“I can’t imagine anything more scary than doing stand up comedy!”
“Aren’t you terrified?”
This year I decided to challenge myself by doing something that would be both stretching and a right laugh – stand up comedy – because let’s face it, we all need some light relief.
For two hours a week we do daft writing exercises (come up with strapline for the World’s Worst undertaker), perform our two minutes of material to each other and gradually build up to a 5 minute end of term performance.I’ll be treading the boards in Brighton this Thursday – wish me luck.
I also did it to stretch myself as a leadership coach. The surprising learnings are:
- Be More You – comedy is about leaning into your unique quirky take on the world – comparisons are pointless as it’s all about authenticity
- Support and encouragement – in a class we’re all in the same boat and cheering each other on – especially through the mid term dip when it’s tempting to jack it in. Having a group kept me going.
- Work towards a deadline and accountability – the end of term show provides a focus to work towards.
Now I’m not suggesting everyone takes up stand up comedy – but do have a go at something that would be a stretch but would give you an incredible buzz to have done it.