Laugh and Live Like Amy Poehler: Beating Burnout in Tech with Improv
2 big milestones:
This is Go Long’s 100th post - Starting this business has been a labor of love, but my motivation to be consistent is driven by all of you who take the time to read what is being published.
Tomorrow, May 1st, marks one year that this blog has been in existence. I am grateful for everyone who has engaged to date! The random texts, emails and DMs do make a difference to me.
Since we have a 5th Tuesday in April, Go Long is going to take a slight diversion from burnout this week.
On our recent trip to NYC, I was looking for something other than a podcast to listen to. I stumbled upon Amy Poehler’s “Prepared to Be Unprepared” MasterClass. The class focuses on her ability to use improv and apply it to not just her work, but to life. We had recently seen her and Tina Fey at their “Restless Leg Tour” show. Also the hubs and I finally got around to watching Parks & Rec (currently on the 6th season).
So lots of Amy Poehler (oh, yeah - the Galentine’s Day post).
Diving into Amy Poehler's MasterClass felt like a fresh breeze for anyone juggling the multifaceted world of being in the ‘women over 40’ club, wrestling with responsibilities and self-doubt. Amy lays out her life in comedy and improv, with a focus on 9 golden rules that feel like a warm chat with an old friend who just “gets it”, especially the ‘brain fog’ jokes associated with perimenopause.
Amy’s 9 Golden Rules
First up, "Keep Saying Yes"—it's about opening up, not just on stage but in life. Say yes to new adventures, to taking care of yourself, even if it means occasionally saying no to others. Think of it as choosing a new path when the old one's just spinning your wheels.
Then there's "Be a Good Listener." This isn't just nodding along—it's about tuning into the vibes around you and inside you. Got a funny feeling about something? Listen to that; it's your seasoned (aka ‘women in midlife’) gut talking, especially when it comes to your health or a sketchy situation at work.
Finding your "Team" is key. Amy breaks it down—these are your go-to people who provide laughs, a pep talk, or a reality check, exactly when you need it. It's about those deep connections that make the rollercoaster of life a shared ride. In a post-COVID world, these relationships matter more than ever.
"Finding The Game" is improv speak for spotting what's fun in a scene and running with it. This could be a weird trait or a wild situation. It’s about amplifying the fun bits in life and work without going overboard, keeping things fresh and engaging. I’d also add that this could also be about figuring out what matters most to you at this juncture in your life and ensuring that you are carving time for those activities.
"Take Up Space" isn't just about spreading out; it’s about owning your presence, setting boundaries without guilt, and finding joy in every moment. Outcomes are fleeting but the grind is everyday. It's a reminder that you've got every right to stand tall, especially in a world that often tells women they're past their prime.
"Can't Be Halfway In"—Amy's all about diving deep, not just skimming the surface. Whether it’s a hobby or a health routine, going all in means getting the most out of it. It's about embracing changes and committing to personal growth, even as life keeps evolving.
"Don’t Bail on Your Partners"—stick by your crew through thick and thin, but don’t forget to keep those promises to yourself, too. It’s about balance and being there, for your friends and for you.
"Don’t Worry About Being Cool"—Amy hits home with just being your authentic self, using her own journey through comedy as a map for navigating personal and professional life without getting caught up in appearances. Let’s face it - most people can see through the fake. Amy also talks about how mistakes are inevitable in improv but are opportunities to explore new directions, which builds resilience and creativity. Translation: You’re probably the only one beating yourself up on not being perfect. No one else is.
This one definitely struck a chord, especially for women in tech applying for roles. Men apply for roles they aren’t remotely apply for while women tend not to apply for roles unless they meet 100% of the criteria.
Lastly, "Watch and Learn Playing With Status" in improv shows us how tweaking who's up and who's down can twist a scene into something hilarious or eye-opening. This dance of dynamics isn't just for the stage—it's ripe for real-life applications, from office politics to family gatherings, where understanding these cues can shift the dynamic of an uncomfortable situation.
The class wraps up with a nod to "Learn Your Currency." Know your value, she says, whether it's your sharp wit, your killer waffle recipe, or your knack for seeing around corners. It’s about owning what you bring to the table, everywhere you go. Bring your swagger!
My Main Takeaways
Amy’s class isn’t just a series of lessons; it's a manifesto for living boldly, laughing at the chaos, and loving the wild ride, with a squad of like-minded souls who aren’t afraid to improv their way through life.
When you’re feeling like you’re just over everything on the precipice of burnout, why not take a step back?
Know that you are not alone in your struggles.
Remind yourself that you’re doing the best you can.
Understand that you can carve out time for you to live the life you want to live.
Don’t settle with overwhelm.
Take a chance.
Invest in yourself.
You’re worth it.
Let’s Go Long!
PS — This is some great writing by Amy here. If you made it this far, click on the link.