For 10 consecutive years, 'RuPaul's Drag Race' has been showcasing an intense drag queen competition, with more drama and depth than one episode of 'The Bachelorette.' There is so much more to this competition than a monetary prize- contestants are fighting for their reputations, working to improve their skills, and making memorable friendships along the way. These are just a few of the most important lessons you can gain from 'RuPaul's Drag Race.'
1. It's all about confidence.
Despite contestant's performance in the main challenge and how their runway look turned out, confidence can override all. The way you choose to carry yourself is noticeable and impacting those around you. People respect and admire a person who clearly knows their worth and believes in themselves. It's so much deeper than your appearance; genuine confidence is about appreciating and using your talents to achieve success.
2. Not everything is personal.
When a contestant is eliminated, it's so clear through their reactions which people take the elimination personally and which do not. Whether you're laid off from a job or not accepted to your dream school, you shouldn't take it personally. I know it's easy to become discouraged by one failure, but it's important to use this failure to see what you can improve on. Don't take a set-back as a personal offense, hold your head high and continue to work harder.
3. All relationships are important.
Whether it comes to your family, partner, or friends, it's important to maintain and cherish the relationships you have with people. Even in a competition, it's important to be nice to others and create a supportive and encouraging environment. After three years of college, I can tell you first hand that many of my friends have been the reason I stay motivated and feel supported during tough times. Healthy relationships are crucial to your success and will make the journey to get there so much more fun.
4. "If you don't love yourself, how the helllllllllll you gon' love somebody else?!"
It's no accident that RuPaul incorporated this iconic catch-phrase in every episode. Going hand-in-hand with having confidence, it's equally important to love yourself from the inside to the out! I know that this can be an uphill battle, but loving yourself is key to navigating life. Whether it's reading a short positive affirmation in the morning, or giving yourself a moment to relax, it's important to show yourself some love. This practice will always be beneficial to your mind and relationships with others.
5. Don't forget to call home.
In one challenge, the contestants were fighting harder than usual- because the prize was a phone call home. RuPaul reminds us that no matter what we're going through, or how much we have on our plates, there's always time to call your family. Your family has known you since literal birth- they've changed your diapers, brushed off your bad moods, and supported you through it all. Don't forget to thank the people who have helped you pursue your dreams and have kept you smiling along the way.
RuPaul shows us that there's more to being successful than having the looks, honey- a true winner has confidence, appreciates criticism, loves themselves and appreciates those who got them there.
