as Miss America" in my mind, which I think helped the judges see me in that role, too.

To learn more about how you can obtain Mental Management training for your pageant competition please call 972-899-9640 and talk to Heather Sumlin or send an email to info@mentalmanagement.com