
Right around the corner from this 2014 holiday season is a new year, so it’s a good time to think about how to make 2015 a year to improve your clowning and make yourself a better, more complete clown.
Yes, it’s a holly jolly very merry time to make resolutions for the evolution, revolution, and reconstitution of your clown (and whatever kind of comical character resides within your soul) in 2015.
But before you resolve to save the art of clowning, start small. Make a simple, realistic commitment to do one small thing every day (maybe even just once a week, if that’s all that fits into your life and schedule) that improves your life, your clown, your character, your art, or your sense of humor. Have a good reason and not a whim, because when things get tough or you want to rationalize yourself out of it, “it sounded good” or “it’ll make me look good” won’t do.
And, if you’re starting a new habit, make sure you enjoy it, or it won’t last longer than a corner lot Christmas tree on December 24.
So, ready to get started on the 2015 phase of your own personal ‘clown-in-progress’ journey? Consider one or two of these ideas:
1. Learn something new.
Learn at least one new clown skill this year (e.g. take a workshop, make your own props, learn to play a musical instrument, sing funny songs or tell funny stories if you’re a face painter).
2. Exercise your clown.
Exercise your clown mind, body, and soul through regular study, practice, and/or rehearsal sessions. Create the space and dedicate the time. And, rehearse more than you think you need to.
3. Laugh out loud.
Do something every day that makes you laugh out loud (like reading the comics – try GoComics.com – or an e-mailed joke or watching classic YouTube clips, every day . . . LOL!).
4. Have a new experience.
Give your clown at least one new experience that expands and stretches your character, your skills, your comfort level, and your clown perspective (clown someplace you’ve never clowned before, volunteer, or get yourself a coach or mentor to push you through your next clown growth spurt and hold you accountable for your goals and resolutions).
5. Learn from your mistakes.
Allow yourself to make more mistakes, and expect them, and accept and embrace them, and learn and improve from them.
6. Eat healthy.
Find at least one new, healthy food that you actually enjoy – and eat it regularly. And maybe subtract from your regular diet one of those sugary or fatty ones. How about a nice pot of green tea?
7. Be thankful.
Be thankful for everything. And send “thank you” notes while you’re still thankful.
8. Say “yes.” And say “no.”
Agree to do something simply because someone asks you. And, do not agree to do something simply because someone asks you.
9. Relieve stress with exercise.
Take a walk, ride a bike, go outside and play, shoot hoops, or get some other exercise whenever you feel stressed. Or to head off the stress. Your clown will thank you with more energy and greater focus. Your dog will appreciate it, too!
10. Sleep.
Get as much sleep as you need to be happy, healthy, sharp, quick-witted, and fun to be around.
11. Read.
Always have a book in-progress, and make continuous, daily progress. Or maybe have your own book or journal in-progress and write something in it every day.
12. Listen and observe.
Listen and observe more (and judge less), think about it, apply it to your clowning (and/or life), and do things differently (and better) next time.
13. Take care of your support system.
Take care of your family, mate, partner(s), coach(es), and close friends (so they can take care of and support you and your clowning).
14. Know what matters. Really.
Ask yourself when in a tough spot, “Will this really matter in 5 years? Will it matter in 1 year? Next week?” Then, act on it with that perspective, make the best of it, do all you can do, and get on with it. Pray (or something else to keep you spiritually grounded and focused on what REALLY matters). Laugh. Heck, imagine you’re in a situation comedy. Now think of a good plot twist.
Those are a few ideas of things you can do or habits you can develop to improve your clowning in 2015. Remember to start small – be realistic – and stay committed to whatever you pursue. And have fun with it!
Ukulele, anyone?
Yes, it’s a holly jolly very merry time to make resolutions for the evolution, revolution, and reconstitution of your clown (and whatever kind of comical character resides within your soul) in 2015.
But before you resolve to save the art of clowning, start small. Make a simple, realistic commitment to do one small thing every day (maybe even just once a week, if that’s all that fits into your life and schedule) that improves your life, your clown, your character, your art, or your sense of humor. Have a good reason and not a whim, because when things get tough or you want to rationalize yourself out of it, “it sounded good” or “it’ll make me look good” won’t do.
And, if you’re starting a new habit, make sure you enjoy it, or it won’t last longer than a corner lot Christmas tree on December 24.
So, ready to get started on the 2015 phase of your own personal ‘clown-in-progress’ journey? Consider one or two of these ideas:
1. Learn something new.
Learn at least one new clown skill this year (e.g. take a workshop, make your own props, learn to play a musical instrument, sing funny songs or tell funny stories if you’re a face painter).
2. Exercise your clown.
Exercise your clown mind, body, and soul through regular study, practice, and/or rehearsal sessions. Create the space and dedicate the time. And, rehearse more than you think you need to.
3. Laugh out loud.
Do something every day that makes you laugh out loud (like reading the comics – try GoComics.com – or an e-mailed joke or watching classic YouTube clips, every day . . . LOL!).
4. Have a new experience.
Give your clown at least one new experience that expands and stretches your character, your skills, your comfort level, and your clown perspective (clown someplace you’ve never clowned before, volunteer, or get yourself a coach or mentor to push you through your next clown growth spurt and hold you accountable for your goals and resolutions).
5. Learn from your mistakes.
Allow yourself to make more mistakes, and expect them, and accept and embrace them, and learn and improve from them.
6. Eat healthy.
Find at least one new, healthy food that you actually enjoy – and eat it regularly. And maybe subtract from your regular diet one of those sugary or fatty ones. How about a nice pot of green tea?
7. Be thankful.
Be thankful for everything. And send “thank you” notes while you’re still thankful.
8. Say “yes.” And say “no.”
Agree to do something simply because someone asks you. And, do not agree to do something simply because someone asks you.
9. Relieve stress with exercise.
Take a walk, ride a bike, go outside and play, shoot hoops, or get some other exercise whenever you feel stressed. Or to head off the stress. Your clown will thank you with more energy and greater focus. Your dog will appreciate it, too!
10. Sleep.
Get as much sleep as you need to be happy, healthy, sharp, quick-witted, and fun to be around.
11. Read.
Always have a book in-progress, and make continuous, daily progress. Or maybe have your own book or journal in-progress and write something in it every day.
12. Listen and observe.
Listen and observe more (and judge less), think about it, apply it to your clowning (and/or life), and do things differently (and better) next time.
13. Take care of your support system.
Take care of your family, mate, partner(s), coach(es), and close friends (so they can take care of and support you and your clowning).
14. Know what matters. Really.
Ask yourself when in a tough spot, “Will this really matter in 5 years? Will it matter in 1 year? Next week?” Then, act on it with that perspective, make the best of it, do all you can do, and get on with it. Pray (or something else to keep you spiritually grounded and focused on what REALLY matters). Laugh. Heck, imagine you’re in a situation comedy. Now think of a good plot twist.
Those are a few ideas of things you can do or habits you can develop to improve your clowning in 2015. Remember to start small – be realistic – and stay committed to whatever you pursue. And have fun with it!
Ukulele, anyone?