Why Comparison Is Holding You Back in Voice Over
Scrolling through social media, it’s easy to compare yourself to other voice actors, wondering why they seem to have more success. But comparison is a trap that drains your energy and steals your joy. Instead of measuring yourself against others, focus on your progress, your strengths, and your unique voice. Let’s explore how to shift your mindset and embrace your personal path to success.
Stop Comparing and Start Thriving: Embracing Your Unique Voice Over Journey
We’ve all been there—scrolling through social media, seeing colleagues celebrating new clients, big wins, and seemingly perfect careers. One moment, you’re happy for them. The next, doubt creeps in: Why am I not booking like that? Am I even good enough?
Voice actors are a friendly bunch. We network, we share successes, and yes, we promote ourselves. But social media only shows the highlights, creating a funhouse mirror where we see the best in others and the worst in ourselves. It’s a losing game. So, how do we break the cycle? Let’s put down the pint of ice cream (chocolate chip mint for me) and figure it out.
Be Afraid, Be Very Afraid (of Comparison)
The first step to breaking a habit is recognizing it. Ask yourself: Does comparison make me happier? Does it help my career? If the answer is no, dig deeper—what are you gaining from this mindset? Often, comparison feeds the negative voice in our heads, reinforcing the idea that we’re not good enough. But that voice is lying.
Comparison is toxic for your voice over business. It clouds your judgment, kills motivation, and blinds you to your own progress. Recognizing this gives you the power to step back, take control, and choose a different perspective.
Take Stock of Your Own Growth
Instead of measuring yourself against others, turn your focus inward. Look at how far you’ve come since you started. Would your five-years-ago self be proud of where you are now? Probably.
Take stock of your skills, your achievements, and your journey. What do you know now that you didn’t before? What about voice over brings you joy? Gratitude is a powerful tool—it shifts your focus from what you lack to what you have. Now, imagine where you’ll be five years from now. You’ve already made so much progress, and you’re just getting started.
Choose Your Filter: Comparison vs. Inspiration
A mentor once told me that the energy I feel when I’m nervous at an audition is the same as when I’m excited—the difference is how I interpret it. The same applies to comparison and inspiration.
Instead of letting others’ success make you feel small, use it as motivation. Ask questions, learn from those who have been where you are, and let their achievements inspire you. Everyone’s journey is different. When you stop seeing others as competition and start seeing them as proof of what’s possible, you free yourself to grow.
Rocky Road or Butter Pecan: The Right Fit Matters
Think of voice casting like ordering ice cream. Some days, the casting director wants Butter Pecan. Other days, it’s Rocky Road. If you weren’t chosen for a job, it doesn’t mean you weren’t good enough—it just means you weren’t the flavor they were looking for that day.
A Talent I know shared this story:
“Years ago, I auditioned for a commercial. It came down to me and another actor—who happened to be my own acting teacher! I watched his audition and thought, ‘Well, that’s it, he’s got this.’ So when I went in, I just relaxed and had fun. And I booked the gig. That experience taught me that I can only be the best version of myself. I can’t morph into someone else, so I might as well enjoy being me.”
You’re Amazing—Really, You Are
Your voice, experiences, and interpretation of a script are uniquely yours. No one else can bring the exact same performance to the table. Instead of measuring yourself against others, celebrate what makes you different. The right job will find you. Keep showing up as your authentic self.
We’re all on our own journey, and your path is just as valid as anyone else’s. So put down the ruler, step away from the comparison game, and keep moving forward. Your success is yours to create.
Thanks for reading - Anne
Work with Anne
Anne Ganguzza is a Voice Actor, Coach, Influencer, and award-winning Podcaster & Demo Producer. based in Southern California.
