66: Taming Lions and Slaying Comparison Monsters with Hilary Billings

It is nearly impossible to not feel inadequate in a world where accomplishment badges are everywhere. Comparison Monsters, as this week's guest calls them, can cripple our confidence. But what if you could change all of that by simply getting "back to neutral?" This week, Erin Hatzikostas talks with Hilary Billings, former Miss Nevada, an on-camera host, celebrity interviewer, event MC, digital influencer, and motivational comedian to talk about everything from overcoming rejection to overcoming third-degree burns. Hilary talks about her early life, coming from a "Production Family", which led her wanted to stay as far away from the entertainment industry as she could (you'll see how well that worked out.) After getting rejection letters from 14 different graduate schools, she went to Nicaragua to rest and recover. She unexpectedly started writing travel blogs before meeting a great community of people and deciding to continue working as a travel blogger/writer. Then, just a few weeks after returning home, she was tragically hit in the chest by a malfunctioning firework. While recovering she realized she needed to do something that would make her wildly uncomfortable. She landed on entering the Miss Nevada pageant, because being judged in a swimsuit with burn scars felt like the epitome of getting uncomfortable. Erin asks to discuss not only why she decided to go traveling, but how and why she started writing about her travels. Hilary tells the story of a young woman she met who inspired her to think a different way about her options in life, and who's death were a catalyst for Hilary's next steps in life. The discussion continues with Hilary explaining how she went from a travel writer to becoming Miss Nevada. She mentions how shocked she was when she realized how many of the contestants were not "the stereotypical pageant girl" but were in fact people with unique and sincere reasons to be there and use it as a platform for their message of positive change. Erin asks about Hilary's move into E! News (it helps being named best blogger of the year and then being contacted by the editor of USA Today) which leads into a conversation on work ethic and what she learned as a journalist. Ending on the big topic of confidence, Hilary discusses feelings of inadequacy and insecurity. How do you gain the confidence to take steps forward in life and in your career? She advocates for not jumping from one extreme to another and/or the "fake it till you make it" mentality. The likelihood is you will fall short. So instead of moving in extremes, move towards the neutral and slowly build your confidence. You can get her free workbook - "Four Steps To Quick Confidence" and so much more @ hilarybillings.com If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration! Here are some options... Check out the b BRILLIANT career coaching program @ b Cause Podcast Facebook group @ We even sare more crazy stuff here (you probably thought that was impossible). Take our simple, fun and insightful "What Kind of Dog Are You At Work?" by going to We have so much fun stuff going on...we wouldn't want you to miss out - join the authenticity movement and our community by adding your email just about anywhere @ Check out our blog for more of our no-BS career advice @ We have fun and inspiring t-shirts @ DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences. Tweetable Comments: "You bleed authenticity." "I love this idea of you as an authenticity bloodhound." "It's been this b-line of trying and getting involved in new things, and continuing down this path of embracing and overcoming diversity." "Take that experience and proactively apply it to the next problem you run in to. If you're able to look back and apply that knowledge - that's the win." "I'd never been in a pageant before. I was borrowing clothes and had my dress sponsored. I couldn't afford any of it." "My first ever interview was with Ryan Seacrest - so you know, no pressure." "The first rejection, you take it a lot harder. But then comes ages and time and seasons. The faster you fail, the more resilient you become." "If I got the thing I thought I wanted, I would not be here. " "Everyone we grew up looking at was airbrushed, but we didn't know it. Yet even now we do know, and we are aware, we still compare ourselves to it." "IF you're in that place of feeling inadequate, and you try to pretend confidence, it will pull you down further." "Try to find confidence in an authentic way." "The definition of confidence is having the belief that you can rely on someone or something." "For me, a big part of finding confidence and overcoming inadequacy is finding comedy in everyday life." "It's been a lesson in dealing with some of the lower consciousness of the world."