Dare to Suck
Say What?!
In the world of improvisational comedy, there’s a liberating principle known as "Dare to Suck." Most of us dread the idea of being bad at something new. The fear of failure can be paralyzing, stifling creativity and hindering innovation. But what if we could transform our perception of failure?
Designed Failure Games: Learning to Celebrate the Mishaps
When I first started my journey in improv, my instructor, Jackie Lowell, introduced me to something profoundly impactful: designed failure games. These games, like Fail Ball and Zip Zap Zop, aren't about achieving perfection; they're designed to make you mess up, and in doing so, teach you the art of embracing and even celebrating these blunders. The beauty of these games lies in their ability to turn failures into moments of joy and communal celebration. Each misstep is met with laughter and applause, reinforcing that trying and failing is far better than not trying at all.
The Transformative Power of Failing
This approach to failure transformed my own perspective. It helped me see my blunders not as setbacks but as steps forward. This realization led me to develop the "Mindset Reset Class," where I encourage students to compile a "failure resume." This exercise isn’t about dwelling on what went wrong but celebrating the courage to try. It’s about reorienting our approach to failure—seeing it not as a defeat but as a necessary step towards innovation and growth.
Neuroscience and Play: Why "Dare to Suck" Works
Neuroscientific research supports the benefits of this playful approach to failure. When we engage in play, our brains release dopamine, a neurotransmitter linked to pleasure and learning. This release not only makes the process enjoyable but also enhances our ability to absorb and retain new information. Moreover, play reduces the activity of stress-related areas in the brain, allowing us to approach problems with a relaxed and creative mindset. By turning failure into a game, we reduce the psychological stakes of errors, enabling a freer, more creative flow of ideas.
Fail Boldly. Live Bravely.
The concept of failure is often misinterpreted, especially in early life. As children, the reaction we get from adults when we fail shapes our future approach to risk-taking. These early experiences can instill a fear of failure that persists into adulthood. However, by reintroducing the concept of failure through games and structured play, we can unlearn these deep-seated fears and open ourselves up to new possibilities. Embracing the mantra "Fail Boldly. Live Bravely." encourages us to view each attempt, not as a potential disaster, but as a stepping stone to greater success.
"Dare to Suck": A Vital Component of Success
My friend and fellow improv trainer often shares in his talks, including a notable TEDx presentation, that "daring to suck" is essential to succeeding. This concept isn't about lowering standards but about removing the barriers that fear of failure erects. It’s about giving ourselves the freedom to experiment, to iterate, and to evolve.
Conclusion
The "Dare to Suck" principle is more than just a playful tactic; it’s a powerful strategy for personal and professional growth. By embracing this approach, we can create environments where risks are celebrated, and failures are seen as precursors to success. Let’s strip away the stigma of sucking at something new and instead, dive into the messy, exhilarating process of learning and growing. After all, if you’re not failing, you’re probably not pushing yourself hard enough.
I challenge you to get out there and dare to suck—try something different, wear something unusual, learn a new language … expand your repertoire of experiences you aren’t yet good at.
It just might be the best decision you ever make.
