Improv Wisdom: Don't Prepare, Just Show Up

by Patricia Ryan Madson

The only real failure is not doing anything.

In the center of our anxiety is the seed of the desire to achieve, to do well.

Edward’s life improved when he got his body to the place where his heart knew he ought to be.

The more precise my vision of an outcome, the more likely I am to be disappointed.

Become a confident mistake-maker. Lighten up. Notice how often a mistake can be an opportunity or even a blessing. If your mistake creates a problem for others, don’t forget to apologize.

It is a poor habit to allow emotions to dictate behavior.

Choose your behavior mindfully. That’s real personal power.

Do the hard thing first.

We are told early in training to make our partner look good, to do whatever is necessary to honor and advance all of his offers. The safety, welfare, and reputation of each player are in the hands of his team members. In practical terms we agree to take care of each other.

It’s always my job, if the job needs doing and I am there to do it.

the central theme, is that each of us is the center of the universe—the most important thing on earth. We’re being told we’re the heaviest object around and that everything needs to orbit around our ideas of convenience and comfort—this Bud’s for you.

Show up on time. Be nice to people. Do what you say you’ll do. Deliver more than you promise. Work with enthusiasm and passion.

Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy. —THICH NHAT HANH

“Be fanatically positive and militantly optimistic. If something’s not to your liking, change your liking.”15