Even Seinfeld Quit For A While

I laughed and enjoyed that show so much.

And then I thought,

“what an amazing talent and skill set that is to witness.

What a great time we’re having in this audience.

How are they able to do that?!”

I know, I know it sounds so dumb that I would think that.

But we all are dumb from time to time.

Then I thought,

“I want to do that. I want to be like them.”

Then, “Wait a minute! That’s what I used to be!"

I used to know how to do everything they are doing. I still want to be that!”

…

This has happened to me over and over again in my life.

You get so used to doing what you do, you don’t see what it is anymore.

I still see stand-up comedians and think,

“How in the world can they do that?”

Getting out of your head is one of the most important places to visit.

I do not get upset with myself when I am dumb.

Because the essential building blocks of comedy, very often,

are an elegant intertwining of really dumb and really smart.

You need both to make comedy.

…

Back again to me and Chris Rock.

We’re having dinner at an Italian restaurant in Manhattan.
I explain my situation.

Chris says, “Well, at least you know there’s only one way to do it.”

It did feel great to be reminded of that.

I didn’t have to waste one second of time wondering how to approach the problem.

I don’t use writers.

So, it’s back to tiny clubs with flimsy stuff, night after night, month after month.

And it takes however long it takes.

When you see a comedian with a ton of great stuff, what you’re really marveling at,

or should be, is

“How could someone crawl on their belly that great a distance?”

So, here’s my belly crawl…