Hi Everyone!! Here is Part 2 of “Stand-Up Comedy: 11 Life Lessons Learned on Stage.”

These are numbers 5 through 1. 

I originally intended on publishing all 11 at the same time. But…I realized that it was way too long of an article with all 11. So, here we go. Hope you enjoy them.

I’ve been performing stand-up comedy for nearly two years.  My first actual “show” was in March 2013, but I began writing and practicing in January of that year.

I am (by far) a newbie at stand-up. But…nevertheless…I have learned a few things along the way.

These lessons that I’ve learned aren’t necessarily new to me. Or new to probably most of you.

But…they are certainly important life lessons that have been (once again) confirmed.

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5.  Go with the flow.

Some nights are awful. Nothing you say can make that audience connect with you. Is it you? Is it them? Is it a combo of the two? Who knows. But, if this happens. Just roll with it. Stay true to yourself and know that not all things in life are easy. Luckily, I have had the fortune of having mostly positive nights on stage. But, there has been a few rough ones. And how I got through it in one piece was simple. I kept my composure and rolled with it.

I’ve tried to transfer that skill into everyday life, and it seems to work. Go with the flow, man. Can’t change everything, so you might as well accept it.

4. Be in the moment.

You get so much more out of life when you are “in” the moment. And not thinking about everything you have to do tomorrow, and the next day, and the next. Living in the moment helps you live a full life. You are experiencing each thing, as it comes. Being on stage has taught me the value of being in the moment. Because if you get too far ahead of yourself, you will lose focus and the attention of your audience.

3.  Think outside the box.

Find things that are out of the ordinary. Study them. Understand them. Then… try to relate them back to the daily grind we all go through. Connect dots that are not yet connected. That’s the way to aim for greatness. Venture outside that invisible structure that you live inside.

When you approach a relatable situation with a unique twist, people love it. Because it’s a new way of looking at an old idea.

2. Find inspiration in the little things.

I love this idea. Seriously. You can find inspiration in anything. Whether it’s a leaf on you windshield or a song you’ve heard a million times, inspiration is everywhere.  You just have to be open to it. Clear your brain for 5 seconds, and just enjoy your surroundings. When I am looking for a new joke, I just let it all go…so I can see where my mind takes me. Because, how it gets there – is the fun part.

1. Show the love.

Generate a positive presence on stage, and in every part of your life.  If you give love, you’ll get love. It’s that simple. When I grab the mic out of the stand, I look out at the audience and give them a smile of appreciation. Because for the next 5 – 10 minutes, the audience and I are going on a journey – together. I show them love and respect. And, in turn, they hopefully show it back.