You have to understand how bad I wanted to be a comedian, how much I loved doing it. I still can't believe I get to do this for a living and have people come up and want to see me.
You have to show up at 7 in the morning and be on like it's 9 at night. It's a skill. Some comics run from it, and they hate doing it, but the comics that are pros understand how important it is, and they get good at it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Success requires consistent effort and the ability to perform at your best, regardless of the time or circumstances.
In this quote, Bill Burr emphasizes the necessity for comedians, and by extension, for anyone striving for success, to be fully present and engaged in their work. He highlights that professionalism involves not only the talent or creativity one possesses but also the willingness to put in the effort even when the circumstances are challenging. The ability to perform at a high level, effectively acknowledging that it's a skill that separates the greats from those who struggle, is pivotal in achieving success.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech at a comedy workshop.
More from Bill Burr
All quotes →I've battled with that type of stuff, but what I've found is that by doing stand-up, I've actually learned about depression and how to combat it. I don't have clinical, but I've definitely had my bouts with it.
I was in NYC during 9/11; it happened on a Tuesday, I was on stage Thursday. It was a small crowd, but it took about 10 days and comedy clubs were packed.
When I'm up there, I'm just thinking that I've got to make them laugh or they won't show up next time.
You start in bars and then restaurants, then you want to get into comedy clubs where you feature, then you headline, and once you sell out clubs you're into theaters. I've been able to get there, and it's cool to do that.
I used to think you had to live this miserable life and that that would make you funnier, but you don't. The misery will come. The misery will find you.
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No actor wants to play to an empty house.
Pessimism never won any battle.
The key is to listen to your heart and let it carry you in the direction of your dreams. I've learned that it's possible to set your sights high and achieve your dreams and do it with integrity, character, and love. And each day that you're moving toward your dreams without compromising who you are, you're winning.
People will always be around to tell you you're no good or you're wrong or unwise to keep doing what you want to do. They're wrong. They're always wrong. Keep going.
If the work is high and far, _x000D_ You must not only aim aright, _x000D_ But draw the bow with all your might.
What I would say to young entrepreneurs is there's so many moments in your life where you have these dreams, and people are trying to protect you, and they say, perhaps, friends, family, parents sometimes, they don't agree with it, they think, 'This is just too high of a hurdle.' And I don't agree with that.