Comedy is often associated with lightheartedness and fun. However, achieving success in the world of comedy—whether as a writer or performer—requires dedication, discipline, and a lot of hard work. While the road to success can sometimes feel like a grind, the satisfaction of seeing your work pay off on stage or in the writer’s room makes all the effort worthwhile.
As you work towards your goals in comedy, it’s essential to keep in mind a few guiding principles. These principles will not only help you develop your craft but also steer you toward a sustainable and rewarding career in comedy.
Before diving into these principles, there’s a crucial piece of advice I received early in my career: “Treat yourself like a professional now, or no one else will.” This simple yet powerful concept became my foundation, and the principles that follow are built on this very truth.
- Discipline
While motivation and inspiration are often celebrated in creative spaces, discipline is the real key to success. Motivation can be fleeting, but discipline is what gets you up and working, even on days when you don’t feel like it.
One of the most important habits I’ve developed as a comedy writer is scheduling my writing time. It’s tempting to wait for that burst of inspiration to strike, but I’ve found that the best way to generate creative ideas is by committing to a consistent writing schedule. Sure, you might come up with a great joke during a shower, while walking, or at the gym (yes, even in the midst of a divorce), but setting aside dedicated time to write is what really makes the difference.
I’ve personally gone from struggling to write just three jokes a day to generating 80-120 jokes in a single day. And it wasn’t magic—it came through years of consistent effort and adopting a disciplined approach to writing. By applying structured techniques and focused effort, I was able to increase my output exponentially. It wasn’t always easy, but by pushing through those early struggles, I reached a level of productivity I once thought was impossible.
- Accountability
Criticism is an inevitable part of any creative field, and comedy is no exception. But it’s important to understand that not all feedback is created equal. Some critics genuinely want to help you improve, while others may simply be looking to tear you down. The trick is to learn to distinguish between the two.
In a professional environment, the language people use often signals whether their feedback is constructive. When someone asks, “Can I give you a note?” they’re usually offering something that can help you improve. Even if it stings at first, don’t dismiss their input. Listen closely; their perspective might open new doors or offer insights you hadn’t considered. Their feedback could be the missing piece you need to enhance your work.
But accountability doesn’t just apply to receiving feedback—it’s also about owning your own actions. If you mess up—whether you’re late to a meeting, miss a deadline, or fail to stick to your writing schedule—take responsibility. Acknowledge your shortcomings and commit to doing better next time. Nobody is perfect, and being open about your mistakes is an important part of growth. The more you own your failures, the more you’ll learn from them, and over time, it will make you stronger and more resilient.
- Ethics
One of the most important principles in comedy, and in any profession, is ethics. When it comes to writing jokes and bits, always strive to be original. It can be tempting to take shortcuts and use someone else’s material, but doing so will only stunt your growth as a writer. Plus, the consequences of plagiarism can be severe, both professionally and personally.
I’ve had my jokes stolen over the years, and it’s always a frustrating experience. I remember hearing one of my bits being performed verbatim by another comedian at a club. I waited until they reached the punchline, then called it out and said, “It was a lot funnier when I wrote it.” It’s a lesson in ownership—your material is yours, and it’s important to protect it.
Not only does stealing material damage your reputation, but it can also ruin your career. A well-known example is comedian Carlos Mencia, whose career was marred by accusations of stealing jokes. Despite his early success, his reputation for borrowing material led to a swift decline, including the cancellation of his show. It’s a cautionary tale: stealing might offer short-term gain, but in the long run, it destroys your credibility and your future.
- Persistence
Persistence is the core of success in any field, especially in comedy. As Calvin Coolidge famously said, “Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.”
In comedy, this principle rings true. Polite persistence—continuing to work hard, seek guidance, and never give up—is what ultimately leads to breakthroughs. Even when you feel discouraged or like success is out of reach, remember that persistence will carry you through. And when you’re struggling, don’t forget the power of discipline—sometimes, just showing up and doing the work is enough to keep you moving forward.
- Good Company
Motivational speaker Jim Rohn famously said, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” While I’m not entirely convinced this is an absolute rule, I do believe that surrounding yourself with the right people is key to success. When you associate with individuals who challenge you and push you to be better, you’ll naturally rise to their level.
Being around experts in your field accelerates your learning and exposes you to new ideas. In my own career, I credit much of my success to the mentors and peers who have helped shape me as a comedian. I was able to reach a level of productivity and creativity that I never thought possible by surrounding myself with people who had already mastered the craft. This is why I now coach aspiring comedians—helping others succeed is incredibly fulfilling, and it keeps me motivated.
Success, as they say, has no shortcuts. However, having the right people around you can certainly make the journey easier and faster. By learning from those who’ve already walked the path, you can avoid common mistakes and speed up your development.
Success: The Ultimate Reward
There’s a unique thrill that comes with earning your first paycheck as a comedian. It’s the moment you realize that the hard work is paying off, and the dream is becoming a reality. For me, writing comedy doesn’t feel like work—it’s something I love, and it brings me joy every day.
Teaching others what I’ve learned along the way is the icing on the cake. Watching students grow and succeed is a reminder of why I got into this business in the first place.
I’ll leave you with one final story: One day, I was shopping in Target when I ran into my high school career counselor. After a brief exchange, I reminded him of the advice he gave me all those years ago: “You can’t joke your way through life.” I responded, “Actually, I write jokes for a living.”
The moral of this story? If you have a dream, chase it. Follow the principles, put in the work, and never let anyone steer you off course. Keep going, even if others don’t understand. And never forget—success is the best form of revenge.
