Perfectionism is Ruining Your Acting Career

Hi.

My name is Sara, and I'm a recovering perfectionist. It's been about 33 minutes since my last nit-pick.

Sound familiar? Welcome to Perfectionists Anonymous.

I used to wear my perfectionism like a badge of honor. Perfectionism meant I was prepared. I was diligent. I was SERIOUS about my craft. I thought it made me competitive.

In reality, perfectionism was killing my career.

Perfectionism is the voice that advises, "You should really wait until you have a solid double before you take class at BDC."

It protectively whispers, "Once you lose ten pounds, you'll be ready to pursue representation."

It sagely warns, "If you go out for that show, they might call you back to dance. You're not ready for that. It's probably safer to stay home."

Perfectionism is NOT your friend.

Perfectionism is a toxic boyfriend that says, "I love you, babe. But no one else will. Stay home with me."

Perfectionism may feel safe and familiar, but in an industry that values vulnerability and risk, it is career death.

So here is my challenge to you. Think about what your career goals are. What have you been putting on the back burner? Have you been putting it off because you aren't prepared or because you aren't perfect? The two things could not be more different.

This week I challenge you to do something before you feel totally ready.

• Go to a dance class.
• Find an outfit you love and buy it in the size you are NOW, as opposed to the size you hope you'll be in July.
• Host a FREE webinar!!  (Check out this segue...)

Full disclosure: I've been struggling a lot with this perfectionism thing lately because I'm hosting a FREE webinar  on Tuesday, June 13th 6pm EST on where/how to find the audition materials that will book you the job.

I know I'm prepared. In fact, this is a reprise of the webinar I did through Backstage University a year ago and that was a smashing success!

My fear is that it won't be perfect.

And guess what? It won't.

Why would it be?! This newsletter certainly isn't perfect. Let's be real. I've definitely been mixing some serious metaphors this morning. (Is Perfectionism a drug addition or a toxic boyfriend???)

This webinar will not be perfect. What it will be is prepared, passionate, and HUMAN.

(Also, it's free. Did I mention that already? You can register here!)

I hope you'll join me. Both in the webinar and in dumping that toxic boyfriend. You're too good for him.

You're not perfect, but you deserve better.

Love you all. Keep working the program and mixing those metaphors. <3

Sara Glancy is an NYC actor and the founder of Audition Rep Matchmaker, a service that helps match actors with the audition materials that will book them jobs.

Have a hole in your audition book?!

Download your free copy of Audition Rep Matchmaker's ULTIMATE Audition book checklist here!

Originally published on saraglancy.wordpress.com on October 18th, 2018.  Bio photo by Jessica Osber.