Anonymous asked: I know faking happiness is not a healthy long-term coping strategy, but sometimes it has it's uses. I'm sure as a performer there were nights when you were tired, or cranky, or just Not In The Mood, and I was wondering: how do you shut it all off so you can put on a good show?

I’m not sure that faking happiness is all that bad of a strategy. I mean, if you are truly unhappy it would be a good idea to find someone you trust that you can talk to. Preferably someone you know in real life who can administer hugs as needed.

But recently I have been toying with an idea that has been having some interesting results. We often put our happiness into elements that are out of control. We either rely on other people, or physical objects, or some other scenario to play out just the way we want it. And we can’t always control those things.

But one thing I can control is my smile. I’ve decided to keep a smile on my face at all times, no matter what. It’s not a big goofy smile, but more of a smirk. But it’s a weird thing…there’s something about smiling, even if it is fake, that actually helps alter your mood. Then I read some articles like this one that show there is some science behind it.

So with happiness, sometimes you really do have to fake it until you make it.

When it comes to performing, there are definitely nights when you’re “just not feeling it”. But for me, nothing makes me happier in this world than being in front of an audience making them laugh (don’t tell my wife and kids). So usually, as soon as I step foot on that stage, everything else just goes away automatically.

Another tactic I use is to think about the audience. Comedy can be seen as a selfish act sometimes…“look at me! I’m funny! Pay attention to me!” But comedy can also be considered a service. People have paid to have me make them laugh. They need this comic relief, because like everyone else, their life is hard. So while I might not be in a great mood, they might also need some cheering up, and they are paying me to do that for them.

So in summary, my two tactics are to fake it until you make it, and to think about others.