We've all heard that "patience is a virtue." "Good things come to those who wait." "Nothing good comes easy." Those are phrases I've heard and tried to keep in mind throughout my comedy journey.
The truth is it takes time to meet your goals. Sometimes, it takes a lot more time than you hoped for. Sometimes, other people reach your goals before you do. It's easy to get frustrated.
I think what helped me was to put my goals on the back burner for a while. I wanted to be on Best of Atlanta at Laughing Skull, I wanted to get more weekend work and make a little money doing what I love. But I was forcing it. I wasn't giving myself the time I needed.
So instead of trying to kick down the door and force things that weren't meant to happen, I took a step back. I relaxed. I gave myself permission to let it go and forge my own path. So that's what I've been trying to do. Sometimes the best opportunities come because you didn't get the thing you thought you wanted.
I stopped trying to get on Best of Atlanta. I told myself that it's a great goal to have but it's not the end all be all. I was listening to this song recently where the lyrics said, "Bloom where you're planted in." And that's sort of what I did.
I started some shows where I lived. There are no comedy shows around here. So I started an open mic. Word of mouth got around and I got offered to do another show in a town right down the street from me. I decided to take advantages of the opportunities that did come my way.
And low and behold, because I focused on myself and just being the best stand-up I could be, I was finally given the opportunity to be on Best of Atlanta. It was a dream come true for me to be asked. I've been doing stand-up for 8 years and doing that show has been the biggest goal.
Goals take time. They come when you put your head down and do what you love. Even if I never got the chance, I'd still be doing comedy because I love it.
I'll do the shows that are offered to me and if none come my way, I'll just figure out a way to make my own.
So if you're a comedian and you're feeling down or you feel like you aren't growing as fast as you hoped, just keep working. I wish the formula was easier than that. But it's not. Everyone has to find their own way. Work on your craft. Become the best comedian you can be. Don't compare yourself to others. Remember why you started comedy in the first place.
These are things I've struggled with. Anyways, I've got some fart jokes to write.