2013 is almost over. Now is the time for quiet reflection on our achievements, beating ourselves up about the things we didn’t do and planning what we must achieve in 2014.
I’ve learnt a lot this year. Below is my list in no particular order.
If you are not learning – then what’s the point? What have you learnt this year that you would like to share?
See you in 2014.
Back in February I wrote this list of 40 things. I’ve done quite a few things on the list. But there is still more to do.
Recently I completed no 7 – Do an improvisation class.
When I wrote the list it seemed like a really great idea. When ages ago I signed up to an ‘Improv for Beginners Evening Class’ with the promise of six weeks of a ‘fun friendly and supportive environment with no previous experience needed’ I thought great – what is the worst that can happen?
At the beginning of November in the afternoon before my first class I almost talked myself out of going. Too much work to do, too tired, too cold, too far etc (Ever done this? Sound familiar?). I tried to talk myself out of going because I was scared. I was scared of what I might have to do. I was scared of the unknown. I was scared that I was going to have to spend two uncomfortable hours in a room of extroverted drama students trying really hard to be funny. It would have been much easier to convince myself that it wasn’t for me and stick in my comfort zone. But I’m so glad I didn’t.
Improv isn’t doing comedy or being funny – although it can be. According to our friends at wiki it’s about creating action without pre planning. It’s about reacting in the moment.
And being able to react in the moment is a good skill for life. I’ve learnt way more than I can cover in one blog post in the last 6 weeks.
The biggest learning for me has been learning that it’s OK to fail. Because no matter what you say or do, whatever ridiculous thing blurts out of your mouth it’s the job of the team to accept what you say, work with it and keep building on ideas. So whatever you do or say ‘the rule of improv’ is that your team has got your back. And that feels great.
Now just think about how cool that would be if that rule applied to ‘real life’.
I’ve written several blogs about the importance of learning from failure and building an environment where taking risks and failing is OK. And whilst we all generally agree with the theory, it is much harder in practice to push ourselves out of our comfort zones, risk failing at something and then stand up and shout about it.
But imagine how much more good work could get done if we were not so afraid to fail?
So if you are serious about creating that environment in your work; with your team or in your personal life, where it really is ok to fail, I absolutely suggest that you give improv a go. Because that’s how you learn, through experience, by taking risks, putting yourself on the line, knowing what it feels like to be part of a supportive team which gives you the confidence to experiment without fear because – your team has your back.
The guys that have my back are Hoopla! I love them and my new team so much I’m going to do their next course.
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