The Gift of Bombing

Every comedian’s nightmare is bombing—putting out your new stuff to be met with uncomfortable silence. Or worse, “that’s not funny.”

But it’s a gift.

Going to the gym and open mics are painful for me because I hate underperforming. Bombing s like push ups—I know it’s good for me but I just put it off. I honestly don’t bomb enough.

Knowing that I can say things that aren’t met with immediate applause and laughter and survive is a great thing. Building the emotional muscles to take that risk makes me feel invincible!

Can you imagine living your life without worrying that people won’t like what you say or do? I can’t say that I’m all the way there, but you know what? Every time I step up to a microphone is a chance to either be successful and it’s a chance to build my bombing muscle.

For a very shy person who lived her life in fear of being criticized, this is a big deal. And the secret—support. Practicing with a supportive group so that I know that no matter what happens in this arena or that performance, my home crowd still gets me.

This I wish for you—the gift of support and the gift of bombing. With both of these gifts, you too will be invincible!