One Saturday night, years ago, I was performing at The Comedy Store in Los Angeles. I was backstage conversing with a fellow comedian named Steve. We were discussing what a trip it was to make people laugh and better yet, get paid for it. We agreed that the power of laughter has many medicinal purposes. I suggested that since we were responsible for making people laugh, that would make us "Humor Healing Technicians".
The conversation took on a more serious tone when Steve told me he was HIV positive. I asked how he was dealing with it. He said, "Watch me. I'm going on before you, Watch my set." I went to the back of the room and stood by some other comedians. The room was sold-out - standing room only. Steve was introduced. What transpired within the next twenty minutes totally blew my mind. His entire routine was on the HIV virus. His opening line was: "Hi, I'm Steve and I'm HIV positive. Don't be concerned, Naomi Judd was diagnosed with chronic Hepatitis C. The good news is that we are going to form a duo and call ourselves Sick and Tired."
Steve had an incredible ability to use humor as a tool. His HUMOR BEING glowed that night. His comic timing was exceptional; equaled only by the powerful message that was interwoven in and around the laughter. He even found humor in the many side effects that occurred from all the different medications he was taking. There were over five hundred people in that room and Steve had them all in the palm of his hand. He make them realize how healing laughter can be and how precious life truly is. I remember saying to another comedian, "This guy is making people laugh about one of the biggest challenges to face this planet."
Later that evening our conversation continued. I told Steve that what he did on stage took courage and was absolutely incredible. He smiled and said, "Thank you but, the really good news is that my white blood count went up phenomenally, ever since I chose to deal with this challenge with humor." I stood there with my mouth opened, searching for the proper words. Finally I said, "That's incredible."
Later in his career, Steve starred in his own HBO Special entitled, "HIV." He now has a following. There are people who are HIV positive who claim that Steve's humor and message helps them to embrace their challenges. One very important point must be made. Steve was not laughing at his challenge. We know there is nothing funny about the HIV virus. What he was doing, however, was allowing his HUMOR BEING to laugh off the fear that represented the challenge. Laughing in the face of fear eventually helped him confront it. When he confronted his fear he gradually began to understand where it was coming from and why it was controlling his life. Understanding always leads to compassion and compassion leads to the ultimate, unconditional love.
The most incredible accomplishment my friend Steve is making is that he is letting people know they have the power within themselves to view their own personal challenges from the same perspective. He reminds us that we all have a HUMOR BEING within us, but it's up to us whether we choose to use it or not.
Steve Rizzo's Point of Interest
I'm writing to tell you about a great book, "Lead, Sell, or Get Out of the Way." Ron Karr, a friend and colleague, is the author of this book which has been endorsed by several CEO's including Larry Kellner of Continental Airlines. Lead, Sell, or Get Out of the Way examines the 7 leadership traits top producing sales people count on for their success. Case studies are included to show how Ron's strategies work in real life and the dramatic results they have produced. Clients claim the strategies covered in this book have generated well over half a billion dollars in incremental revenues.
This book is the real deal. It is ideal for any sales representative, provider of professional services, and sales executive who is looking to grow their sales in this tough economy.
For more information and to order this book from one of your favorite retailers, please go to http://LeadSellorGetOutofTheWay.com or order it on Amazon today http://tinyurl.com/cb8ufm
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
WAY BEYOND COMEDY
Quite often people come up to me and say, Steve (because that's my name), what's one of the main characteristics that separates a comedian from everyone else? I simply respond, that it's the way a comedian looks at life. A comedian views life and all of its obstacles, absurdities, tragedies, mistakes, incomprehensibility's, and embarrassing moments from a humorous perspective. When comedians look at life this way, they're not negating the seriousness of the subject matter, they're just looking at life from a different perspective - it's a healthier perspective - it's the humor perspective.
Let me share with you how I discovered the power of my Humor Being, which was one of the key factors that motivated me to leave stand-up comedy and move on to the speaking forum.
Following a comedy performance I would feel this surge of positive energy flow through my body. This energy surge gave me the confidence that I could achieve and accomplish anything I set my mind to do. Sometimes I would go back to my hotel room and write in my journal or write new material. It seemed that my creative juices flowed from me, into the pen, and onto the paper. Other times I would go out with a group of people, have wonderful conversations, laugh and have fun. The point is, whatever I did I was totally void of all negative thoughts. My problems - whatever they were at the time - somehow seemed manageable. I was living in the moment and enjoying every minute of it.
Initially I thought the reason for these power surges was because I was feeding my ego. You know, standing ovations, signing autographs, and people wanting to be around me. Although all of these things made me feel good, I knew there had to be more to it than that. Then one night after a comedy performance it hit me. It was at a time in my life when I was at an all-time low. I was either in or very close to a state of depression. All of the old fears and limiting beliefs that I thought I had conquered were back, haunting me again. It took everything I had to muster up enough energy and courage to step onto the stage that night. I remember thinking how ironic life is. There I was, ready to make a sold-out crowd of over five hundred people laugh, when what I really wanted to do was tell them how much life sucked. Much to my surprise, I was able to do both.
In spite of my problems - in fact it was because of my problems - I had one of the most spectacular performances of my career. I was on stage for more than two hours and the crowd wanted more. When I finally stepped off the stage the euphoria hit me with more intensity than ever before. I remember saying to myself, "This is way beyond comedy." I actually felt invincible. I felt a presence in me that radiated confidence and hope. I was in a complete state of love - and it was because I had allowed my Humor Being to take me there.
It was then that I discovered the real reason I got the power surge of positive energy. When I'm up on stage, I am in a totally different state of mind. I'm in a place where my problems and the world's problems are viewed in a different light.
That night I did more than my usual act. I let my Humor Being loose and allowed my higher self to take control. I talked about my world and how it was falling apart. I even talked about some painful experiences from my past. I literally laughed off my frustrations, pain, negative labels, and inner most fears. I vented my anger in a constructive way and the crowd loved it. It was like therapy, with a two major differences, I had fun and I didn't have to pay for it.
A few days after my performance, I began to reflect on what had transpired on stage that night. Without my knowledge the owner of the club had recorded my entire performance. When I viewed the tape, I was amazed at what I heard. It felt strange to listen to myself ramble on about my personal history in such a way. I was never afraid to speak my mind, but if I didn't know any better I would have thought I was possessed or that someone had injected me with some kind of serum that made me reveal parts of myself that were never touched before. I now know it was really my Humor Being exposing my fears for what they were. Through laughter I was able to understand that my negative labels and the fears that belonged to them didn't have to formulate my reality if I didn't want them to.
I also came to understand that the reason the people in the audience enjoyed themselves so much was because they were laughing at extensions of themselves. My stories and the humor behind them helped these people view their own personal problems from a healthier perspective. In other words, our Humor Beings were connected. We were feeding off of each other.
That's what humor does. It makes us realize that we are all the same in God's eyes. We have the same fears, pains, and heartaches. We just have different stories to tell. It doesn't matter who you are, what you do, or how much money you make. It doesn't matter if you're black or white, male or female, rich or poor, conservative or liberal, or homosexual or heterosexual. We all make mistakes. We all have our successes and failures. We all have good times and bad times. Humor just has a way of ironing out the wrinkles. Humor helps us embrace who we really are and gives us enough peace to live with it.
The next time you're being entertained by a comedian, listen to the underlying statement that is so often hidden within the laughter. Many comedians are venting their phobias and innermost fears. Some talk about the pain and hassles of divorce and their inability to stay in relationships. Many discuss their addictions to drugs, alcohol, gambling, and sex. Others find levity in their physical or mental handicaps. Some even describe the abuse they had to endure while growing up. As I said at the beginning of this story, they are not negating the seriousness of the subject matter. They are choosing to view their pain from a healthier perspective.
Let me share with you how I discovered the power of my Humor Being, which was one of the key factors that motivated me to leave stand-up comedy and move on to the speaking forum.
Following a comedy performance I would feel this surge of positive energy flow through my body. This energy surge gave me the confidence that I could achieve and accomplish anything I set my mind to do. Sometimes I would go back to my hotel room and write in my journal or write new material. It seemed that my creative juices flowed from me, into the pen, and onto the paper. Other times I would go out with a group of people, have wonderful conversations, laugh and have fun. The point is, whatever I did I was totally void of all negative thoughts. My problems - whatever they were at the time - somehow seemed manageable. I was living in the moment and enjoying every minute of it.
Initially I thought the reason for these power surges was because I was feeding my ego. You know, standing ovations, signing autographs, and people wanting to be around me. Although all of these things made me feel good, I knew there had to be more to it than that. Then one night after a comedy performance it hit me. It was at a time in my life when I was at an all-time low. I was either in or very close to a state of depression. All of the old fears and limiting beliefs that I thought I had conquered were back, haunting me again. It took everything I had to muster up enough energy and courage to step onto the stage that night. I remember thinking how ironic life is. There I was, ready to make a sold-out crowd of over five hundred people laugh, when what I really wanted to do was tell them how much life sucked. Much to my surprise, I was able to do both.
In spite of my problems - in fact it was because of my problems - I had one of the most spectacular performances of my career. I was on stage for more than two hours and the crowd wanted more. When I finally stepped off the stage the euphoria hit me with more intensity than ever before. I remember saying to myself, "This is way beyond comedy." I actually felt invincible. I felt a presence in me that radiated confidence and hope. I was in a complete state of love - and it was because I had allowed my Humor Being to take me there.
It was then that I discovered the real reason I got the power surge of positive energy. When I'm up on stage, I am in a totally different state of mind. I'm in a place where my problems and the world's problems are viewed in a different light.
That night I did more than my usual act. I let my Humor Being loose and allowed my higher self to take control. I talked about my world and how it was falling apart. I even talked about some painful experiences from my past. I literally laughed off my frustrations, pain, negative labels, and inner most fears. I vented my anger in a constructive way and the crowd loved it. It was like therapy, with a two major differences, I had fun and I didn't have to pay for it.
A few days after my performance, I began to reflect on what had transpired on stage that night. Without my knowledge the owner of the club had recorded my entire performance. When I viewed the tape, I was amazed at what I heard. It felt strange to listen to myself ramble on about my personal history in such a way. I was never afraid to speak my mind, but if I didn't know any better I would have thought I was possessed or that someone had injected me with some kind of serum that made me reveal parts of myself that were never touched before. I now know it was really my Humor Being exposing my fears for what they were. Through laughter I was able to understand that my negative labels and the fears that belonged to them didn't have to formulate my reality if I didn't want them to.
I also came to understand that the reason the people in the audience enjoyed themselves so much was because they were laughing at extensions of themselves. My stories and the humor behind them helped these people view their own personal problems from a healthier perspective. In other words, our Humor Beings were connected. We were feeding off of each other.
That's what humor does. It makes us realize that we are all the same in God's eyes. We have the same fears, pains, and heartaches. We just have different stories to tell. It doesn't matter who you are, what you do, or how much money you make. It doesn't matter if you're black or white, male or female, rich or poor, conservative or liberal, or homosexual or heterosexual. We all make mistakes. We all have our successes and failures. We all have good times and bad times. Humor just has a way of ironing out the wrinkles. Humor helps us embrace who we really are and gives us enough peace to live with it.
The next time you're being entertained by a comedian, listen to the underlying statement that is so often hidden within the laughter. Many comedians are venting their phobias and innermost fears. Some talk about the pain and hassles of divorce and their inability to stay in relationships. Many discuss their addictions to drugs, alcohol, gambling, and sex. Others find levity in their physical or mental handicaps. Some even describe the abuse they had to endure while growing up. As I said at the beginning of this story, they are not negating the seriousness of the subject matter. They are choosing to view their pain from a healthier perspective.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Change: What You Think Is What You Get!
Let me make this perfectly clear my friends, change is inevitable in the workplace today!!! Right now we are all experiencing very challenging times in regards to an uncertain and shaky economy. The result; companies are going out of business, people are getting laid off, and many are being forced to change their lifestyles. Regardless of the changes that take place in your life, you must know without a doubt that it's not the change in and of itself that determines your fate, but rather it's the thoughts you have about the change that really makes the difference. So, stop whining about it and think about what you're thinking! In fact, your thoughts are the key factor as to whether you embrace the change and move forward with optimism or allow the changes to propel you in to a state of hopelessness.
I often speak to groups on how to embrace change in the workplace. Many times, within each audience the members pretty much have the same educational background, the same job description, and the same or similar responsibilities. Everyone is experiencing the changes that are taking place and yet I know for a fact even after they've heard my program that some, will move forward with enthusiasm and positive energy. They will also achieve great success and enjoy themselves during the process. Others will merely go through the motions because they have to, they will complain along the way and have great difficulty making their lives work. And some will become emotionally mentally paralyzed and unable to escape the grasp of fear.
Why is this so? Why is it that some will move forward and even become empowered as a result of the change; while others will have great difficulty to the point of feeling victimized? I'll tell you why. It's because of what each individual is thinking and saying to themselves.
Some will instantly and continually ask themselves empowering questions and declare empowering statements that will lead to brighter alternatives, such as:
What makes this situation positive?
What are my assets?
This change will force me to learn and that can only make me stronger.
I will make the best of it and enjoy myself along the way.
This is an opportunity for me to grow.
Others will fall prey to the repetitious voice in their heads that never shuts up; that voice is the flow of compulsive fear, based thoughts that usually come from past experiences that never worked out. Here we go again:
Why is this happening to me?
Why can't I ever get a break?
I will never be able to handle this.
What's the use, no one cares anyway.
When your thoughts are expressed in words, you increase their energy and intensify the effect they have in your life.
The act of positive self talk will not only strengthen your character, but also boost your spirit. It is beneficial for you to ask yourself what good can come out of even the most challenging situation no matter how bleak it may seem. Our current economic situation can be viewed as an opportunity to grow if we so choose. It will be difficult, if not impossible for you to seek opportunity if you are consumed with thoughts of fear, anger, and self doubt.
Asking yourself empowering questions and declaring empowering statements help you to rebuild on a foundation of hope. Remember, it's not the change that takes place in your life that causes you to be consumed by fear. Rather, it's how you perceive the change that makes the difference. If what you think is what you get, then you need to create a thinking system that will lead you to take action that will be advantageous in spite of the situation.
Your perception of yourself and this changing world around you are key factors to your success and happiness. If you think you are weak, inadequate or feel victimized then the energy you send out will mirror those thoughts. It will be difficult to succeed and be happy when harboring such thoughts.
If you believe you are powerful and view life as a never-ending learning experience filled with choices - you - will formulate within yourself a sense of hope. Then the energy you send out will mirror those thoughts, enabling you to lead a more fulfilling life.
HIGH POINTS TO REMEMBER
* Regardless of the changes that take place in your life you must
know without a doubt that it's not the change in and of itself that
determines your fate, but rather it's the thoughts you have
about the change that really makes the difference.
* If What You Think Is What You Get, then you need to create a thinking system that will lead you to take action that
will be advantageous in spite of the situation.
* The act of positive self talk will not only strengthen your
character, but also your boost your spirit!
I often speak to groups on how to embrace change in the workplace. Many times, within each audience the members pretty much have the same educational background, the same job description, and the same or similar responsibilities. Everyone is experiencing the changes that are taking place and yet I know for a fact even after they've heard my program that some, will move forward with enthusiasm and positive energy. They will also achieve great success and enjoy themselves during the process. Others will merely go through the motions because they have to, they will complain along the way and have great difficulty making their lives work. And some will become emotionally mentally paralyzed and unable to escape the grasp of fear.
Why is this so? Why is it that some will move forward and even become empowered as a result of the change; while others will have great difficulty to the point of feeling victimized? I'll tell you why. It's because of what each individual is thinking and saying to themselves.
Some will instantly and continually ask themselves empowering questions and declare empowering statements that will lead to brighter alternatives, such as:
What makes this situation positive?
What are my assets?
This change will force me to learn and that can only make me stronger.
I will make the best of it and enjoy myself along the way.
This is an opportunity for me to grow.
Others will fall prey to the repetitious voice in their heads that never shuts up; that voice is the flow of compulsive fear, based thoughts that usually come from past experiences that never worked out. Here we go again:
Why is this happening to me?
Why can't I ever get a break?
I will never be able to handle this.
What's the use, no one cares anyway.
When your thoughts are expressed in words, you increase their energy and intensify the effect they have in your life.
The act of positive self talk will not only strengthen your character, but also boost your spirit. It is beneficial for you to ask yourself what good can come out of even the most challenging situation no matter how bleak it may seem. Our current economic situation can be viewed as an opportunity to grow if we so choose. It will be difficult, if not impossible for you to seek opportunity if you are consumed with thoughts of fear, anger, and self doubt.
Asking yourself empowering questions and declaring empowering statements help you to rebuild on a foundation of hope. Remember, it's not the change that takes place in your life that causes you to be consumed by fear. Rather, it's how you perceive the change that makes the difference. If what you think is what you get, then you need to create a thinking system that will lead you to take action that will be advantageous in spite of the situation.
Your perception of yourself and this changing world around you are key factors to your success and happiness. If you think you are weak, inadequate or feel victimized then the energy you send out will mirror those thoughts. It will be difficult to succeed and be happy when harboring such thoughts.
If you believe you are powerful and view life as a never-ending learning experience filled with choices - you - will formulate within yourself a sense of hope. Then the energy you send out will mirror those thoughts, enabling you to lead a more fulfilling life.
HIGH POINTS TO REMEMBER
* Regardless of the changes that take place in your life you must
know without a doubt that it's not the change in and of itself that
determines your fate, but rather it's the thoughts you have
about the change that really makes the difference.
* If What You Think Is What You Get, then you need to create a thinking system that will lead you to take action that
will be advantageous in spite of the situation.
* The act of positive self talk will not only strengthen your
character, but also your boost your spirit!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
