Overcoming the Fear of Competition

Is There Too Much Competition in Voice Acting?

I was talking to a fellow voice actor some time ago and they went on and on about how “newcomers” were coming in and stealing all the voiceover jobs - jobs that should have gone to more seasoned voice actors. She shook her head and said “voiceover is just becoming too competitive.” 

So here’s the deal: clients have more options in the way of talent than I think they’ve ever had before, but I just don’t believe in the idea that you can’t succeed because others are out their doing their thing, too.

Entering the world of voice acting can be simultaneously exhilarating and daunting. While it offers boundless opportunities for creativity and expression, it also comes with the fear of competition. For many new voice actors, the fear of competition can be paralyzing, hindering their progress and growth in the industry. However, with the right mindset and strategies, overcoming this fear and thriving in the VO industry is possible.

Understanding the Nature of Competition:

Before diving into strategies to overcome the fear of competition, it's essential to understand the nature of competition in the voice acting industry. With the rise of digital platforms and remote work opportunities, the industry has become increasingly saturated with talented individuals vying for the same roles.

However, it's crucial to recognize that competition isn't necessarily a negative force. Instead, it can serve as a catalyst for growth and improvement. Healthy competition pushes voice actors to refine their skills, explore new techniques, and strive for excellence. By reframing competition as a source of motivation rather than intimidation, you can harness that power to propel your careers forward.

Developing Self-Confidence:

One of the most effective ways to overcome the fear of competition is by cultivating self-confidence. Confidence is the cornerstone of success in voice acting, as it allows actors to showcase their talents with conviction and authenticity. Building self-confidence requires a combination of self-awareness, practice, and positive reinforcement.

Start by identifying your strengths as a voice actor. Reflect on what sets you apart from others in the industry: your unique vocal range, emotive abilities, or versatility in portraying characters. Embrace these strengths and use them as a foundation upon which to build.

Additionally, practice is essential for boosting confidence. Set aside time each day to hone your craft, whether it's through vocal exercises, script readings, or character studies. The more you practice, the more comfortable and assured you will become in your abilities as a voice actor.

Moreover, surround yourself with a supportive network of mentors, peers, and industry professionals who believe in your talent. This step is non-negotiable! Their encouragement and constructive feedback can bolster your confidence and help you navigate competition challenges with resilience.

Embracing Failure as a Learning Opportunity:

In the world of voice acting, rejection is inevitable. Regardless of experience, every voice actor has faced setbacks and disappointments along the way. However, rather than viewing failure as a reflection of inadequacy, embracing it as a valuable learning opportunity is essential.

Each audition or casting call that doesn't result in success provides valuable feedback that can give you details into how you can grow as a talent. Instead of dwelling on rejection, analyze what went well and what areas could be improved upon. Use this feedback to refine your skills and approach.

Furthermore, reframing failure as a natural part of the learning process can alleviate the fear associated with competition. Understand that even the most successful voice actors have encountered their fair share of setbacks, and it is through perseverance and determination that they have risen to the top of the industry.

Setting Goals:

Setting goals is crucial for overcoming the fear of competition and staying focused on your journey as a voice actor. Establish both short-term and long-term objectives that are specific, measurable, and achievable. Whether it's landing a certain number of auditions per week, securing representation with a talent agency, or booking a role in a particular genre, having clear goals provides a roadmap for success.

Break down larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks, and track your progress. Celebrate each milestone you achieve, no matter how small, as it brings you one step closer to your ultimate objectives. By setting realistic goals and taking consistent action towards them, you'll build momentum and confidence in your ability to compete in the voice acting industry.

Adopting a Growth Mindset:

A growth mindset is essential for overcoming the fear of competition and embracing the challenges of voice acting with resilience and determination. Unlike a fixed mindset, which views talent and abilities as innate and unchangeable, a growth mindset recognizes that skills can be developed and improved through effort and perseverance.

To cultivate a growth mindset, adopt a mindset of curiosity and continuous learning. Approach each audition, performance, and opportunity as a chance to grow and expand your skills as a voice actor. Seek out constructive feedback from industry professionals and use it as fuel for improvement.

Additionally, be willing to step outside of your comfort zone and take on new challenges. Whether it's experimenting with different vocal styles, exploring diverse genres, or auditioning for unfamiliar roles, embracing versatility and adaptability will set you apart from the competition.

Conclusion:

I think sometimes when you’re in a creative industry people try to throw the world competition around to dissuade people from going after their dreams - so be careful who you take advice from and who you’re listening to when it comes to sharing your VO goals - because you could just be listening to someone who isn’t seeing the success they’d like to see so they try to talk you about of doing something that you want to do.

Please remember this: what’s for YOU is for YOU - so it doesn’t matter what someone else is doing. At the end of the day - the gig you’re supposed to book will be the gig YOU are supposed to book. Each opportunity you get is the one YOU were supposed to get, so stop worrying about competition and JUST START. If you need help with learning how to dissect copy, or want to understand the voice acting industry better, check out my voiceover training program, Make Money with Your Mouth. Remember, there’s no need for a competitive spirit when what’s for you is for YOU and you know it’s coming your way.