Ira Glass, in an interview I read a long time ago, talked about an important early step in his growth. (I’m sorry I can’t currently find the link.) He described the three weeks of full-time mixing of his own voice that it took for him to stop feeling uncomfortable listening to it. After those 100+ hours, he was able to hear his voice “as a commodity” not as a part of himself.
The same is true of a handwritten letter a friend let me read, written to her from one of the all-time great studio session singers. This singer described her learning process – singing in the studio, then immediately going into the control room and hearing what she had sung. Before long, she had learned what worked for her to be consistent in her vocal performances.
In both cases, I think it’s the case of overcoming your voice. Or more precisely, overcoming the emotional response you have to your own voice.
Another friend frequently describes her “not pretty voice” or “unreliable singing voice” but sings nonetheless – indeed, sings all the time. She has overcome her emotional response, and thus finds more easily the joy she places in singing.
Succeed in this tricky challenge, and you’ll be able to work faster, better, and more enjoyably at making your art.