Life-Changing Insights from My European Comedy Tour Experience
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Chapter 1: The Adventure Begins
Embarking on a Comedy Tour across Europe is a remarkable journey brimming with excitement, cultural insights, new friendships, and an abundance of laughter. However, few people mention just how demanding yet enjoyable this experience can be!
I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation to everyone who purchased a ticket and made the initial eight shows an unforgettable experience. With seven out of those eight shows completely sold out, this has been my most successful tour yet (and my debut as a comedian!)
Having always dreamt of touring, my journey began in my teenage years as a gymnast, competing internationally. Later, as a dancer at just 20 years old, I experienced "virality" and traveled to several neighboring countries. My singing career led me to tour numerous cities in China. Now, as I enter my thirties, I never anticipated a tour where I would be flying or taking trains weekly while simultaneously working for marketing agencies and garnering media attention.
But it’s not all smooth sailing. This tour has imparted significant life lessons that illustrate the challenges of such an experience.
My Key Life-Altering Lessons
Cultural Awareness and Safety: Europe is a diverse tapestry of cultures and traditions, each with its distinct customs, cuisines, languages, and regulations. One new habit I’m adopting is reaching out to locals ahead of time for helpful recommendations on must-see places and to understand areas to avoid. I also consult taxi drivers for insights about neighborhoods to steer clear of!
Effective Time Management: Touring demands strong time management abilities and extensive networking for booking travel and accommodations. With countless places to explore and activities to engage in, I learned to adapt my work schedule to utilize travel time efficiently. Initially, I struggled to even do laundry during brief stops at home! I resolved this by limiting myself to two cities per week and ensuring I schedule at least one rest day in between to unwind with my cat. Your itinerary becomes your best ally!
Language and Interpersonal Skills: With a multitude of languages across Europe, not speaking the local tongue can present communication hurdles. However, attempting to learn basic phrases in the local language can significantly enhance your interactions, making locals more willing to assist you. I also dedicate extra time after each performance to connect with attendees, exchange social media handles, and even enjoy a drink together!
Financial Planning and Adaptability: As a traveling performer, I must consider expenses related to lodging, transportation, meals, activities, and any unforeseen costs. Even though I get paid at the end of each show, cities in some countries like the Netherlands and Belgium can be quite pricey. Be prepared for cancellations and ensure you have sufficient time and funds to manage unexpected situations!
Mindfulness and Focus: It's easy to lose focus while on tour, whether due to new friends wanting to hang out or simply feeling exhausted. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to keep your mind centered on your goals. Daily reminders of your purpose in each city and dedicating two to three hours for show preparation—regardless of whether I’m performing for five or forty-five minutes—can enhance my performance. A nightly meditation session helps maintain my mental clarity.
The first video titled "5 Life-Changing LESSONS (that really work!)" offers invaluable insights into personal growth and transformative experiences that can redefine your perspective.
Chapter 2: Discovering Purpose
The second video, "Discovering Purpose: My Life-Changing Education Tour in Europe," highlights the profound experiences and lessons learned throughout my journey, emphasizing the importance of finding one’s purpose.
