Embrace Your Uniqueness

How often have you sized up your competition while waiting for an audition?  For years, I drove myself nuts with this.  Everyone there seemed so much more put together, talented, better looking, skinnier, more confident, just plain more "right" than me.  This was one of my biggest mental challenges to overcome as a new actress.  Often times I had myself counted out of the part before I even walked in the room.  And I'm certain that came across in my performances.

These days comparisons don't enter my mind.  I walk in and see some of the most experienced actresses in town mixed in with newcomers.  Many are prettier or younger and some have resumes a mile long.  But it doesn't matter anymore.  Do you know why?  Because each of us has something unique that no one else in the whole wide world has.  And your brand of unique may be just what they're looking for.  Yeah, experience counts but nothing will ever take the place of your very own personal uniqueness. 

Uniqueness levels the playing field.  Next time you're in the room sizing up the competition, think about all of the things that make you special.  Then walk into that casting room knowing that there's no one else in the world just like you.  Own it.  They will see it.  Maybe you will be just the brand of unique they are looking for. 

(un)discovered alison