How to Ruin Your Acting Career in 10 Easy Steps

If you're dead-set on not making it as an actor, well, have I got the perfect game plan for you. In fact, these are the top 10 surefire ways to blow your shot at success. Spoiler alert: if you actually want to thrive, you’ll want to do the exact opposite.

1. Give Up All Your Power

Why take responsibility when you can blame everyone else? If you’re not getting auditions, clearly it’s your agent’s fault. And if you don’t have an agent? Oh, they probably just have a vendetta against you. Casting directors not calling? Definitely a conspiracy. Basically, whenever you feel even a tiny bit motivated to take control of your career, do yourself a favor—squash that feeling immediately.

Instead, try this: Taking ownership of your journey feels so much better! Your agent works with you, not for you, so start owning your role in this partnership and see how things shift.

2. Wait for Perfection

Why act when you can wait forever to be flawless? The fear of making a bad impression should paralyze you into inaction. If there’s even a hint of imperfection in your performance, don’t you dare move forward. Put everything on hold until you’re convinced it’s absolutely perfect, because heaven forbid there’s room for spontaneity!

Here’s a thought: Forget perfection. It’s totally overrated! Embrace the messy, unpredictable process of learning and growing—mistakes are part of the fun.

3. Don’t Invest in Yourself

Spending money on acting classes or professional headshots before you’re famous? Ridiculous! You should wait until you’re already raking in the big bucks before investing in your craft. It makes total sense to wait for success before you invest in the tools that could actually help you get there.

Instead, try this: Think of your acting career like a business. Investing in yourself—whether it’s through classes, headshots, or other resources—is just part of growing. It’s like planting seeds for future success.

4. Let the Industry Decide Who You Are

Just sit back and let the industry figure out what to do with you. Surely, they’ll instantly recognize all your hidden talents. Why bother showing them your range when they can pigeonhole you into some generic stereotype?

What to do instead: You’ve got so much to offer—why let anyone else define you? Take control of your brand, figure out your unicorn factors, infuse all of your marketing with your fabulous uniqueness, and let casting directors see the real you.

5. Rely Completely on Your Agent

Your agent’s got this. Why should you network, hustle, or make connections when that’s their job? Just sit by the phone and wait for them to make your career happen.

Here’s a better approach: Agents are great partners, but no one’s going to care about your success as much as you do. Why not get out there and hustle a little yourself? You’ll feel more in control, and you never know what opportunities you might stumble upon.

6. Ignore Feedback

Who do these people think they are, giving you constructive criticism? Just ignore them. Everything you do is already brilliant. Feedback? Totally overrated.

Or maybe: Feedback doesn’t have to sting—it’s just another way to level up! Listening to constructive advice is a great way to sharpen your skills and keep growing.

7. Stay in Your Comfort Zone

Why explore new opportunities when you’re perfectly comfortable where you are? Trying new things might actually get you noticed, and that’s just terrifying. Stay safe, stick to what you know, and avoid any unnecessary risks.

What to do instead: Get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Growth and versatility are the keys to long-term success in acting.

8. Avoid Networking

Who needs industry connections anyway? Your talent alone is enough to make you a star, right? Forget social media, acting profiles, and all that networking nonsense. If you’re good enough, the right people will just magically find you.

What to do instead: Building relationships doesn’t have to be scary—it can be fun! The more people you meet, the more opportunities will come your way. Plus, it never hurts to have a few friends in the industry.

9. Don’t Market Yourself

Marketing is for other people. You’re a serious actor! Why waste time on social media or sending out headshots? The right casting directors will just know how talented you are.

Instead, do this: Marketing yourself doesn’t have to be a chore. Think of it as letting people know how awesome you are. A little social media love or a headshot mailer can go a long way in getting noticed.

10. Reject Continuous Learning

You took one acting class in college, and that’s all you’ll ever need. Acting coaches? Workshops? Nah, it’s all about raw, natural talent. If you’ve got it, you’ve got it. No need to bother with continuous learning.

Here’s the deal: If you’re serious about being a real working actor then you need to be the best you can be and that doesn’t come from practicing in front of your mirror. Get thee to a great coach! There you’ll also meet other actors who are on the same journey and will become part of your community moving forward.

So, What’s the Takeaway?

The truth is, acting is hard work, and it takes a lot of self-discipline, continuous learning, and a proactive attitude. No one’s going to hand you a career on a silver platter, but the good news is you’ve got the power to create your own path.

Want to learn more about how to take control of your career? You can check out my free masterclass here, where I’ll walk you through the steps to reclaim your power and make things happen.

By the way, 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