My First Bodybuilding Competition: Lessons in Discipline, Perseverance, and Faith
Embarking on a bodybuilding journey is deeply personal. There are countless reasons one might choose to compete—confidence, health, personal challenge, or a career shift. This is my story as a first-time figure competitor, and I want to share not only what I experienced, but also the mindset, discipline, and faith that carried me through.
1. The Reason & The Mindset
Before you step on stage, you must be clear on your “why.” Are you seeking confidence, peak health, or the thrill of overcoming a monumental challenge? Those are strong foundations. But if your motivation stems from seeking approval or validation from others, your drive may not withstand the demands of the process.
Define your vision and hold tight to it. Results don’t appear overnight—but they do come. Stay consistent, stay focused, and commit to your goals regardless of how you feel. Discipline will carry you through the tough days, and a meaningful “why” will anchor you in purpose.
2. The Work
Competing demands a warrior mindset. You’ll need to do hard things, consistently. That may mean waking up before the kids, fitting workouts into tight windows, and saying “no” to distractions. Treat your workouts like essential appointments—you wouldn’t cancel on your boss, so don’t cancel on yourself.
There will be days you feel discouraged. That’s normal. Just don’t give up entirely. Keep photos of your goals, visualize success, and challenge the negative voices in your mind. Remember: your “willing to” must be stronger than your “want to.”
3. Perseverance & Discipline
Who keeps you going when motivation fades? For me, it was Jesus. He was my strength—nudging me awake, energizing my workouts, and filling me with joy when my body felt weak. Worship music fueled my soul as much as weights shaped my body. When people asked how I stayed disciplined, my answer was simple: “Coffee and Jesus.”
4. The Sacrifices & Diet
Nutrition is complex and deeply personal, so I recommend working with a coach or licensed nutritionist. One significant change for me was removing alcohol. I traded my wine for sparkling water and never looked back. Food prep became essential—I learned to stay ahead of hunger with ready, healthy meals to avoid impulsive choices.
Yes, I craved cheat meals—daily! Sometimes I gave in. But I gave myself grace and reset quickly. Remember, these sacrifices are temporary. Remind yourself why you’re doing this and keep moving forward.
5. The Gym Vision: Confidence Without Comparison
It’s easy to fall into comparison—especially at the gym. You feel great about your progress until someone with a chiseled physique walks by. Don’t let comparison steal your joy. Instead, make eye contact, smile, and treat others with kindness. You never know who needs it.
Fitness should be about humility, not pride. Our bodies are a gift—temporary vessels we steward. What matters most is not the body on the stage but the light we reflect through it.
6. The Competition Day Experience
Registration & Tanning
The event began Friday night with check-in and tanning. I opted for the show’s sponsored tanning service—an experience unlike anything I’d imagined. Yes, it was awkward. But everyone was kind, and I embraced the moment.
Hair & Makeup
I scheduled my hair and makeup early Saturday morning through a recommended vendor. It felt surreal—like I was stepping into a movie set. While the heavy stage makeup felt foreign, it looked perfect under the lights.
Pre-Judging
This is where the real scoring happens. Being backstage was intense—everyone was adjusting suits, pumping up with bands, and calming nerves. I recommend packing a rolling bag with touch-up items, light robe, food, water, and your Bible.
As I stepped on stage, the nerves hit hard. My legs shook. I forgot my poses. But I took a breath, prayed, and finished strong. Judges notice confidence, so practice in your heels often and perform with poise and personality. You’ve worked too hard not to enjoy your moment.
7. The Transformation
This competition pushed me to transform—physically, mentally, and spiritually. Spray tans, eyelashes, muscle tone… but also courage, discipline, and grace. What surprised me most was how temporary physical change is. A few weeks of relaxed eating can erase months of work. But the internal growth? That’s lasting.
When you give your best effort, hold your head high—regardless of your placement. My greatest reward wasn’t a trophy. It was knowing I gave it my all and seeing God’s strength shine through me.
8. The True Prize
Being in peak condition is exhilarating, but the true prize is knowing I didn’t quit. Competing taught me to dig deep, stay focused, and trust God’s design in me. Surrounded by flawless physiques, it’s easy to doubt yourself. But I reminded myself of 1 Peter 3:3:
“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment… Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.”
That’s the beauty I chase. And that’s the light I hope shines brighter than the stage lights ever could.
What to Pack for Competition Day:
- Rolling bag (see: 6 Pack Elite)
- Loose dark clothing (to protect your tan)
- Light robe for backstage modesty
- Stage suit and heels
- Flip flops
- Extra makeup, gloss, and hairspray
- Curling iron
- Body glue
- Small weights or resistance bands
- Food and water
- Worship playlist or calming music
- Bible
Financial Considerations:
- Coaching/personal training
- Posing instruction
- Suit and shoes
- Spray tans (often 2+)
- Hair and makeup services
- Registration and entry fees
- Increased grocery costs for prep
Let this be a reminder that your journey is about more than muscle. It’s about heart, grit, and faith. Whether you’re called to the stage or a different arena, give your all—and give God the glory.
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