95: I thought I failed... but I didn't

I thought I failed, but I didn't... The only part that I was failing at was my mental mindset and my reactions. In this deeply personal episode of Miss Style, Strength, and Grace, Deidra Murphy opens up about her experience competing at United States of America Pageants Nationals and the mindset spiral that followed. What began as a stressful series of unexpected events — insomnia, losing a hotel key, technology issues, and nearly missing interview — slowly turned into something much bigger: self sabotage fueled by overthinking, exhaustion, and getting stuck inside her own head. In this honest recap, Deidra shares: How mental pressure impacted her performance throughout nationals The difference between performing and truly being present Why mindset matters just as much as preparation The hidden cost of perfectionism and rumination What she learned about resilience, self awareness, and letting go in real time Most surprisingly, Deidra later discovered she had actually won Fitness preliminaries, tied for second in evening gown, and remained a top interview contender — despite convincing herself she had failed. This episode is not just about pageantry. It's about the moments in life where we allow fear, pressure, and self doubt to disconnect us from ourselves… and the work it takes to come back. With honesty, grace, and reflection, Deidra reminds listeners that growth often comes through the very moments we wish had gone differently. Follow along with Deidra's journey: facebook and Instagram @stylebydeidra. youtube: @stylebydeidra #MissStyleStrengthAndGrace #PageantPodcast #MindsetMatters #SelfSabotage #WomenEmpoweringWomen