LOW EXPECTATIONS
Sometimes comedians will discuss a nightmare show; the "hell gig". Since we are all hungry for stage time, especially early in our careers, we take those shows. A show is a show. They are not considered when folks look at glorified life of stand up comedy. Whether its a bar that has TVs on during the show, rowdy crowds or white-clawing it through a snowstorm four hour drive through Wisconsin, they are all considered "hell gigs."
Unless you set your expectations low. Recently I had some shows that had been "hell gigs" for others and even myself in the past. I went into them, thinking that at least I am getting extended sets to work on my new jokes and my new hour. I also took the shows as part of a larger run of shows to fill schedule gaps. My personal experiences with one show made me prepare for the worst and having regrets even minutes before I started the show. My expectations were low, especially after having a run of amazing shows at comedy clubs.

Well, one "hell gig" turned into a really show with new super fans! Not only did I work on my new hour of material, but I had some new interactions or "crowd work" pieces that could turn into bits. I sold many of my "Better Call Paul" shirts, which donate all the proceeds to Parkinson's Foundation this month. Not all of the gigs have this happy ending and sometimes shows we look forward to, end up being the nightmare gigs. For now, I will take the wins where I can get them. I did a sketch about this a while ago with my friend Derick Lengwenus which I will post below. #mondaymotivation #careerchange #formerlawyer #standupcomedy
Hell gig -->  https://youtu.be/CUoTD1RMJ_I

Sometimes you can work hard and be kind and forces out of your control can negate your efforts. No matter how well you do on stage as a comedian, people won't like you personally or your comedy or will even hold a grudge when they felt slighted. It is hard to accept these set backs, especially for people like me who need control.

Recently I had opportunities taken from me from a gatekeeper who does not know me well and has not seen my stand up comedy. The reasoning behind this is whats most puzzling, since again, I do not know this person well. Perhaps its because I assisted a friend who is this person's enemy or I rubbed the person wrong, I really am not sure. It sucks to have this happen and especially when the reasoning is so childish, but that's the nature of the business. I can't control other people's agendas but I can navigate other rooms. Other opportunities will arise and onward we move. If you have any connections for venues in the Midwest outside of Chicago, please send them my way! I am looking for new venues in the Spring and want to come to your towns! I look forward to my shows this weekend in St. Paul at Laugh Camp and next week at the Drop in South Bend Indiana. #standupcomedy #standu #laughs #careerchange #formerlawyer

I have never been a New Years Resolution person - maybe I should resolve to work out more, especially with all the weight I gained during my COVID stint! I also tend to never plan beyond my immediate future. I always hated the "where do you see yourself in five years" question because I could not think that far ahead. Instead, I always tried to process immediate experiences and opportunities and let them advance me personally and professionally. Happenstance played a big role in almost all of my professional advances from music, music management, law and comedy.

Lately, however, I have been trying to make better decisions about accepting opportunities to ensure that they will advance me. I also physically listed my short term and long term goals for the first time in my life. I guess that's the closest I will get to a New Years resolution. Hope to see you at the shows this month in Detroit (this weekend), Chicago (next), St. Paul (2 weeks) and Indiana. #newyears #careerchange #formerlawyer #standupcomedy