How to Get Ahead in Improv Without Really Trying

With the new year upon us, I thought I would share with you five things that have helped me in my improv career. With a little courage and willingness, these five things can make a big difference in your career and in your life.

1. Be More Grateful
   How can you be grateful? Easy. Take out a pen and a piece of paper and write down 10 things you accomplished this year. Yes, right now. I'll wait.
   
   When you are done, you will be surprised how much you achieved this year. Now the hard part. Call someone you trust and ask if you can read them out loud. Be aware that reading them out loud may bring up feelings, like joy.
   
2. Do What Is In Front of You
   The best projects I have ever been a part of just came to me – they fell out of the sky, dropped right into my lap. I am out of metaphors. But this only happens when I am putting myself out there. The first time I did a stand-up at The Laugh Factory, I got three paid gigs, not because I was expecting it, but because I was doing the work. To prove my point, the next two times I did stand-up at the Laugh Factory, I got no paid gigs (and even more disappointment) because I had expeditions. The key here is just keep doing the work and trust that things will come your way, and when they do, say yes to them.
   
3. Keep Building Relationships
   Opportunities come from relationships. That’s why it’s so important to take care of the relationships you have, nurture them, and be kind to everyone. I have learned that the people I have gotten the most help from over the years are from people outside my circle of friends. The point is, you never know where and who your opportunities are going to come from. So be nice to everyone.
   
4. Be Generous With Your Praise
   If you are insecure like me, the hardest thing to do is sincerely compliment another improviser if you like what they did. Yes, it can feel a little awkward at first, but regardless of how they respond, complimenting someone else always makes me feel better. Now the hard part. I have found when giving compliments, I start getting more myself, which begs the question, which is harder to do: to give a compliment or get one? I’ll let you decide.

• Stop Comparing Yourself to Others
  Nothing kills joy faster than comparing yourself to others. Teddy Roosevelt was right when he said, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” Comparing yourself to others is just a clever way of putting ourselves down. The comedy business can feel competitive at times, and we need all the support and encouragement we can get, and that starts with being kind and loving to ourselves.

Want to learn a new way of improv that is as easy as having a conversation? Don't miss Jimmy's next Advanced Virtual Improv Class, staring Jan. 12!