A mentee called me today, stuck and unsure about his next career move. As we talked through his options, I found myself reflecting on my own journey—the risks I took, the opportunities I missed, and the moments when I almost talked myself out of pursuing what I really wanted. It reminded me of something I’d read recently that completely changed how I think about the invisible barriers we create for ourselves.

After 30 years in audio post production, I’ve seen countless talented people hold themselves back—not because they lacked skill, but because they believed stories that simply weren’t true.

The Guy Who Changed Everything I Believed About Success

One person completely changed how I think about what’s possible: my coworker and friend Bryan. He moved to New York City from Louisiana with nothing but a suitcase and a dream to be a sound designer. No connections, no safety net, no backup plan.

I’ll be honest—when I first met Bryan, I thought he was naive. The industry seemed too competitive, too closed off for someone starting from scratch. But Bryan didn’t see obstacles the way the rest of us did. Where we saw barriers, he saw stepping stones.

His rise and success in the industry inspired me like nothing else I’d witnessed. Bryan proved that your mindset can make or break you, regardless of your starting point. He didn’t just succeed—he thrived, and watching him do it forced me to confront my own limiting beliefs about what was “realistic” in this business.

The Real Enemy Isn’t Competition—It’s Your Inner Critic

Starting a career in audio post production feels overwhelming, but here’s what I’ve learned: the industry isn’t as competitive as your mind makes it seem. The biggest obstacles aren’t technical skills or even finding opportunities—they’re the invisible mental walls we build around ourselves.

I hear the same limiting beliefs from almost everyone I mentor: - “I can’t switch careers at my age” - “I’m not the type of person who takes risks” - “I would never be good at mixing/editing/sound design” - “That’s just who I am”

Here’s the truth: These aren’t facts. They’re assumptions.

What Would Happen If You Could?

There’s a powerful questioning technique from Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) that I use with mentees to break through these mental barriers. It comes from the Meta Model, developed by Richard Bandler and John Grinder, and it’s deceptively simple:

“What would happen if you could? What would happen if you did? What would happen if you couldn’t? What would happen if you didn’t?”

Let Me Show You How This Works

Step 1: Name Your Limiting Belief Start with the story you’re telling yourself. For example: “I can’t get started in audio post.”

Step 2: Ask “What Would Happen If You Could?” Imagine the possibilities if you could start your career. What doors open? What new skills do you learn? What projects excite you?

Real example: “If I could start in audio post, I’d work on film trailers, learn Pro Tools inside and out, and collaborate with directors on their vision.”

Step 3: Ask “What Would Happen If You Did?” Visualize the outcomes of taking action—applying for internships, joining mentorships, or practicing your craft daily.

Real example: “If I did start applying for audio assistant positions, I’d gain hands-on experience, build my network, and prove to myself I can do this.”

Step 4: Ask “What Would Happen If You Couldn’t?” Consider the impact if that limiting belief were true. What feelings arise? Often, this helps reduce fear by confronting worst-case scenarios.

Step 5: Ask “What Would Happen If You Didn’t?” Reflect on the cost of inaction. What opportunities might you miss? What regrets might you carry?

Step 6: Reflect and Reframe Use these answers to reshape your beliefs. Replace “I can’t” with “I’m learning and growing every day.”

Why This Works in Audio Post

This industry rewards people who combine skill with a growth mindset and strong relationships. It’s not just about what you know—it’s about who you connect with and how you show up consistently.

When you break through those mental barriers, you start to see opportunities everywhere: - YouTube channels offering practical tutorials - Networking communities where professionals share real advice - Mentorship platforms connecting you with industry veterans - Entry-level positions that seemed “impossible” before

Your Next Step

The next time you catch yourself thinking “I can’t” or “I’m not the type of person who,” pause and ask these questions. Push past your initial responses and really dig deep.

Bryan didn’t let his circumstances define his possibilities—and neither should you. He understood something that took me years to learn: your career in audio post production isn’t limited by the industry, your background, or your resources. It’s limited by the stories you tell yourself about what’s possible.

If a guy from Louisiana with a suitcase and a dream can make it in New York’s competitive audio post scene, what’s really stopping you?

Ready to take the next step? I created the Audio Post Career Accelerator program specifically to help people break through these mental barriers and gain real-world experience. It’s designed to give you hands-on training, personalized feedback, and the kind of mentorship that moves your career forward faster and more confidently.

You can also connect with other audio professionals through communities like the Audio Pro Network, where algorithm-free discussions and genuine mentorship happen every day.

Visit AudioPostAccelerator.com to learn more about the program, or AudioProNetwork.com to join our community.

Credits The questioning framework featured here is inspired by the Meta Model created by Richard Bandler and John Grinder, pioneers of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). The practical explanation and application come from Jack Hopkins and his Jack Hopkins Now newsletter (#328, May 14, 2025).

About the Author: Joe Miuccio’s career spans over 30 years in audio post, working across advertising, film, and television. In 2008, he founded Audio Pro Network as a private, algorithm-free community for audio professionals, adding a separate audio post mentorship platform in 2021. In 2022, he launched Voice Actors Connect, a thriving network for voice talent. His Audio Post Career Accelerator program offers hands-on training through a first-of-its-kind virtual audio post apprenticeship.