At the New York Improv Theater, we teach the power of simple choices. Improv performers, tasked with creating scripts on the fly, learn to stay grounded in the present: Who they are, Where they are, and What they’re doing.
We achieve this through inner monologues and subtext, stepping into our characters’ shoes and leaving our own egos and insecurities at the door. Initially, it’s a conscious effort, but like any art, technique eventually gives way to instinct. We reprogram ourselves to be curious instead of judgmental, to embrace “Yes, and…” instead of defaulting to “No.” We eventually develop rich lives and stories instead of just talking about stuff.
A quick sidebar: Never say “Yes” to things that put you in actual physical, mental, or emotional danger. However, fear often shuts us down unnecessarily. We avoid hope to prevent disappointment, but don’t let the fear of tomorrow ruin today. Never say “Yes” to abuse, but don’t let the fear of potential hurt keep you from experiencing joy.
When we’re tired or unfocused, we fall back on technique, using physical, mental, and vocal warm-ups to get back on track. Soon, our instincts take over again, trusting ourselves and our scene partners to deliver.
These improv techniques aren’t just for the stage. We teach corporate groups, college students, and even K-12 schools how to apply them in their daily lives. We can silence negative voices by flooding our minds with choices, catch ourselves not listening or jumping to judgment, and choose to be more open to new ideas.
It’s human nature to protect ourselves with “No.” We judge, categorize, withdraw, or attack, succumbing to the fight-or-flight response ingrained in us. But few realize we can use improv techniques to break free from these patterns.
You have more power than you think!!!
We give away this power through apathy, bad choices, or simply believing we have no options. We stay in abusive homes or dead-end jobs out of fear. We fall victim to misinformation that preys on our anxieties.
But like in improv, start with one simple choice at a time. Don’t overhaul everything at once. Practice saying “Yes” to possibilities. Catch yourself being negative or disengaged. Choose to be a better friend, student, teacher, parent, employee, or employer.
Some choices won’t work out. And that’s okay.
Failure doesn’t exist until you give up on yourself.
If you see every mistake as a learning opportunity, there is no failure. True failure lies in making no choices, allowing others to dictate your life, and sinking deeper into unsatisfying situations.
Apathy is an epidemic. People numb themselves to joy, hope, and trust. I can’t guarantee you won’t get hurt. People can be cruel. But I’ve also learned that our greatest friend might betray us, and our perceived enemy might surprise us with kindness.
When you don’t fear failure, there are no closed doors, only forks in the road. Every perceived failure can lead to something new and often better than where you were stuck before. Stay open to possibilities, and you’ll find that even the most unexpected turns can lead to amazing destinations.
Don’t despair. Start changing our story one choice at a time. We are playing the long game so start changing tiur life today!
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