For those who know her, Gail's success comes as no surprise. Neither did her accomplishment in Miami Beach in 1962. But achieving such success and recognition in the pageant did help enable Gail to succeed, because it enhanced her self-esteem. She is a loyal friend, she sets high goals and standards for herself and works diligently to accomplish them, and she is a beautiful person on the exterior and on the interior. Once we identify what keeps us stuck, then we can change and move on.
People repeat certain actions because they are getting something out of it.
It might be comfort, soothing memories, anxiety reduction, attention, or any of the thousands of motivations that reinforce behavior. Unfortunately, those payoffs are not always something good. Not all payoffs are successful in producing change. You will live in the past, relish the retelling of ancient hurts, and never alter your behavior until the alternative provides a better payoff. It's like having a splinter.