Standup Comedy: Try New Things — by Thom Singer

What scares you? Three years ago I couldn’t have imagined doing a standup comedy set in front of people. Now I am at standup comedy open mics each week (honestly- while I have gotten better…. I have a long way to go to craft and master this art form).

Comedy has just been one of the parts to my motto of “Try New Things”. The list is ling and getting longer as I keep pushing forward. For the past five years I have attempted many things outside my comfort zones. Some good- and some not as good. But I keep trying my hand at fresh things in my life and career. Standup has been the stand out effort I have made, as it really has had a huge impact on my whole life.

The past 15 months were really hard for many people with the pandemic. It was for me, as much of my career got turned upside down and I had to reposition. Being a professional speaker and watching all meetings vanish was hard. I had to try new things and add ways to earn a living that were not what I had done before.

Each time I do standup I am reminded about the importance of doing the work, learning, and trying your best. Good or bad doesn’t matter- just do it. Then getting up and trying again next time. There is not gray area in comedy. People laugh or they do not.

This experience has been key in the changes in how I approach life and work. I keep going back because I have a long way to go to get to the higher levels. For me it is a metaphor and a teacher.

I am grateful to this newish philosophy of “Try New Things” that I have adopted…. And I wish I had started this path much earlier.

When I give a speech and talk about “Try New Things” many come up after and say they would be too scared to do comedy. I say that is the reason to get up in the stage. My new keynote talks about how being the person who is willing to try things leads you to more opportunities.

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About Thom Singer

Thom Singer works for Stanton Chase, a leading executive search firm that specializes in helping companies and associations place key hires. He is also a keynote speaker and professional master of ceremonies / EmCee
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After a successful career in sales and marketing, Thom Singer became a growth leadership speaker in 2009. A decade later he has brought his high energy presentations and action-oriented content to over 900 audiences. Thom knows that as the speaker or master of ceremonies he has a responsibility to set the tone for a strong conference attendee experience. Known as “The Conference Catalyst” he creates an atmosphere of fun and interaction that lasts beyond his presentation.
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Thom earned his Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) in 2014 and is committed to the business of meetings. He is the author of 12 books and is the host of the popular “Cool Things Entrepreneurs Do” podcast. On his show he has interviewed over 400 entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, business leaders and others with a focus on discovering how the most successful people get farther across the gap between potential and results.

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At 50 years old Thom decided to reinvent his life and make age 50 to 75 the best years of his life. This meant saying yes to things that scared him, and trying new things. Since that time Thom has jumped off buildings, took up running (and lost 30 lbs) and began performing stand up comedy.

Originally published at https://thomsinger.com on June 15, 2021.