We’re all aiming for victory—that is a fact. But we can never be certain victory is ours, no matter how much we aim for it. That uncertainty must be kept in mind for these student journalists when they undergo training

Manifestation is the key to the Law of Attraction. By saying something and claiming it to be the truth, it might just be so. By repeatedly saying you’ll compete in the National Schools Press Conference, it might come true. 

However, that shouldn't hinder you from working hard. If anything, it should inspire you to keep moving forward. To work and work harder until it comes true.

In addition, just because you’ve won several competitions before doesn't mean you’ll win this one. That is the thing about competitions: the uncertainty. Confidence can only get you so far if you’ve begun to grow lax on your training because of it. 

Confidence is a cult

Being confident is alright—we should be proud of our talent and skills. However, we also shouldn't underestimate our opponents because of it. Don't let it inflate your ego and initiate your self-worship urges. 

You’ve come so far already into the competition. Instead of walking in feeling confident that you’ll win and downplay everyone else’s ability, perhaps you should consider that maybe your opponents are just as skilled or talented as you. They too have come that far, that should already be a sign in and of itself. 

Many students fail because of overconfidence. That overconfidence is the problem. It blinds you from the light of others and enwraps you in your own head. 

As a student journalist on the road to the Nationals , instead of getting too caught up trying to bring down others in your head, you should focus on the goal ahead of you—that is the Regional Schools Press Conference. Yes, that's right, you heard me. The RSPC. 

The Writers’ War

Thinking about reaching the Nationals is not a bad thing, per se. But it shouldn't get to your head just yet. Don't get ahead of yourself and, instead, think and strategize what you should do for the Regional Schools Press Conference—the first obstacle.

If the Nationals are the final battle against the boss, the Regionals are the brutal battlefield against other soldiers before reaching the highest tower. It's the hardest part in all of this. It is the highest moment of anticipation. 

The Nationals are the main goal, yes. To reach there would be the greatest glory. But in all of this, aren't we thinking of winning the Regionals first? 

If you've won the Regionals then you’ve got the highest chance at the Nationals. Although that may not be the main objective, it should be the first step to reaching that goal. Win that round and, at last, fight the final fight in the battle that is journalism.