It is easy to go to the gym and lift and then say that you want to compete, yet when it comes down to dieting for 20-or 18 or 16 weeks of very very strict diet one must have the mind set. IF you are going to compete then you have to start training, eating and resting that you are going to compete.
I know from my experience that the last week of dieting for a show i called it "Hell Week" with the lack of carbs, the water loading and depletion and the overall drain on your body. What i am trying to say is that if your serious go for it ,yet do it all the way not just half way and even if you step on stage and dont place your still a winner for going thru with the exercise and dieting and there will always be next year and the year after that. Each year that you diet you will learn more and more about your body on how it reacts to different foods.
I hope this helps abit
Best of luck
GR9