Let's Get Critical

Face it. Critics are EVERYWHERE. No matter what you do, you will be criticized by SOMEONE. If you are doing something new, something different, something CREATIVE -at some point, you are going to be criticized. It is all part of putting yourself OUT there.

I wish I could remember WHO it was that gave me this piece of advice when I was a new-ish performer, but, this person said something so wise that the ADVICE has stuck with me for years, this person said, "Michele, if you believe the GOOD reviews, you're going to have to believe the BAD reviews, too. The truth is somewhere in the middle."

How do you handle criticism? Does it push you further? Or do you give up? Does it make you angry? Does it make you pull away? Does it make you sad? Does it hurt your feelings?

I'll be honest, criticism can -and has- caused me to do and feel ANY and ALL of those things!

Some days, we are stronger than other days. But, the one thing we can do is KNOW that we will be attacked by criticism at some point.

My advice?

Brace yourself . . . Figure out how you are going to cope BEFORE the criticism happens. Figure out the best way for YOU to fill your "BANK" of love an acceptance. When you need to, go to your bank and make a withdrawal.

Some things I do, I keep a file of all the nice emails that people have sent me about my work. I write down in my calendar any nice words that people say to me. I "pin" inspirational, motivational quotes that mean something to me to my Pinterest account. When I'm low, when I need to re-charge -I look at those things in my personal bank and it makes me feel better, it uplifts me.

But, my secret weapon is to I go out and fill OTHER people's banks. When I am feeling the MOST criticized (or am criticizing MYSELF) I reach out to others and write a note of encouragement or praise. It instantly stops me from getting wrapped up in my own personal junk and focusing on loving and praising others.

How do YOU  handle criticism? What techniques do you have that could help others?

5 Positive Traits of Improvisers

I came across this great article (and video) on The Do's and Don'ts of Improv Comedy! Click HERE to read the article and see Liam Neeson completely break all the rules of improv . . . And, it got me thinking . . .

I'm a HUGE advocate of teaching improv to everyone because I thinks it teaches all of us to be BETTER PEOPLE. Watching this video and reading this article, 5 things struck me about improv in the "real" world:

1. INCLUSION

Improv is about including OTHERS in the scene, whether it is the audience or the other players. Improvisers understand that the scene is funnier, the moment richer when they include others. The same goes for life. Look at the person who just walked up to the most awkward person in the place and is having a genuine, engaged conversation. Odds are, that person has practiced improv in their life.

2. ACCEPTANCE

The "yes, and . . . " rule is all about ACCEPTING what IS. An improviser wastes everyone's time when they fight what has been offered in the scene -by fighting what IS- and the same happens in life. Accepting what is before you and DEALING with it is where your CREATIVITY comes in to play. People waste so much time fighting what they cannot control, rather than controlling their response to a situation. I find that those with improv training are better at rolling with the punches.

3. RELEASE

Improvisers understand that there are a hundred different ways an offer can be accepted and added to. They quickly release 99 of those options and pick ONE. Then they move on. No regrets. No going back. They make a split-second decision and move ON. Applying this to life, an improviser realizes that not everything is going to work out perfectly, and they are happy to just move on and TRY AGAIN.

4. TEAMWORK

Improvisers quickly learn the value of being a team player. Team players are focused on the success of the group and not focused selfishly on themselves. If your improv team hates you, they will -at best -tolerate you. The worst case scenario for improvisers who are selfish and not part of the group is outright animosity and sabotage of your scenes. Improv scenes with an overbearing, selfish actor are uncomfortable to watch. In the business world, selfish folks get the same kind of treatment and it is uncomfortable to participate.

5. INDIVIDUALITY

Improvisers LOVE their teammates for their unique individual strengths. This is the way it should be in life. Where everyone's strengths are supported and showcased. Improvisation teaches the players to bring out the unique strengths of everyone in a scene. If Mary does a spot-on, hysterical impression of a celebrity, then Max might steer the scene in the direction of getting Mary to showcase that skill. It makes the scene funnier and they BOTH look good. I've never understood why business "leaders" spend so much time trying to build up someone's weak skills to the detriment of showcasing their amazing skills.