Thread by @GaryGulman

324) When I was really struggling to get out of bed every morning I made a deal with myself:
Get out of bed for a half hour. If you want to back to bed after you can. I didn’t go back to bed once. 10 minutes will probably work. #GulManTip #WriteNow

325) Before I did my 1st open mic 10/11/93, I went to two open mics in Boston to watch. You should watch at least a few to quell your fears and make it real. You’ll see people that make you say “I can do that!” Some will make you feel you can’t. You can! #GulManTip #WriteNow

326) When my anxiety was really bad I found it helpful to listen to Audio books (free on Libby and Overdrive apps) as soon as I woke up. It distracted me from my anxious and depressive rumination and also made me feel like I was doing something productive. #GulManTip #WriteNow

327) Going home for Thanksgiving? Take copious notes! Your family is unique. Being reminded of the dynamics and adding new memories will be great resources for your act. “Family isn’t a word. It’s a sentence.” #GulManTip #WriteNow

328) Avoid the expectation managers and the levelers and the “Don’t-get-your-hopes-uppers”. Or set boundaries and explain to them politely over Thanksgiving that you prefer people charge your batteries (or an analogy of your choice). #GulManTip #WriteNow

329) For holiday gifts ask for these books: “Sick in the Head” by @JuddApatow, “The War of Art” by @SPressfield , “The Artist’s Way” by @J_CameronLive and “Poking a Dead Frog” by Mike Sacks. What would you add to the Essentials? #GulManTip #WriteNow

330) If you’re hyper-sensitive like me it helps to ask people you’re working on projects with to sandwich all criticism between effusive praise. Director @mbonfiglio2000 is an expert at this. My ideal coach would be Mr. Rogers. #GulManTip #WriteNow

331) There are great stories from our lives that we’re not able to translate into standup. Don’t throw them out. Collect those stories in a file for radio and TV and other interview situations. #GulManTip #WriteNow

332) Do not fixate on that one person with the stone face in the crowd. It is distracting and is just reinforcing insecurities. Instead, find those people who are getting you and let their reaction in. Those are the ones who matter because they’ll be back. #GulManTip #WriteNow

333) Learn the Rule of 3! Any list should have 3 items, 2 that set a pattern and the last should break the pattern in a funny way. Example:“Whether they be:
(looking at Flanders) Christian,
(looking at Krusty) Jew, or…..
(looking at Apu) …Miscellaneous.” #GulManTip #WriteNow

334) I remember when I was really sick with the Depresh my friend @KeithMercurio1 told me to write down 5 things I was grateful for every morning. I believe along with a dozen other things that it contributed to my recovery. Try it! #GulManTip #WriteNow

335) This weekend is a good time to figure out your resolutions for 2020. Determining what you will need to get off to a good start is crucial to the success of the res. Get whatever items will make your plan work. #GulManTip #WriteNow

336) What the F-, F- you and Go F- yourself are not your punchline. They’re used by 1000 other comics who didn’t put in the work. They get big laughs of course, but they’re borrowed laughs. Keep writing to replace them. Swear all you want just be original. #GulManTip #WriteNow

337) When taking a break set a timer for 15-30 minutes. Don’t turn on the tv or go online. I find it best to walk and get coffee if I need it. The breaks should allow you to refresh and let your subconscious do some work. I usually get ideas on break. #GulManTip #WriteNow

338) The very wise @JonnyDonahoe said you only need 1,000 true fans. That’s very doable. They will come see your new show. So, bring a new hour, do a meet slash greet, and answer your fan mail (I’m working on it!) and they will be back maybe with a friend. #GulManTip #WriteNow

339) Overtip the staff at the Comedy Clubs you work. It’s probably good business but more importantly it’s GOOD. Especially this time of year. #GulManTip #WriteNow

340) Volunteer! Especially, if you don’t have a day job. There are so many opportunities to help. You will do good and have something new to write about. In NYC we have NewYorkCares.Org. One Year we decorated an elementary school for Halloween. #GulManTip #WriteNow

341) A. Write out an autobiography of a significant 4 or 5 year period of your life. Be specific and detailed. B. Identify components that you can use for your act. C. Write it into your act. D. Repeat B and C. #GulManTip #WriteNow #Gold

342) Someday, you may be able to choose the perfect words in the moment on stage. Then all you have to do is listen to the audio, and transcribe. You still should PERFECT the words in writing/type. Word by word. Sentence by sentence. Perform. Repeat. #GulManTip #WriteNow

343) My brother/friend/hero interviewed @jeffgarlin and it is a MASTERCLASS IN COMEDY AND STANDUP. Listen to it NOW. Humility,
Confidence,
JOY.
I’ve never told you to listen to an interview. Trust me. #GulManTip #WriteNow
@briankoppelman apple.co/350QeEa

344) Whenever you get frustrated, it helps to think about all the things you ever struggled to learn and now do without even thinking. If you persist, performing comedy will become one of those things. #GulManTip #WriteNow

345) The following books helped me to understand depression and mental illness and feel less alone: 1) Darkness Visible -William Styron
2) Noonday Demon -@andrewsolomon
3) An Unquiet Mind- Kay Redfield Jamison
Buy them, gift them, discuss them.
More recs?
#GulManTip #WriteNow

346) “Saying nothing… sometimes says the most.” - Emily Dickinson

You don’t have to fill every second with words. A person comfortable with silence on stage is telling the audience they’re in good hands. #GulManTip #WriteNow

347) A worn out ball was the sign of a kid who worked hard. Now it’s empty pens, full notebooks or keyboards that look like below. They’ll call you obsessed but it’s putting in that ridiculous level of effort that will produce great work. Get there. #GulManTip #WriteNow

348) On the road it’s important to exercise to maintain/lighten your mood.
A) Ask where the gym is when you check in.
B) Change into exercise clothes as soon as you get in the room.
C) Go exercise for 10 plus minutes.
D) Nap if you still feel like it.

349) For too long I accepted low grade depression/anxiety because I didn’t have the energy/hope to fight for more. Since 2017, through meds, exercise, therapy, meditation, nutrition and relationships, I’ve not just survived I’ve THRIVED. So can you. #GulManTip #WriteNow And this:

350) You probably shouldn’t NEED alcohol or drugs to do standup. It’s a perilous path that few have navigated successfully. Maybe address it in a resolution. #GulManTip #WriteNow

351) If you’re brave enough to work New Year’s Eve remember this will be a rowdy crowd that unless you’re super famous aren’t there to see you. They pay well and that’s to reimburse you for your dignity. Prepare accordingly. #GulManTip #WriteNow

352) Once I decided I would be a comedian instead of a CPA (2 yrs after college) I started a string of day jobs. Choose day jobs carefully. They shouldn’t be taxing mentally and shouldn’t require travel. My favorite was High School Substitute. #GulManTip #WriteNow

353) Be careful who you share your dreams and goals with. Share them with people who will say “F—- YEAH!” not “Well...if...but”. Most of us have enough of the second one in our head already. #GulManTip #WriteNow

354) When you have to go up first on a show you have to be prepared. Get your first laugh quickly and pick up your energy if not your pace. Treat it like you’re auditioning. You ARE auditioning...for better spots in the lineup. #GulManTip #WriteNow

355) Reach out to someone you started comedy with but have not spoken with in a long time. As you reconnect and reminisce you’ll see how far you’ve come and remember where the heart of this absurd game is. Perfect time of year for it. #GulManTip #WriteNow

356) Don’t compromise your beliefs to get a laugh. I’ve done it and I cringe at the memory. You didn’t get into this to suppress your identity. Have faith that you’ll think of something more honest. #GulManTip #WriteNow

116) Be mindful of how you talk to yourself. I have a habit of calling myself Schmuck or dummy. Trying to replace with #TheGul and The Incredible Gulk 😉.You would never allow anyone to talk to you the way you talk to yourself some times. #GulManTip #WriteNow

357?) Writing on CONSECUTIVE days is important. 2 hours/day > 8 hours twice/week. I have read again and again that if you can write every day at the same time you can engage your subconscious faster. Writing from the subconscious is how “genius” happens. #GulManTip #WriteNow

358) I have recently started audio recording all notes sessions (for projects) and next time I pitch jokes with a friend I will record that too. It’s very helpful. You will be surprised at what you forgot when you listen back. Ask permission first. #GulManTip #WriteNow

359) Meet your heroes! Almost without exception meeting my heroes has been energizing and joyful. Worst case, you will learn how not to act when you’re in their position. Best case you’ll stay over Chris Elliot’s house with @mbonfiglio2000. #GulManTip #WriteNow

360) Spending holidays with kids? Pay attention to them. Listen to them. Take note and embrace their curiosity and enthusiasm within your writing. (Also avoid the “kids these days” writing. It’s lazy.) Merry Christmas from your 2nd favorite long haired Jew. #GulManTip #WriteNow

361) It seems like every great hoop player had the keys to the gym growing up. Getting to do hour long sets is the keys to the standup gym. It’s the single most important factor in improving every aspect of your act. PREPARE ZEALOUSLY. #GulManTip #WriteNow

362) The late great Richard Jeni said “you try to put as many laughs as close together as possible.” To me, that’s standup comedy. This weekend make your 5 minute showcase set as dense with laughter as possible. Take lines from your other bits. Tighten. #GulManTip #WriteNow

363) Avoid writing jokes about places comedians spend a lot of time at: hotels, airports, airplanes, subways, dating apps, casinos. “But I have a fresh take on hotel room keys!” Unless you’re @BrianReganComic, I stopped listening. #GulManTip #WriteNow

364)

2010: Near bankruptcy and alone (in a farm house!) after fiancée left.

2011: Sold house, huge loss. Moved in w/ 3 roommates.

2015-17: Psych Ward twice. Moved back in with mother for a year.

2018- JOY.

“Don’t give up. Don’t ever give up.”

#GulManTip #WriteNow

365) To sum up:

Write EVERY DAY.

Get on stage every night.

Record EVERY set AND LISTEN TO IT!

Be original.

READ!!!

Be vigilant about your mental health.

READ!!!

BE KIND.

BE THE COMEDIAN YOU WANTED TO SEE.

#GulManTip #WriteNow #PenultimaTip #Sisyphus12/30/19