On this International Day of Education, I want to share a bit about my standup course and the value of continuous learning in our creative pursuits.
Starting from scratch and meeting new people in the course has been a great experience for me. It’s refreshing to leave behind what I already know and embrace the challenge of learning a new skill. While I have some experience with improv, this course is focused on writing material. I’m embracing the opportunity to be a sponge and absorb all the knowledge and techniques.
During one of our exercises, I attempted a pre-prepared bit, but it didn’t quite land with the audience. In the past, this might have upset me, but now I understand my strengths and weaknesses as a performer. I excel at storytelling and finding humor in the moment, rather than relying on rehearsed routines. It’s a journey of self-compassion and acceptance.
Learning is not just about facts and figures for me. It’s about expanding my horizons as a human being and applying that knowledge to my creative work. The standup course, for example, will enhance my writing skills and may even improve my confidence as a performer. Additionally, I’m growing as a coach and refining my methods to deliver value to others.
I believe in the power of teaching and sharing knowledge. Research shows that we retain 95% of what we teach to others. So, even if you’re not an instructor, consider conveying information in your art or creativity. Find interesting concepts you’ve recently learned and think about how to communicate them in your own unique way.
For example, Yacko’s “Countries of the World” song from Animaniacs creatively communicates geography. A comic from XKCD cleverly explains the idea of using memorable phrases instead of complex passwords. And a book called Grinny taught me a linguistic rule that still resonates with me today.
Teaching and conveying information not only benefits others but also helps us as creators. It allows us to retain knowledge and make connections between different ideas. It’s like a constant process of sparking new connections and creating something unique.
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