Are you an actor who feels stuck, waiting for your big break, but nothing seems to be happening? I’ve been there. But it doesn’t have to stay that way. These three mindset shifts can help you take control of your career and start booking roles consistently.

It’s not just about doing all the “right” things and hoping someone will discover you. That’s like waiting for luck to strike, and honestly, luck is rare. There’s a more effective way to get what you want. Here's how.

1. Create Your Own Opportunities

One of the biggest mindset shifts? Stop waiting for that perfect role to magically appear. Actors who thrive in this industry don’t rely on luck—they’re intentional. Imagine two actors in a room. They both want successful careers, but the one who actively creates their own opportunities will always get ahead.

Think about it: one actor goes to workshops and classes, hanging out with other actors. That’s great for building community, but it doesn’t lead to direct opportunities unless they’re networking with casting directors or filmmakers. The other actor? They’re intentional about the business side. They know their brand, understand what they bring to the table, and they’re pitching themselves to agents and casting directors to get seen.

When I started acting in my 20s, I had some success. But honestly, I was lucky. I wasn’t intentional. When I returned to acting at 47 after a 16-year break, I knew I couldn’t rely on luck anymore—I had to make it happen myself.

2. The Power of Positive Self-Talk

The way you talk to yourself matters. So many actors walk around saying, “There aren’t enough roles for people like me.” Even some actors who seem to have it all, will still say things like, “I’ve been told I’m too pretty.” It’s all about mindset.

If you keep telling yourself there aren’t enough roles, you’ll start to believe it, and your brain will find evidence to support that belief. Henry Ford’s quote sums it up perfectly: “Whether you believe you can or you can’t, you’re right.” If you believe there aren’t enough roles for (insert whatever you think is holding you back), you’ll see the evidence of that everywhere. But if you switch your mindset, you’ll see the evidence of the opposite instead.

Another common actor complaint is, “Casting directors always call in the same people.” While that might seem true, it’s not a blanket rule. There’s always room for fresh faces, and casting directors want to discover new talent. But they can only discover you if you believe in yourself and put yourself out there. So, get rid of those limiting beliefs and replace them with something that serves you: “There are roles for me, I just need to find them.”

3. Build Relationships and Network

People like to work with those they know, like, and trust. That’s why relationships are key. If you’re convinced there aren’t enough opportunities or that casting directors only call in the same people, you’ll limit yourself. But when you argue the opposite, you’ll start to see more doors open.

Once you’ve shifted your mindset, it’s time to get on the radar of industry professionals. Be intentional about building relationships with casting directors, agents, and filmmakers. But keep in mind that while agents and casting directors can help open doors, they’re not the final decision-makers. Build connections with people who can actually cast you, too.

It takes time, but you’ll gain momentum. As my dad used to say, “If you chop wood, chips fly.” Keep your positive thoughts strong, reinforce your self-worth, and keep putting yourself out there.

Understand the Business of Being an Actor

Here’s the thing—acting is not just an art, it’s also a business. In acting school, we were taught the craft but not the business side. Think of your career as a bird with two wings: one is your talent and vibe, the other is your business savvy—branding, marketing, networking, and community. Without both wings, your career can’t soar.

No matter how talented you are, if nobody knows you exist, it won’t matter. You need to master the business side just as much as the craft.

Master the Art of Pitching Yourself

Everything we do as actors is a pitch. Whether you’re submitting to agents, updating a casting director, or chatting with a filmmaker, you’re pitching yourself. And there’s a way to do it so that it doesn’t feel forced or transactional.

Even if you have an agent, you can’t rely entirely on them. It’s your career, not theirs. Agents have other clients, so you need to hedge your bets by being proactive. If you don’t pitch yourself and define your brand, the industry will form its own opinions about you—and they might be wrong.

Learning how to pitch yourself is one of the most powerful tools you can master, and the best part? It’s a skill you can develop over time.

Invest in Yourself

You are the product. To succeed, you must invest in yourself—your time, energy, and yes, your money.

When I relaunched my acting career at 47, I had to learn a lot, fast. Over the past 11 years, I’ve invested heavily in my career, and that investment has paid off. Investing in yourself sends a clear message to the industry that you’re worth betting on. Don’t wait for the perfect role to justify the investment—momentum creates more momentum. The more you invest in yourself, the more the industry will invest in you.

Putting It All Together

Here’s what you can do today to shift your career forward:

• Stop waiting and start creating your own opportunities. Pitch yourself to casting directors, agents, and filmmakers.

• Change your self-talk. Swap out those negative thoughts and start believing in the opportunities available to you.

• Invest in yourself. Dedicate time, energy, and money to becoming the best version of yourself as both an actor and a businessperson.

Your career is in your hands—it won’t happen by chance, you have to make it happen.

If you’re a trained actor looking to level up your career, I’d love to help you. Book a free discovery call with me to see if my program is the right fit for you. Let’s see how we can unlock your full potential.

Until next time, you stay your bold and beautiful self,
Anne