Writing and improvising can be challenging for the novice and the established performer. Often, I refer to my top twenty reminders as an ongoing mantra (and self-tape in my head) to stay nimble, creative, and courageous in a workspace. Confidence is a muscle and a habitual practice that needs to be cultivated and whipped into self-disciplined action.
“You don’t have to go solo on your journey.”
Get out of your own way and allow something bigger than you to guide you. Kill the censor inside of you – now.
Dare to Fail More. Your success depends on making many mistakes and hard fails to reveal the wisdom of getting it right. Side note: I worked in a competitive environment and learned to use every version of failure, other people’s judgment, and rejection to my best advantage. Your best work is not what others think of you, but what you think of yourself and what you are creating. Keep returning to the drawing board and hone your strength. Ignore the noise and follow the failure to succeed.
Declutter. Underneath a pile of mess is the clarity you are seeking. Create the space that nurtures you, not the space that pulls your attention in a hundred directions.
Trick your brain and remind yourself of your brilliance. Use post-its, notes, or whatever strikes your fancy. You are awesome and don’t forget it, my friend.
Slay the ego – you know the one, the naysayer and the voice inside that is judging everything. Give her/him a name and the next time she shows up, set a time limit to return to your creative work at hand.
Know your seasons. Maybe you do your best creating in the spring or summer and the other seasons are part of your gathering and composting process. Every season serves a purpose. Pay attention to your season.
Exercise more. You must move your body often to “shake the funk off” and awaken your nervous system. Sometimes stagnation and depression come from a lack of movement and oxygen. Need inspiration? Watch the die-hard runners along Lakeshore Drive.
Be accountable to someone – a friend, a mentor, a writing group. You don’t have to go solo on your journey. Heck, you can even reach out to me. For over two decades, I’ve committed part of my life’s work to developing and mentoring talent in the industry as a bridge to increase more voices and representation in this improv and storytelling field. I have vivid memories as a college grad of being clueless on how to start my career and not knowing how to get an agent. I told myself I would not let that happen to someone else if I were ever in a position to share my knowledge. Bingo, here I am.
Revisit old work and trust the editing process and revision. Approaching a project, or a writing draft is always best with fresh new eyes. Everything that I thought was good is better a month or two later. Sometimes, a few years depending on the project., but don’t wait that long. Time is creative power.
Listento the tiny, intuitive voice. You know theone that pops up in the shower, after a dream or nap, or from a long walk – listen to your internal messages for clues about your work, life, relationship, and your next big move. The secret is always in listening deeply. This is a nugget of wisdom passed on by many creators and writers. My favorite story was by Pulitzer prize playwright, Suzi Lori Parks who shared at a public event that she sometimes has to pull her car over when she hears characters and “voices.”
Carry a notepad. Write down what you see, hear, and feel. Discover what your muse wants to reveal to you and share it. (Side note #2 – That’s how this post came about.) I’ve been a journaler ever since I was a teenager. Looking back on the history of my life has spawned many new business ideas and passages for writing. Not to mention, old memory detours with exes.
Create writing goals or any personal goals that are important to you – daily, monthly, or yearly. Refer to #8 for implementation.
Write the dream and keep it in plain sight. Your dream is worthy. Our imaginative longings deserve to take up space in our lives and can be manifested in a version that is ideal for us.
Read more. Visit a library and check out some books, the old-fashioned way. Ever since I downloaded the Libby app offered by the Chicago public library, I receive pings on the New Yorker and useful writer magazines. The library can help you achieve reader goals.
Breathe deeply. Stop holding your breath and take in deep inhalations and exhalations – your body will thank you.
Have lunch with a friend and listen to them. An act of kindness goes a long way by giving you new ideas and receiving their gentle nudges of doing your best work. Thank you @JillPollack Founder of Story Studio.
Write a letter to someone – yourself included. What you can’t say verbally may flow easily on paper.
Reward yourself for micro wins. Who doesn’t like a dinner treat or indulgent massage for hard work? Track your progress and relish in your results.
Create your art, invention, or idea by saying, “Yes” to yourself. You are a human and that’s what we do, remember? If you took a look around and counted all of the inventions around you by another human, you might get inspired to create your own and pitch on Shark Tank, seriously.
Improvise your life and make your own new rules. All of us are creating blueprints and figuring LIFE out. I always find it useful to pay attention to the wisdom left by other life warriors who leave their clues on a journey. (Side note #3 – Improv works its magic when you allow it to transform you and change for the greater good. Make the world a better place.)
Dionna Griffin-Irons teaches improv, writing and comedic storytelling at The Second City, Depaul University, University of Illinois Chicago, Revival Theatre and Story Studio Chicago. She is the Groundlings Inclusion Consultant in LA and lives in Chicago. She is a proud Second City Detroit alum and the longtime former Director of Diversity and Talent Development of the legendary theatre institution. #25yearvet dionnagriffinirons.com
Photo Credit: DePaul Creating From Abundance class with comedy filmmakers – 2025
