The Comparison Trap — Measure Your Progress, Not Theirs
Let’s talk about a sneaky form of self-sabotage that shows up everywhere—especially in audition prep.
Comparison.
You know the thoughts:
“Those Juilliard kids have everything handed to them.”
“Everyone from Northwestern is just naturally amazing.”
“I’m not at New World, so obviously I’m behind.”
“They already have a job, I’m just playing catch-up.”
This kind of thinking is incredibly common among the musicians I work with—and yeah, I’ve been there too. When I was at NEC, it felt like everyone was better than me. I remember walking into practice rooms knowing I had hours of work ahead—and feeling like everyone around me was already miles ahead. Confident. Polished. Basically born audition-ready.
Spoiler alert: They weren’t. And that belief wasn’t helping me.
Ever catch yourself assuming someone else has it easier?
Here’s the truth: the people you’re obsessing over? They’re dealing with their own doubts. Their own struggles. Their own setbacks. But comparison keeps you stuck in a fantasy where they’re perfect and you’re broken. That’s not just unhelpful—it’s untrue.
And worst of all? It pulls your focus away from the only thing that actually matters: your own progress.
What would shift if you stopped trying to measure up—and instead just measured your next step?
Auditions Are Golf, Not Tennis
Let me break it down like this.
Orchestral auditions aren’t tennis—you’re not playing against someone else.
They’re golf.
You’re playing your own game, on your own course, against your own personal best. You don’t win by beating someone. You win by showing up consistently, refining your swing, and staying grounded no matter what’s happening in the next lane.
So… where are you shaving strokes off your game right now?
Why Comparison Creeps In
Comparison often stems from:
Scarcity mindset: “There aren’t enough jobs to go around.”
Fear of inadequacy: “I’m behind. It’s too late.”
Seeking external validation: “If I were really good, I’d already be there.”
And none of these beliefs are helping. In fact, they’re actively keeping you stuck.
When you catch that voice whispering “they’ve got something you don’t”—can you pause and question it?
What’s actually driving that thought?
Real Talk from a Coaching Client
Recently, a musician I work with told me they were feeling overwhelmed—not just by the Juilliard crowd, but also by musicians from Rice, Northwestern, and the New World Symphony.
They weren’t sure they could ever compete at that level.
But here’s the thing: they could. And they did.The only thing stopping them was a story they built based on fear—not fact.
How many of your limits are real—and how many are just stories?
How to Escape the Trap
If you find yourself spiraling into comparison, try this:
1. Curate your inputs
Stop flooding your feed with people who trigger self-doubt. Choose inspiration over intimidation.
2. Focus on your data
Track your daily progress. Tiny wins count. They add up faster than you think.
3. Get clear on your edge
What do you bring to the table? Rhythm, phrasing, character, tone—something sets you apart.
4. Say it out loud
Whether it’s in a debrief, a coaching session, or a voice note to yourself—comparison thrives in silence. Name it, reframe it, and move on.
What if your uniqueness wasn’t a liability—but the exact reason someone would want to hire you?
You’re not behind. You’re on your own timeline—and that’s where your power lives.
What’s Next
Next week, I’ll be sharing tools for dealing with the emotional fallout of not advancing—especially when you’ve done everything right. That moment doesn’t have to be the end of the road. It might actually be the turning point.
Curious About Coaching?
If this kind of mindset coaching is what you need right now, let’s talk.
Click here to book a totally free discovery call.
Happy Practicing,
Chris @ Honesty Pill Coaching
