Facing Reality: The First Step in Your Actor Mindset Reset

Let’s talk about something every actor has to face sooner or later—getting real about where you are in your career. This isn’t about being harsh on yourself; it’s about being honest. Your journey, with all its ups and downs, has brought you to this exact moment, and it’s the perfect time to take stock and make some changes.

By the way, if you haven’t read part one of the Actor Mindset Reset, I highly recommend checking it out first. It sets the foundation for making the changes necessary to get where you want to be.

So, what does “facing reality” actually mean? It means taking a hard look at your current situation and acknowledging it without excuses. Maybe you’ve been getting auditions but not landing roles, or perhaps you’ve been stuck in a rut, feeling like your career isn’t moving forward. Whatever it is, it’s crucial to stop pointing fingers and start asking yourself: What do I need to do differently to achieve the results I want?

Shifting Your Mindset: The Power of Asking the Right Questions

When I faced this reality in my own acting career, I realized that the results I was getting were directly tied to the effort I was putting in. I wanted extraordinary outcomes, but I wasn’t doing anything extraordinary to achieve them. It was a wake-up call.

So, ask yourself: What needs to change? This could be anything from your audition technique to your networking strategy or even the way you present yourself. It’s about identifying what’s holding you back and taking actionable steps to move forward.

Visualizing Your Dream Career: Get Specific About What You Want

Once you’ve faced your current reality, it’s time to get crystal clear on where you want to go. Imagine if you could have any acting career you desired—what would it look like? Be specific. Instead of just saying you want to be a “working actor,” think about the types of roles you want to play, the people you want to work with, and how you want to feel in your day-to-day life.

This isn’t just a fun daydream—it’s a powerful exercise that helps you set a clear vision for your future. The more detailed you are, the easier it will be to create a plan to achieve that vision.

Busting Limiting Beliefs: You’re Worth Investing In

As actors, we often carry around limiting beliefs that hold us back. Maybe you think you need to suffer to be truly talented, or perhaps you’ve been hesitant to invest in yourself because you’re not sure if it’s worth it. I used to believe those things too.

But here’s the truth: You deserve success, comfort, and freedom in your career. Investing in yourself—whether it’s through classes, headshots, or personal development—isn’t just okay; it’s essential. If you don’t believe you’re worth investing in, why should anyone else?

Exercises to Align with Your Future Self

Here are two exercises that can help you start aligning your current actions with your future goals:

1. Write Your Future Declarations: Create a list of “I am” statements about who you want to be in the future, like “I am booking lead roles in impactful films” or “I am living a life of creative freedom.” Read these declarations every night before bed to help your subconscious mind start working towards making them a reality.

2. Email Your Future Self: Write ten emails from your future self, congratulating you on the goals you’ve accomplished, and schedule them to be sent over the next ten years. It’s like creating a roadmap for your future, keeping you focused and accountable.

Moving Forward: One Bold Step at a Time

Transforming your career starts with one bold step: facing your reality, setting a clear vision, and taking action. It might feel challenging at first, but it’s the key to moving from where you are now to where you truly want to be.

Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been in the game for a while, this process can help you break free from limiting beliefs and start living the career you’ve always dreamed of.

Don’t miss part three, where we’ll wrap up this mindset reset with even more actionable steps to help you on your journey.

And if you're a trained actor, serious about your career but struggling to get to the next level, then book an appointment with me. It’s free, and together we can figure out if you’re a good fit for my program, and if you’re not, we’ll figure out the next best steps for your journey together.

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

Anne