Introduction: Improv Wisdom: Don't Prepare, Just Show Up by Patricia Ryan Madson
Life is a balancing act. You make it up as you go along. Improvise in every aspect of your life. Take risks, make mistakes, and look silly. No one lives in a world that requires perfection. We are always our own harshest critics. Accept good enough, because it is better than nothing.
The improvisation journey started for me at least 15 years ago. At the time, a colleague who taught at Second City recommended I take an improv course there. There were five levels of improv classes and I thought that I’d take a few levels. I ended up taking only one level of improv classes and it was an eye-opening experience for me. The concept of Yes, And was game-changing.
As an introvert, I’m not someone who often thinks on her feet. I like to think about things before I act, which is not always a good thing. Improvisation is supposed to help you think on your feet. Since I won’t be taking any more improv classes for now, the next best thing is to read books on the topic. Improv Wisdom is the second improv book that I’ve read and I have a few more to read.
Summary of Improv Wisdom: Don't Prepare, Just Show Up by Patricia Ryan Madson
In Improv Wisdom, Patricia Madson distills thirty years of experience into thirteen simple strategies that will help you to think on your feet. What I also like is that for every maxim, she includes exercises for the reader to do.
- Say Yes.
- Don’t Prepare.
- Just Show Up.
- Start Anywhere.
- Be Average.
- Pay Attention.
- Face the Facts.
- Stay on Course.
- Wake Up to the Gifts.
- Make Mistakes, Please.
- Act Now.
- Take Care of Each Other.
- Enjoy the Ride.
“A good improviser is someone who is awake, not entirely self-focused, and moved by a desire to do something useful and give something back and who acts upon this impulse.” Patricia Ryan Madson, Improv Wisdom
First Maxim: Say Yes
When you say ‘Yes’ you enter a world where you take action. ‘Yes’ is one secret of improvisation. This is not about being a ‘yes-man’. You won’t be pandering to other people. Saying ‘Yes’ is about courage and optimism. You share control with the other person, extending the conversation and expanding your world.
Saying ‘Yes’ more frequently presents you with more opportunities and often brings positive, unexpected results. If someone asks you for help, and you’re able to offer it, do so. Saying ‘Yes’ and following through prevents you from blocking. Blocking is a way of controlling a situation instead of accepting it. Common ways you block include.
- Say ‘No’.
- Have a better idea.
- Change the subject.
- Correct the speaker.
- Fail to listen.
- Ignore the situation.
Because blocking is so pervasive, you seldom realize you’re doing it.
Second Maxim: Don’t Prepare
Clear your mind. Don’t fill it with plans for the future. Be present. Be open to receiving unexpected gifts.
“The habit of excessive planning impedes our ability to see what is actually in front of us. The mind that is occupied is missing the present.”
To improvise, you need to be in the present moment. Don’t prepare for an outcome, be open to what comes your way. Pay attention instead of preparing. Work in real time. Trust your mind and imagination.
5 Universal Human Fear
- Fear of death.
- Fear of loss of income.
- Fear of loss of reputation.
- Fear of loss of consciousness.
- Fear of public speaking.
Third Maxim: Just Show Up
Move toward your dreams. Stop making excuses for not showing up. Don’t wait for inspiration or a good idea before you decide to show up. Kickstart your life. Be on time when you show up. Use rituals as powerful triggers to show up. Preparing rituals are powerful. Rituals can help to create order and harmony.
Showing up is a key principle when you offer services to others. Show up regularly.
Fourth Maxim: Start Anywhere
Begin where you are. Don’t wait to start. What’s in front of you right now? There’s no ideal starting point or proper beginning. This is poignant for me because I often delay the start so that I can plan. Planning is important, but sometimes you just have to jump in and get your feet wet.
This rule is very freeing. You can start making progress on your dream or your dreaded task at any time.
Identify a project or task you need to do and get started. What comes to your mind is what you need to do first.
Fifth Maxim: Be Average
When you give all you have, that often backfires. Tell yourself to be average, which takes the pressure off. When I read this a memory resurfaced for me.
“The greatest secret in the world is that you only have to be a small, measurable amount better than mediocrity… and you’ve got it made.” Og Mandino, The Greatest Secret in the World
When you always force yourself to do your best, you set yourself up to lose. This often causes you to be tense and anxious. When you change your expectations, you often take the pressure off. This often cheers you up.
Sixth Maxim: Pay Attention
Notice what’s going on around you. Pay attention to everything. Your quality of life depends on you paying attention. Take away the focus from yourself and your problem. Develop your power of observation.
Twelfth Maxim: Take Care of Each Other
Be generous. Look at what others need. Try to improve the other person's situation. Choose to be a guardian angel to someone. Learn how to work with others. Share control with others. Pay attention to the moment and what’s needed. Acting with consideration and kindness promotes a sense of security. Develop your listening skills. What gift can you give to another?
Thirteenth Maxim: Enjoy the Ride
Having fun loosens the mind. Laugh for no reason. Pleasure makes learning easier and creates the condition for discovery. Enjoy the life you have now. Smile often. Play in nature. Do something just for the fun of it. Do things even if you don’t enjoy them. Check your attitude. Years ago, I attended Laughter Yoga at the Omega Centre. It was the weirdest thing to laugh for no reason. But after a while, you felt happier and lighter.
Conclusion: Improv Wisdom: Don't Prepare, Just Show Up by Patricia Ryan Madson
The world is changing rapidly. Therefore, organizations must respond with agility. Employees must learn how to improvise. Improvising means being able to do what’s necessary given the right circumstances. When events occur that are devastating, also look for the gift in them. For instance, the global pandemic is a devastating event – so many people have suffered and even died. But one thing it taught us is that life is fleeting. It has also brought mental health and self-care to the forefront.
Next Steps
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