That's what's great about standup comedy: the instant feedback. You get up on stage, you tell a joke, if it doesn't work, come back the next day with a better version of it.
Jimmy O. YangRead
When I quit my internship and started doing standup to pursue my dreams and do that full time - I feel like that's when I 'Americaned.'
Interpretation
Pursuing your dreams can lead to personal growth and a sense of identity.
In this quote, Jimmy O. Yang reflects on a pivotal moment in his life when he chose to leave a conventional path to pursue his passion for stand-up comedy. This decision not only marked a significant career shift but also a transformation in his personal identity, which he associates with a quintessentially American pursuit of dreams and self-fulfillment.
In practice
In a graduation speech to inspire students to follow their passions.
That's what's great about standup comedy: the instant feedback. You get up on stage, you tell a joke, if it doesn't work, come back the next day with a better version of it.
The great thing about the comedy world is that everybody is somewhat of an outsider. That's the community where outsiders feel like they're insiders.
One of the hard things coming from an immigrant family - or any family that doesn't believe in the arts - is that you have to disappoint your parents. That's hard for people to do if you're a good kid.
Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.
Do what nobody else can do for you. Omit to do anything else.
We all have a tendency to avoid our weaknesses. When we do that, we never progress or get any better.
Some of us have great runways already built for us. If you have one, take off. But if you don't have one, realize it is your responsibility to grab a shovel and build one for yourself and for those who will follow after you.
Confidence is the most important single factor in this game, and no matter how great your natural talent, there is only one way to obtain and sustain it: work.
Iβm going to be a star, you know why? Because I have nothing left to lose.
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