How do you start your day when you have an audition? Do you speak lovingly to yourself, or does your inner critic spew judgment, criticism, doubt, and worry your way? If it’s the latter, here are five steps to taming your inner critic (and a quick guide for feeling good) at auditions:
Become more mindful
Since whatever you focus on expands, becoming mindful of the thoughts you are thinking and the words you are saying is the first step to taming your inner critic before, during, and even after your audition.
Notice how your thoughts make you feel.
We are all using affirmations all day long. The question is are you affirming something positive or something negative? You’ll always know by the way it makes you feel.
Choose to change it.
If you don’t like how you feel, change your thoughts. When you begin to change your way of thinking, your inner voice will always react immediately with either fear or love. To decipher between the two, declare this statement to yourself: “If it feels good, it’s true for me. If it feels bad, it’s a lie.” This will help silence your inner critic in its tracks.
Then, once you notice your ego trying to convince you that you not [insert your favorite adjective here] enough, you will know that it is a lie.
Acknowledge your fear.
As you begin to make this conscious awareness a habit, when a thought doesn’t feel good you can recognize it, acknowledge your fear, and flip the script by talking to it like this:
Thank you for sharing, fear. I hear you.
You are F.E.A.R (False Evidence Appearing Real.)
You are a lie I keep telling myself.
Today I choose the truth.
Today I choose to think loving thoughts.
The more mindful you can become of how you are talking to yourself, the easier it will be to change it.
Think a better-feeling thought.
Here’s a quick guide to feeling good on audition days. (Feel free to write your own or print these.)
Getting out of bed:
Anything is possible today.
Things are lining up for me.
I love having opportunities to play.
I am grateful for [list 5 things]
Getting ready for the audition:
I am the perfect age right now.
I am exactly where I need to be.
I am more beautiful than ever.
I am a shining light, happy to be in the game.
Leaving home:
Things flow smoothly for me today.
New opportunities arise for me throughout the day.
Parking spots open up and traffic flows.
I am safe and things unfold perfectly.
Parking or getting off the subway:
I take a deep breath in, and exhale.
I picture myself returning to my car/the subway feeling proud of my work.
I am excited to be here.
I am ready to play.
Walking into the casting office:
I send good energy and kindness to those I meet.
I smile and send love.
I am uninterested in what any other actors are doing or saying or thinking.
I am unique and excited for my opportunity to play,
Walking into the audition room:
I have fun, I have faith, and I surrender.
I love playing in this playground and meeting all my playmates in the room.
I connect with everyone and make eye contact.
I am confident in my work and detached from the outcome.
Leaving the audition room:
I leave graciously and easily.
I am open to the unlimited possibilities the universe has in store for me.
I am proud of my work.
I am excited for the rest of the day.
Driving or taking the subway home:
Everything always works out for me.
I know the best is yet to come.
I look for things to love about my life on the way home.
All is well in my world.
You’ll be amazed at what begins to show up in your life when you are filling your mind with loving and encouraging thoughts.
And if you want another powerful tool to help you tame your inner critic at every audition, grab my free audio for actors, “Success In The Audition Room.” This free mp3 will help you turn audition anxiety and self-doubt into confidence and ease in under five minutes.
Here’s to rocking every audition!
Take this new attitude out for a spin by booking an audition after browsing our film audition listings! And for more great audition advice, watch the video below with casting director Benton Whitley!
The views expressed in this article are solely that of the individual(s) providing them,
and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Backstage or its staff.
