Welcome to One Word Suggestion.
Most people think improv is just for comedy or jazz music. But, really, it’s a tool for life. For each article in this series I use a single word, suggested by you, as a leaping off point to explore how having an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level, both personally and professionally, whether you have a career on or off the stage.
One Word Suggestion: Candy
This week’s word, “Candy” was suggested by Freddy.
When it comes to candy, things can go from good to gross real fast.
Halloween is proof of this. And some of us (ahem) have to learn the same lesson every year. Too much of a sweet thing corrupts.
I’ll buy an entire bag of mini Snickers and demolish the entire thing before any of the kids I bought it for come around in costume.
I don’t feel bad for them. They got bag loads of candy. I feel bad for me. Because now I have to do something good and healthy, fast, like yoga or hitting the gym to offset the inevitable belly bulge.
The challenge is to not stop off at the store and get a new bag on the way home.
Because one of the things I love the most about the candy aisle is the diversity of choice. So many flavours, coatings, crunches, nuts, fillings, shapes, sizes, colours. It can be overwhelming to see them all sitting there. Sometimes you know exactly what you’re looking for, other times making a choice can be hard.
One thing is for sure, just as there are endless types of candy, there are also endless types of people who love it. And love it differently. We all have different tastes formed by our unique cultural experiences and differences.
You love Violet Crunch? I think it tastes like Styrofoam. I like Reese’s peanut butter cups. You might think they taste like waxy sludge. But there are enough people who like them both to keep them stocked on shelves around the world.
Because every candy bar has something unique to offer the world. Just like the people who consume them.
The trick is to get good at appreciating and understanding the differences. (Almost Joy’s got nuts, Mounds don’t.) Then you can start to make informed choices. But until you’ve tried all the flavours, you can’t assume you know or understand what each candy is all about.
The same goes for the people you work with every day. Sure some of them might be sweet and easy to enjoy spending time with. And others might be a bit sour and less to your liking, but they all have something unique to offer.
This is never more clear to me than in every single improv class ever. Without fail, every class starts with strangers and ends with best friends. Because improv creates a safe space where people can reveal their authentic selves. And authenticity is the sweetest of all human traits.
So look for the sweetness in yourself and each other. And if you need help, an improv workshop can create a safe space where you and all your staff can discover, appreciate, and enjoy all the different personalities in your office. And just about everywhere else.
Except maybe the dentist.
So that’s my take on Candy. Thanks for the great suggestion Freddy.
Listen to the podcast version of this article below or wherever you find podcasts.
If you want to suggest a word for next week, or add your perspective, drop me a note in the comments or in a review. I’m making one of these every week, for a year, so definitely subscribe, like, share, and all that jazz.
Or better yet, listen to the podcast.
And in the meantime, if you’re interested in improv for personal growth, professional achievement, or just for fun, my suggestion is to get yourself into an improv class or book a corporate training workshop for your team.
You can learn all about PowerProv’s programs at powerprov.com.au
Eran Thomson is the Founder of Zuper Superannuation, Laugh-Masters Academy, PowerProv, Comedy & Co, and the Australian Improv Festival.
About One Word Suggestion
The One Word Suggestion series is your personal toolbox full of ways to help you use the power of improvisation to craft a more mindful and meaningful existence. Available as articles, a podcast, and soon, a book filled with powerful exercises for teams.
The One Word Suggestion Podcast with Eran Thomson
In each 3-minute episode, Eran uses a single word, suggested by listeners, as a leaping off point to explore how developing an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level personally and professionally.
Whether you aspire to be better on stage or on the job, this quick hit of improv inspiration is sure to bring you some insights, perspective, and joy.
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Learn about the best improv training for teams at PowerProv.
September 12, 2016 · Season 1 : One Word Suggestion · Episode 46
By Eran Thomson
One thing is for sure, just as there are endless types of candy, there are also endless types of people who love it. And love it differently. We all have different tastes formed by our unique cultural experiences and differences.
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