Let's hope for the best
As you’ll be aware if you’ve read any of this blog before, the past week has seen my first attempts to adopt an optimistic attitude to life, after pretty much 30 solid years of pessimism.
I said that everyone should try to do one small thing towards their self-improvement aim – no point in trying to run before you can walk, we’ve got 10 years – and sure enough, most of my progress has been pretty slight, with very little in the way of palpable evidence. Nonetheless I have given it a shot. Trying to overhaul your mental landscape is a different kind of challenge from, say, trying to learn a language or get more exercise, but in essence it’s exactly the same process: take something that’s not working too well, try to make it work better. That’s what I told myself.
I started in a very small way indeed. The other day we were trying to go out to the shops, but a health visitor was meant to come and do some tests on our very small boy. We didn’t have a way of contacting her, so it was a case of going out and simply crossing our fingers we wouldn’t miss it. This sounds like a pretty manageable situation compared with, say, landing a passenger aircraft whose engines have failed, but it’s the sort of tiny problem that normally sets my needless-alarm-bells ringing. What if we miss her? What will happen then? How will we reschedule it? Am I going to prison? This time, I forced myself to consider what the worst was that could happen. The worst was that I’d have a couple of phone calls to make. Moreover, I told myself, the worst probably would NOT happen. ‘I reckon we’ll make it down there and back in time,’ I found myself predicting, airily. ‘I’m sure it will all work out.’ We went to the shops, came back, the woman hadn’t turned up yet. It had all worked out.
One of the most boring anecdotes you’ve ever heard, there, but a tiny advance for me; and sure enough, being positive about it had saved me a lot of exhausting fretting which would have been of no use whatsoever.
I’ve repeated this sort of tactic several times over the past week. Having an incredibly small, helpless person to look after – and look after 24 hours a day – presents a huge number of opportunities, big and small, for worry. Am I holding him right or will I drop him? Will he drown in this bath? Is he warm enough? Will he explode? Is he still breathing? Nobody tells you the answers to these questions, and (especially in the middle of the night) they can hang pretty heavily in the air. I’ve got through the week largely by thinking, once more, ’well, things will probably work out’. I got to 30 without dying, didn’t I? Everyone I know with kids has raised them without killing them by mistake. All the dramatic nightmare scenarios that flood your brain are dramatic nightmares precisely BECAUSE they’re so unlikely. Most of the time in life, the banal happens; the lurid doesn’t. Sure enough, he may have shat all over the bath and reacted appallingly to my wife going to the dentist, but everything has been more or less fine, and they certainly wouldn’t have been finer if I’d insisted on beating myself up about it at every turn.
The most difficult type of optimism I’ve employed this week has had to do with my career. In six months I’ll be on tour (this sounds like an advert, but it’s not, except in the sense that everything I do is a plea for popularity I suppose). Six months sounds like a long time, but it’s a worryingly short time to sell a lot of tickets. Some shows are selling well; some, to be fair, aren’t. If we don’t sell enough tickets, there are two main consequences. The first, obviously, is that I don’t make as much money, which is a bit of shame with the increased financial pressure of ‘supporting a family’; but the second – and more serious – is that I do a series of shows in half-full theatres, get a bit depressed (it’s almost impossible to feel like a show’s going well if there’s only half a crowd) and lose faith in my abilities. This has happened before but it can’t really be allowed to happen again.
Posted by Knox on May 8, 2011
@MW – I reckon changing a way of seeing the world, overhauling a mindset, is a massive thing, and I think it’s amazing that you’re doing it.
I second the ‘please don’t become Michael McIntyre’. Unlike a lot of people I know, I don’t hate Michael McIntyre. I agree with those who argue that his comedy pushes no real boundaries, and is safe, hence his popularity. I find him funny, but wouldn’t spend 2 x 24 hours of my life watching him orchestrate very funny chaos. I wouldn’t book a ticket to his show at Edinburgh for a summer when I’d told myself I would not be going, and then shedule other things around it. I wouldn’t care about his wife, or his newborn baby, nor get offended on his behalf when people haven’t been to any of his gigs (yet). And I definitely wouldn’t send him messages saying how brilliant he was.
(OK, this isn’t going to stop sounding like a bit of a gag-fest, so anyone reading feel free to skip it)
Mark, you have this amazing ability to bring people together and spread joy, and inspire people and share yourself in a lovely, brilliant way. Michael McIntyre couldn’t do that even if he had the world’s largest ever tub of Haagen-Dazs in one hand, and a personal recommendation from Martin Luther King/Gandhi/Nick Vujicic in the other.
anyways, you already know how popular your shows from last year were, and here’s a reminder – the queue waiting to get into the (i think) first night of the show in edinburgh last summer: http://tiny.cc/marksteven (couldn’t resist the custom url name…)
Posted by Knox on May 8, 2011
@Margaret Pope – God, that’s horrible to read, and I am so sorry to hear it. I might be completely speaking out of turn here, but from what I see, I think comedians tend to make fun of all groups – perhaps not being older, I’m not as sensitive to things about age, but I’m a pretty avid MW fan, and I can’t say I’ve noticed particularly that he goes on about older people.
Posted by margaret Pope on March 13, 2010
I wrote to you earlier this evening but I see my email has not been put up.We have watched you since you started Mark but sometimes we switch you of as you seem to have a thing about old people.We are not that ancient but last Monday our son died of cancer after only being ill for 5 weeks. I expect you wont get this email as it will be blocked by your staff but if you do remember our grief we are going through both young and old and remember things like this happen to anyone.We watch a lot of panel shows such as IQ and several others and hear Frankie Boyle and quite a few others of your age having a pop at us pensioners.We never expected to outlive our children and I pray no one else ever does.Instead of having a pop at us pensioners have a pop at the goverment as up to date 5 in our whole family plus friends have died before getting a pension,makes you wonder where it all goes,Sincerly Margaret
Posted by Hannah T on March 12, 2010
I’ve probably left it a bit late to commet here, but I’ve been sick and had limited Internet access.
To take a step towards my goal of playing or having played a piano gig by 2020, I bought a sustain pedal for my keyboard.
I suppose this could be seen as trying to be “the little engine that could” as I proposed, since I’ve no money for lessons and haven’t given up despite this. I’ve even done all my reading and attended all my classes so far this semester, even though at times I’m struck by the pointlessness of my Arts degree. Just taking baby steps at the moment. Having faith in oneself regardless of the predicted outcome isn’t as easy as I thought it would be.
Posted by lora on March 11, 2010
Week 1:
Keeping gig reviews & photos: started a blog, uploaded some of my favourite photos from the past couple of years and some reviews. All going well. http://laruso-lost.tumblr.com/
Pass my degree: Well i’ve been doing work and things, i suppose that counts
Go to a music festival: Plans are in place to go to download festival this year!
Attend every date of a tour by my favourite band: Well I discovered the band are planning on playing 3 dates in december…
I think I’m doing well
Posted by Kim on March 11, 2010
Is it too late to submit a challenge? It’s only quite a small one to begin with: my flatmate told me that the local healthfood shop is looking for volunteer staff, and I’d really like to apply. As a teenager I had to leave my Saturday job because of overwhelming panic attacks, and even though I’m now 21 and my confidence has grown greatly since then, I still find stuff like this to be a massive obstacle. My main worry is that I’ll be graduating from uni this year, at which point I’ll have no choice but to go out and find myself some form of employment, but thinking about this terrifies me. Hopefully, if I start small – a few hours per week volunteering, and then perhaps a weekend job – I’ll build up enough confidence and be able to contemplate some sort of career.
Posted by James Walker on March 11, 2010
Week one: One of the tasks I set myself was to improve my writing. Since last week, I’ve completely re-written a script I’ve been writing for College. Before, I’d just write things I thought would be funny, but this week I thought about the plot a lot more, and the emotions I’d like the viewer to be going through when watching it. As a result of this, my script now follows a serious plot and isn’t jam-packed full of nonsense. This is definitely (a bit of) an improvement, in my eyes.
Another of my tasks was to learn a brand new word every week. Last weeks word was ‘Farkel’. It’s a dice game of some sort. Probably a lot of fun.
Posted by Rebecca J Payne on March 11, 2010
Week 1 in my quest to be a full-time, published author:
About 600 words of a new short story written on Saturday. Not a great total for the week. -1.
Went to a meeting with some fellow writers on Sunday and shared feedback on our current works-in-progress – got some very useful feedback on mine, and hopefully gave some to others too. +1!
Started reading Milton’s Paradise Lost (inspired by Kathryn’s attempt to do the same) and am loving it so far. +1!
Got a rejection on Monday for a piece of flash fiction I had sent to an online magazine. -1.
So, I reckon I finish the week even-stevens. Time to get my act together and write more in Week 2.
Posted by clara81 on March 11, 2010
I think all new parents worry like that, I know I did. I still do to a certain extent, but it does get easier as you get more confident. By the time Kit’s three months old you’ll be expertly offering advice on the best way to wind him and how to avoid the “spray” that results from changing a small boy’s nappy on a cold day.
RE TYSIC:
Parenting – very much a long term goal this one. Seems to be going ok though. Son definitely becoming more confident at trying new things. Resulted in a black eye this week, but he’ll live.
Not getting asked for ID – not been asked this week, but also not bought any age restricted products. Did almost get mistaken for a pupil at a secondary school though. I’m 28…
Teaching – applied for a teaching assistant’s job… almost certain I don’t have the experience required, but there’s only one way to find out!
Posted by Madeleine on March 11, 2010
Goal: work towards a career in some sort of entertainment (preferably the type that doesn’t involve dancing bears or nipple tassles)
Be happier with myself, talk to people without overthinking it.
- I’ve been volunteering at the Brisbane comedy festival. It has been great, although I haven’t spoken to any comedians (cause I’m still worried about looking like a dick, baby steps).
- Its my last day tomorrow, and I’m currently trying to work up the courage to ask the venue manager how I could get training in ushering. I’m taking a leaf out of your book Mark by convincing myself its not a big deal – “whats the worst that could happen?” “he says theres nothing available, I’m exactly where I am now”.
Posted by Gilly on March 11, 2010
Right. Goal: In ten years time I will have my degree, be writing, reading, and performing, and be working somewhere I want to, and be happier having stopped talking myself out of things I want to do.
Week 1: Emailed my first school to find out my fee status — I’m an English/US citizen but currently taking college classes n the U.S so applying to schools in the UK is a little tricky. By the end of this month I will have contacted more and have a solid list of five schools I would like to go to, and which degrees I will take.
[I will also have done my taxes and finished the paper due next Tuesday.]
Posted by Lauren on March 11, 2010
TYSIC: get some confidence and stop self sabotaging my attempts at at a comedy career.
My week:
-Went down to a room I’ve performed at a few times, then chickened out and didn’t ask the guy for a spot. Tried to justify it to myself with various excuses – not proud of this.
-Started a blog for the ideas I like that aren’t funny enough to say on stage (I thought of a better name for it than that, though). So far it has one post and two followers.
-Signed up to do a writing/performance worshop with Francesca Martinez. That’s on in less than two weeks.
-Wrote a silent sketch with two other people for one of my uni classes. Honestly thought it was pretty good.
That’s me!
Posted by Meg on March 11, 2010
Right. Well my most immediate goal is to keep my grades up, and that has been going mostly all right. I missed my classes today due to a migraine, but other than that I’ve been doing well, I’ve been getting the big assignments in at least. The summer job/internship search isn’t going so well, but it’s still going.
Posted by Kai on March 11, 2010
I know at least five people that aren’t likely to be able to afford to see you on this tour, and I’m a sixth.
I suspect if it’s this bad just within my friendship group, then the rest of the country are struggling too!
Anyway. I’m making pitches to a variety of Online Publications at this very minute (well, either side of my typing this) for an article I’ve written on Necrotizing Fasciitis and, with several of them being specifically for women, the regularity of it occurring post-caesarian.
Will this fail? Most likely.
Posted by Catherine on March 11, 2010
Today was kinda quiet. Slept in and then watched NCIS and Burn Notice. The washing machine has been going non-stop. May have clean clothes before summer. Went grocery shopping (hate going, but trying to save money by not eating out). Got a pen pal to practice my Spanish with (met him here at TYSIC). I told someone something that had to be said even though I was agonizing over it. I could have done the thing via text message or voicemail, but chose face-to-face. Less cowardly, more mature. Yea me!
BTW, Mark, you are a great father. Mother’s intuition told me.
Posted by Jamie (James) on March 11, 2010
To be honest I’ve tried to find time this week, but things are so hectic as I’m coming to the end of my degree. I did make the celebrity list, which can be found here: bewaretheconcretedonkey.blogspot.com
But actually going out and trying to meet them isn’t possible until the next few weeks have passed…might try for Judi though, as the show is on every day till the 20th and I know someone in the production.
Good luck fellow TYSIC-ers!! p.s. The first thing I thought when logging into twitter was, ‘OOOh I hope Mark has posted today’s blog!’ Does this make me a lifer? x
Posted by deanna on March 11, 2010
As part of my challenge, I’ve had an actual live, face to face, conversation with 4 previously unknown people this week.
Posted by Dean on March 11, 2010
Planned to go to my parents’ at easter, in order to help out with a comedy gig, which has nothing to do my TYSIC, but means I can get the digital piano out of the garage and bring it back to sunny Coventry.
Posted by Alice on March 11, 2010
TYSIC:
Progress with full twisting straight front somersault: so far at least 4 straight front somersaults landed to feet (plus 3 landing on arse and 1 narrowly avoided landing on head), but still no full twist – not even half of one – not even the merest hint of one.
(Progress on lesser challenge to write several books: drafts of first 3 chapters done.)
Posted by Hannah on March 10, 2010
*confidence. One n. Typos annoy me.
Posted by Kaity on March 10, 2010
Congratualtions on your start.
My start has been small (tiny) but achievable, which is nice for morale. In my quest to become more organised, I have been returning clothes to their rightful draw/cupboard/laundry as soon as I have finished with them. No simply, dumping them on the floor to be dealt with later.
Posted by Hannah on March 10, 2010
Progress on the TYSIC has not been good. I’ve had things to do which have a deadline of, for example, tomorrow, rather than ten years time.
HOWEVER
RE: Confidence – I have spoken to a few people I might not have done last week, and tomorrow I am staging an exhibition almost single handed, so I’m assuming that will be a good exercise in connfidence. Also, posting this comment.
RE: Piano/Language learning – nada, except for my usual French lessons/homework. Oh, and I downloaded some sheet music.
So actually, for only a week, I’ve made more progress than I thought. Well done me.
Posted by david on March 10, 2010
My TYSIC is to be funny for a living. I haven’t really made any progress this week. It’s hard for people to take me seriously as a comedian because I’m a goalkeeper. I did get a nice letter about some animation though.
Posted by Shell on March 10, 2010
Nice going on the optimism challenges. I continued to do my daily piano practice and whilst I’m a bit horrified at how shit I am, I recognise that I have ten years to ‘get good’ so I’m hopeful.
It is my inclination to think:
MarkWatsonisgreatatmotivatingandinspiringpeopleand makingthemlaughandsoisjustifyablylikedbyagreatmanythankf**khe’s notMichaelMcIntyreornoneofuswouldbehereevenonceneverminddaily
Posted by Emily on March 10, 2010
If you were doing a Melbourne gig I’d book ASAP, you’re that good =)
As for the challenge, I have taken some steps towards my #4 (Be Happy). I opened up about a lot of my unhappiness with a really good friend of mine, and I am now attending counselling twice a month. I’m yet to see if this is going to help, but I remain hopeful that it does, because without hope, what is there?
Posted by Helen on March 10, 2010
I have made progress, my goal is to be more confident and less scared of relationships. The making of this goal happened at the same time, rather concidentally with me meeting someone and getting on rather well with them.
Hope things will carry on as well as they have been doing, and the same for you in your positivity.
Posted by Alex on March 10, 2010
I have already booked my tickets for the Manchester Apollo gig – really enjoyed the Gawsworth gig you did in the summer.
If you are instrinsically pessimistic it takes a big leap of faith to change your thinking and trust that everything will turn out ok but once you do, it really is a huge weight off your shoulders.
Posted by Gabi on March 10, 2010
I have decided to add one extra (though rather large) step to my TYSIC. I would like to worry and stress less. At the moment, it seems like I actively seek out worry, like some kind of anxious pide piper, simply waiting for the next problem which I can spend a heart-wrenching hour agonising over. So tomorrow it starts. I get my exam results, and if I fail these exams, which I nearly killed myself (joke) revising for, then I shall just retake them again. And again. This is literally the worst thing that can happen.
Mark, seriously this blog is awesome. Hope your fammo are all well
Posted by Lisa Brunders on March 10, 2010
Hi Mark,
I think all new parents have anxieties about the baby, it’s only natural – this is from observation not experience.
Well done for going to the shops, that’s the kind of anxiety I understand. And glad the world didn’t end. I’m forever reminding myself that things have always been alright before, and trying to let go of the worry. I went through a patch recently of thinking I hadn’t locked the house or the car or both! But after lots of fruitless going back I stopped allowing myself to go back, using the “it’s always been alright before” argument. Now I don’t even wonder, so it worked!
Re tysic – get fitter – I went linedancing tonight, first time for 4 or 5 years. Really great, and quite a lot of people I knew from back then. Bet my legs’ll be stiff tomorrow, but never mind and Yee Hah!
And thanks for reading, I’m honoured, and I was delighted the day you left me a message! And sorry I go on, I’ll try and rabbit less to save you time!
Goodnight.
Posted by Zoe on March 10, 2010
I know I said I’d done my one thing on Thursday but I have been doing something else this week that I’ve found quite helpful. I’ve been writing down five positive things that have happened to me at the end of each day. If I read them again at the start of the next day it makes me feel like that day might not turn out so bad either. Obviously you have to try and put out of your mind the thirty or so shit things that may also have occured (eg yesterday the hamster died), but who’s counting.
Posted by Vikki on March 10, 2010
Progress:
1. Writing – over 5000 words written this week, tens of cv’s and articles sent out and another article sent to hopefully be published (if so, will be the third to make it to print!)
2. My Big Fat TYSIC Challenge – I have 3 ways of contributing to others TYSIC’s in the pipelines – I will run a leg of the Central Line with Simon, I will read Ulysses with / for Amy and I will order a cake from Anna! ooh and I’m going to give blood for Louise, make that 4!
Feeling pretty good about this so far…but then of course the unrelenting pessimist in me is thinking and waiting upon the lack of responses from the above mentioned cv’s sent out…I may not be so positive about this whole thing in 2 weeks time!
Posted by Elizabeth on March 10, 2010
A friend of mine quoted Lao Tsu this morning and it has been oddly appropriate all day: “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Sounds to me like you’re doing brilliantly. I think you have one of the hardest challenges among us. I feel REALLY odd saying this since you’re a complete stranger to me, but I’m proud of you.
PS There is already one Michael Macintyre and that’s enough–some might argue more that enough, but why descend into negativity?–and you being yourself and being good at it is why we’re all here.
Posted by Will on March 10, 2010
If you were more like Michael McIntyre, I’d get very upset.
Posted by Louise on March 10, 2010
I firsrtly wanted to say how great this blog is
I read it every day without fail (which sounds sadder than it is) and that it always brihtens my day and puts a smile on my face.
Secondly I wanted to say that I am coming to see you on tour (thanks for visiting my home town), can’t wait! and that you are funnier than Michael McIntyre.
Posted by Lizzie on March 10, 2010
Well in terms of advancing my future career there has been remarkably little progress; the BBC hasn’t got back to me over work experience and you can only apply for one placement at a time. But oh well, I have at least applied for a job serving refreshments at a sports ground on Saturdays and for someone who has yet to do an honest days work, this is a definite step forwards.
Posted by Corey on March 10, 2010
P.s. Some of the ‘group’ ideas people have suggested over the last couple of days sound great. One or more of these should definitely be carried out.
As many have said, I’m totally willing to do my part in any admin needed.
Posted by Corey on March 10, 2010
I tried to get tickets the other day, but the link on the website wouldn’t let me buy them so far in advance. Also passed the venue last week and thought I’d nip in and get some, but the woman apologized, saying I couldn’t actually buy tickets at the venue. I would have to go to another alternative venue over the road which only opens occasionally or the tourist advice centre in town to buy my tickets. I was in a hurry, so didn’t do either of the options available…..but I will. So,…..to sum up…., don’t worry, I’m sure nearer the time they will sell out!
Posted by Laura on March 10, 2010
Also…. Reading some of these comments is so inspiring. People are attempting really massive things that affect their daily life.
Well done to everyone who is taking a leap and being brave, and well done to Mark for being the catalyst for so many people.
(I think that counts towards my “compliment someone each day” aim)
Posted by Laura on March 10, 2010
I have my tickets for your Manchester show, Mark. They arrived via Germany, for some strange reason.
Your name is up in lights on the side of the Manchester Apollo, which is exciting!
Six months is a very long time away; I’m sure between then and now you will sell many a ticket.
xx
Posted by Helen on March 10, 2010
Hello Mark,
One of my goals is also to be more positive and worry less, so, this week I decided to get my hair cut short. This isn’t because I think worrying is proportional to hair length (but maybe it is..is there research on this?) but because it’s been long for ages but I was too scared to cut it in case everyone thought it looked awful and people would stare at me with that look on their face as they realised that, contrary to what they believed before, it was indeed possible to look more terrible than i already did. But I went to the hairdressers and she cut it and I was very nervous but people seemed to think it looked alright and they said nice things so this was good.
So, it’s a start, still finding it hard not to worry about things though, but it’s only week 1. Oh and I’m coming to see you in Brighton and am very excited! Well Done Everyone! x
Posted by Malinari on March 10, 2010
So 1 week down, and my aim is still to keep Bees – sounds easy right?…….. Well in order to afford bees I’ll need to drag myself out of debt first, which in the current economic climate is going to take most of the next decade. This doesn’t stop my harbouring great plans for celebrating owning my own little honey factories (OK, I may have to re-think that phrase – it sounds rather sinister), I think once I’ve got loads of hives I’ll celebrate with a bee beard :-0
So to start with, I’ll need to think small scale. Fortunately this week we’ve had some nice weather, so I scoured the garden looking for a little stripey insect to accost…..err…. I mean open negotiations with. My search was of course fruitless, it turns out the insect world aren’t particularly forthcoming – they’re a real closed society. I’ll have to use espionage to infiltrate their world . I did however managed to meet up with some particularly shady Earwigs, who claim they can get me some “paperwork” which will get me access to a hive. I’ll let you know how this goes in the future.
Just in case this doesn’t pan out I’ve started researching Bee keeping on line, and noticed that a local group of Bee keepers run courses. So until I can raise the funds to attend one of these I’ve been immersing myself in as much on line Bee literature as I can – damn they’re amazing little critters
Posted by Alice on March 10, 2010
My TYSIC is to be more proactive as well as be confident and lose the self hatred.
So inbetween A-levels I’m going to try and write some monologues, scripts get over my fears of being worthless
(I’m going to audition for a part in an orchestra soon) little things like that and hopefully by the time I’m 26 I will have reached my goals
Posted by Laurs on March 10, 2010
I’ve got my tickets bought for Birmingham – very much looking forward to it!
As for my TYSIC, for the one I had initially, I’ve managed to go for a walk every day since I started this and I’ve made the decision to stop drinking alcohol. Which also helps the second challenge I’ve since decided to set myself.
I have a history of depression, have been through some crappy stuff in my life and am on verge of going back the wrong way at the moment. Therefore, I have decided that every day I am going to write something down in a notebook of something good that has happened to me. Hopefully, when things are really bad, I can look at it and realise that there are good things in my life and I don’t need to drink to erase the memory of my existance.
Wow, this turned into a much longer comment than I thought it would! I’ll end on today’s positive thought – Today, the LEA Literacy advisor complimented me on the department handbook I wrote from scratch for my staff.
x
Posted by James on March 10, 2010
So far I have listed 10 TYSIC challenges in a little notepad (cleverly disguised by some maths equations on the front). I am working my way up to being able to post these on a blog or something although at the moment I am far to shy to reveal some of them.
I am currently trying to work through one a day sometimes picking a specific one deliberately or at random (for example TYSIC #1 is planned for Saturday). So far I have achieved some of them but feel I have been picking the easy ones so mixed levels of success so far.
Sorry about the long post, but thanks for reading.
Posted by CarlBurktwit on March 10, 2010
Fair play to you Mark.
I think someone has said this before, but your optimism has always been evident (to me anyway) through the lofty challenges you set yourself. Blind optimism can be dangerous but it seems you’ve got the balance right.
Think I’ve tried to be TOO optimistic with one of my challenges: I sent a letter to David James (as apart of my “send a letter a week” challenge) to see if the ‘keeper fancied animating a series of children’s books I’ve “written” (thus aiding my “write a book challenge”) as I read he likes practising art and animation.
Not expecting a reply, but got all my bits crossed and I’m sure the TYSIC angels will come to my aid. x
Posted by Anna on March 10, 2010
One week in, and so far I’ve managed to do something for each of my 3 goals.
1. I’ve contacted my local education college and am now waiting to be sent details of their cake decorating evening class. I’ve also made a coffee cake, which proved popular with everyone who tried it.
2. I’ve collected a few album recommendations to start me off on my goal of listening to at least 1 album a week for the next 10 years. I’ve already listened to 2 of them. I didn’t like them, but you can’t have everything.
3. I tried to take my little boy to a parent and toddler group (I hate leaving the house, let alone socialising with strangers, but I’m forcing myslef to do it for his sake), but he fell asleep 10 minutes before we were due to leave the house. However, I did take him to Storyrhymes at the library, stood with a group of strangers, and did the Hokey-Cokey in public. I concentrated on the sound of my son laughing rather than the sound of the voice in my head telling me I was acting like a fool, and almost enjoyed myself.
Posted by MrMatt on March 10, 2010
Nice positive outlook there!
I have definitely accomplished. My effort to start my becoming competent at an instrument is definitely improved. Learning C and even some minor and 7th chords.
I have also started writing some short stories to try and improve my teency to go off on massive tangents in my stories.
Posted by Jen on March 10, 2010
Well done on the steps towards optimism Mr Watson!
As for my progress so far, with reading more its been fairly succesfull. I finally finished the two books I had been dithering over since recieving them for Christmas, bought another and read the first 3 chapters on my commute today. I got so engrossed I almost missed my stop. Hurrah for recapturing the love of reading. I haven’t really been braver, I had to phone twenty or so people at work and internally freaked out marginally less than I would have done before, if that counts!
Posted by Magnificent Josh on March 10, 2010
My progress is slow, to be honest. I have however, had a realisation.
I can “give a damn” (being, as it is, the essence of my challenge) about 1 thing at a time, providing I want to do it in some way. If I enjoy something I’ll put far too much effort into it, negating other, much more important tasks.
In this next week I need to give a damn about my music tech coursework (which although I enjoy, is being a bit of a bitch at the moment). This will require a mixture of organisation and inspiration so wish me luck.
In non-challenge news, you really need to tell that web designer of yours to make us some sort of official forum where we can register our goals and stuff.
Posted by Helen on March 10, 2010
I swam nearly 7 metres xD xD xD but then I got water in my eyes and panicked
i don’t know why cos it was sort of expected. So new challenge is to buy goggles 
Posted by Alex on March 10, 2010
Today, I plugged two of my friends who are running for sabb positions in one of my lectures. I felt a bit sick and I didn’t say most of the things I meant to because they fell out of my head. I also spoke from my seat (hiding at the back), rather than going to the front. But hey, I said it, and I said it loudly. Progress.
Also, just so you know, I’ll definitely be at the Newcastle show (assuming it doesn’t sell out), but I haven’t bought tickets yet, as I don’t know who I’m going with…
Posted by amycool on March 10, 2010
It’s probably bad that just reading your blog made me anxious that you would miss the health visitor. It must be nice not to worry about being late and missing things. You did wonderfully though and it all turned out okay, which is what usually happens.
So, week one of TYSIC in summary.
I ate a tiny spoonful of a food I’ve always been phobic of (porridge) and intend to try it a few more times,
I read a book from my list and started another,
I got tickets to a gig and haven’t yet worried about it,
I went for a run (good), stopped when my knees started hurting (good), but felt disappointed that I managed such a short distance (bad). I’ve also been eating like a non-runner, which is also bad.
An unexpected outcome is that I have conversed with a number of people on-line, which I usually wouldn’t do because it’s too scary. And I’ve commented on a famous person’s blog (yours), which was also unheard of not so long ago.
Cheerio! Amy. xxx
Posted by Anji on March 10, 2010
Ok, so for once I have actually gotten the paving slab of a laptop out to reply – I read the blog on my iphone (I know ladeda!) and replying in any depth is tiresome (did I just diss my iphone?!).
Deep sigh. One of my TYSICs was to be ‘happy with myself’ so I figured in order to do this I needed to evlauate where I have been etc. So I have taken a look at the last few years where I feel ‘everything’ went so wrong – having quite a nasty knee injury which resulted in 2 operations and roughly 2.5 years of my life on hold while getting back to being able to do things and because of this loosing the career I had studied for just as it got started. And generally wondering what the hell I was going to do and not really seeing anything positive. Quite big smacks in the face.
However in this time, I have moved into a house with my boyfriend, we had a cat (he wasnt too smart around cars it turned out) got a puppy – which I have always wanted – and learnt a whole bunch of lessons about me that I never thought I would. Quite big goals acheived and life lessons learnt that can only be used in a positive way in my furture!
Yeah ok, I still dont have a job (does applying sort of count?), but after getting rather stressed and not myself in my last one and having to stop, I now feel ready to bust a new job, part time (putting me first!) and that life is actually pretty darn good!
I’ve learnt sometimes you have to take the hits in order to be able to punch back when the time is right. And yes, maybe this has been over a little longer than the last week but I have managed to pull it into focus in the last week so it counts!
Mark, your right, ‘being ok so far’ is by far the biggest player around, and ‘whats the worst that can happen’ really hasnt tended to be so bad in the end either.
So many more TYSICs keep coming up I’m wondering if 10 years is actually going to be long enough!
Posted by Natalie-Helen on March 10, 2010
Crikey you are amazing for reading everything! I am definately one of those who are buying tickets nearer the time! Desperately want to come so just need next student loan injection of cash to help me there! And if I can’t get a ticket that means you’ll have sold out and the only disappointed person will be me! So plenty to be optimistic about there.
Feeling better about my first and foremost TYSIC today. To work hard and get a 2:1 that is. Essay finished and handed in. Two days late which is 10 mark reduction but if I had handed it in on the deadline I doubt I would have had 10 marks anyway! So know I’m going to take a hit but just hope that those two days got it to a reasonable standard!
Will also bring my sister to the show and already wax lyrical about TYSIC, CATE and Mark Watson to my friends so you never know, you may check sales in a week to see that there won’t be room to swing a cat!
^_^
Posted by louise on March 10, 2010
I have made progress on most of challenges but I also decided to make myself some mini challenges, one of which was two contact two people I admire (I chose Noam Chomsky and Richard Dawkins). I was going to update with my progress tomorrow but when I came in from uni today I had an e-mail which made me actually scream out loud. I had written a short e-mail to Chomsky about how you had set us a challenge last night and his reply today was short and sweet:
“Well, you made it by ten years. Good planning. And thanks for the generous words.
Noam Chomsky”
Thank you so much, I would never have sent that e-mail if it weren’t for this challenge and that reply has actually made my year.
Posted by louise on March 10, 2010
I started my TYSIC by bookin tickets to see you on tour, which is in keeping with my ‘have more fun and do more stuff’ aim
And to try to work on the confidence thing, I actually volunteered to be in the finale of a big concert thing I’m doing in April. It’s might not sound that big a thing, but I get really nervous before peforming in front of people … it’s in front of 1600 people … *gulp*
Posted by Lally on March 10, 2010
Panicked and cried–then resolved to keep plugging and checked a bunch of job listings. Found four that are quite possible. Doctor tomorrow for important test, and will have applied for at least those four jobs by the end of the week. (One today, a walk, and timely bedtime. Doable.) Could be employed by the end of the month; can do any job for three months, I reckon. Optimism?
Posted by VickyHCarr on March 10, 2010
Reading your blog is like seeing my own thoughts written down on paper. Well, on a screen. I’m so glad I’m not the only one who freaks out over nothing – no kids yet, but one of the biggest worries about having them is the amount of additional worry they will bring me! I was kind of hoping that mother nature/hormones would somehow make me incredibly chilled out when I become a parent, but I think it’s something I’ll have to work on myself.
As far as TYSIC goes, my aim is to take more action rather than procrastinating, and work to get where I want in my career. So far, I’ve procrastinated non-stop since I started and have therefore made no progress. I intend to try again with renewed vigour. I shall begin by booking tickets for your tour. Wish me luck!
Posted by Matt on March 10, 2010
Oh, also:
Please do not become Michael McIntyre. He’s a funny guy, but you’re totally different to him and thoroughly unique, which is your appeal. So please: do not become Michael McIntyre.
Posted by Chris on March 10, 2010
I wouldn’t worry too much about tickets sales at the moment, especially the ones in the London area always seem to be sold out.
In July 2009, I booked tickets for Frankie Boyle’s show in November. Then coming up to the show date, I realised in fact I had booked November 2010, so only 8 more months to wait.
Then again for Stevie K Amos, I booked the tickets 8 days before, row Q at the Apollo. The place was full by the time at the time of the show.
Some shows book early, some don’t. Booked your show at the Apollo 4 weeks ago and got Row M, so I guess that night will definitely be full.
Posted by Matt on March 10, 2010
Today I wrote an entire page of my book, which is about a page more than I usually manage to achieve. I’m not sure whether I can attribute this to the TYSIC or the fact that I have watched all my films, completed all my videogames, read all my books, and exhausted the entire internet of entertainment, but at least it’s progress. So, thanks Mark.
Know anyone in publishing?
Posted by fi milligan on March 10, 2010
TYSIC update.
My goals are to fix my website, run a marathon and raise my son right. So far I have talked about fixing my website, talked about buying some trainers but i have made concerted efforts not to be such a mama control freak and left the boy (20 months) alone with his capable grandmother (who for reasons best left undisclosed I don’t trust, but I know he’ll be fine with her), we have dug some ground and planted some bulbs together and I am gearing up to getting him to sleep in his own room. I’m still feeding himself at night and having him in with us is the easy option. Not the most conducive to building independence. To this end I have bought a new lamp.
I did not realise when I blythely signed up for this that the most difficult thing would be holding a light up to my parenting skills and really analysing what I’m doing. It hurts. More than running would and not always in a good way. But I truly believe it will make him the person he deserves to be and will do me the world of good too.
Posted by Kathryn on March 10, 2010
TYSIC progress: I have a very specific way of working in my maths book and today something went wrong and I freaked out for a good five minutes. Eventually I will conquer my bizarre obsessiveness, it just might take ten years.
If I knew where I was going for university I would book tickets to come and see you there. But I don’t want to invest money on good A-level grades, that feels a bit like tempting fate.
Posted by Emily on March 10, 2010
My phone decided to change my name to something odd in my last post: changing my name is not part of my TYSIC.
Posted by Emolu on March 10, 2010
What’s with all the hate for Michael McIntyre?! I think he’s hilarious…
Anyway, I’m starting to think I should also take up the optimism idea for TYSIC as I’m naturally very pessimistic. As for my other challenges:
1) Getting published – which means actually finishing my novel: 7,200 words written which is an achievement for me.
2) Having kids: well, you can guess, I don’t need to note the work towards this goal…
Posted by Misha on March 10, 2010
Ahh the endless small human questions. My brother is now 9 and I still sometimes prod him to check he’s still alive, mostly because he sleeps with his eyes half open. I suspect this is a lack of motherly intuition though.
Today I practised being outgoing by helping some people on the bus, one lady needed change and another wanted to know how to get to the PDSA.
Small steps.
Posted by Rachael on March 10, 2010
oh good it’s here, phew. I used to watch my dog sleeping too, just to check. It’s good to know i’m not the only one.
Posted by Adele on March 10, 2010
Well, I have booked tickets for the Nottingham show in November, and I did so months ago.
TYSIC is going well, ran for a whole mile and didn’t die. I also found the first course I want to start studying which will go towards a degree, and just need to drum up the cash to pay for it.
On the negative, I’m still being a bit dramatic which I said I would work on, but I do have 10 years…
Posted by Carey on March 10, 2010
It’s good to hear you’re making progress! My mum is a health visitor and people are always missing appointments so don’t stress if you miss one.
In terms of TYSIC (one hell of an acronym) progress I have not done too badly. I completed an analysis of Apuleius’ Golden Ass book one and handed it in successfully. I think it’s pretty good. I have purchased a notebook to begin a sort of diary in. I have bought and done an exercise DVD which is now firmly worked into my daily routine, even though it means I cannot move and I have been out dancing. So pretty good really!
I have lots of things to be excited about which I am trying to be excited about rather than nervous about. My friend Stephie (and just about every woman I know) is right on the verge of giving birth (very very exciting) but I’ve never held a baby before as I have no reproductively active relatives so I’m quite frightened, I’m driving down to wiltshire for my partner’s father’s 50th bday party and having been in a crash last year I am suddenly a mouse of a driver and his father scares me, but I’m sure the party will be great, my friend Sam is coming down to see me tomorrow and he’s never seen my house before so I’m now frantically cleaning it even though it’s already clean so he doesn’t think badly of me. (That’s about half but the rest is very very dull indeed.)
:s
Posted by Phill on March 10, 2010
I will be coming to one of your gigs in November, but as others have noted – six months away is a long time to pre-order tickets. Maybe I should do though.
And, also as others have pointed out, please don’t become Michael McIntyre! He’s a funny guy but his brand of humour is quite ‘generic’. Not that that’s always a bad thing, but he does his thing and you do yours… and I much prefer your style to be honest
Posted by Kate on March 10, 2010
P.S. Please don’t even consider turning into Macintyre – that man is everything that’s wrong with comedy!
And re tour dates, from an audience perspective they’re a loooong way off, so I wouldn’t be perturbed by current figures. Simone, Kerri and I have booked for Croydon, but I think it’s the furthest ahead I’ve ever booked a show.
Posted by EmmaT on March 10, 2010
All good progress, you don’t want to leave yourself with nothing else to achieve in the next 9 years and 51 weeks.
I am sure there will be a good crowd at the Brighton show, which we will be attending (which is really not that local to where we actually live… that must make you feel better. A bit anyway I hope)
’well, things will probably work out’ – this is pretty much how I deal with flying. I have an ever growing fear of flying (not helped by the aborted landing we had back in January) even though I have travelled many a time and plan to do it alot more. I try and think about the huge amount of plane journeys that happen every day and how often you hear about disasters and the old chestnut about how you are more likely to be killed by a donkey that die in an air disaster. I think I may have to add this to my TYSIC – get over my fear and be relaxed while flying.
Posted by Kate on March 10, 2010
Good optimism there. Changing your mindset IS work, but then you’re saving time and stress not thinking about what could go wrong, so I think are still better off overall.
Tiny amount of progress to report; I’ve found a singing class/choir I can join. Doesn’t start till 26 April, but I can enroll this week. Now all I need to do is run and write, and I’ll be getting somewhere!
Posted by Al Kennedy on March 10, 2010
Progress report: On the writing front, I’ve written about 6000 words since the TYSIC started, which if my calculations are correct puts me up to a total of about 35k, which is likely to be about 10% of the length of the book (it’s non-fiction and it’s going to be a pretty exhaustive guidebook which I should hopefully be able to talk more about in about a year or so).
On the weight side of things, I’m down to 85kg, which is a kilogram less than I was when the TYSIC started (and 5kg less than when I started going to the gym in January). I still miss chocolate terribly and I think I may be turning into cassava.
Posted by elin on March 10, 2010
i don’t have very much to report on my progress…
i had a very good tutorial yesterday that gave me new ideas on what to do.
and i’ve almost written a press release for the little exhibition i’m having next week. and i’ve painted a lot… and i should try to finish a poster to send off to the gallery…
guess next week will be the first bigger step for me… but ten years is a long time…
no one wanting to become a patron of a swedish painter-of-ugly-buildings as their ten year project?
Posted by Ben on March 10, 2010
i have yet to book, as i’m yet to decide which date to get to (Norwich next time again please?
)but i will. and i’ll bring friends. i’m also glad you’re not McIntyre, and i’m glad he’s not you, as well. the whole thing would become terribly cofusing.
as for TYSIC:
Get published? i have started planning a new novel.
Read lots/better? yep.
Write a letter a month? haven’t written it yet, but have fine-tuned my plans. now it’s a letter to a dead author every month. don’t ask why, it’s the best idea i’ve ever had and shouldn’t be questionned.
Posted by Sian M on March 10, 2010
Wouldn’t worry about the tour dates, the one I want to go to is in 2011 which seems so far into the future I might not still be alive when that date rolls around. I probably will be as I am 19, but you never can tell.
I made some progress in my vague goal of being braver/more courageous. I have asked someone for help. Had a bit of a terrible year, but I also tend to trivialise my own problems, so it was quite a difficult step for me. Wish me good luck, tomorrow is my first counselling session and I’m quite scared.
Hopefully this will all cause a knock on effect of braveness.
Posted by Hannah on March 10, 2010
I can’t believe u have aspirations of McIntyreness…the idea is absurd, your material has substance, it doesn’t just appeal to the lowest common denominator.
As for the positive attitude – i applaud your efforts. I feel I should probably adopt a similar system, at present i tend to watch the dog periodically while it slumbers to check that its chest is still rising. I would have no idea how to perform puppy mouth to mouth…
Posted by Elizabeth on March 10, 2010
Missed a day of blogging yesterday, I had a hair cut and was busy, but was confident in making it clear what I wanted in my hair cut, so I at least followed one of my things.
Posted by BeckyMarsh on March 10, 2010
I agree with Tanya… just checked out your Liverpool date and Dec 3 is a very long way a way! I will be there but i cant handle the commitment this far in advance!
Congrats on the optimism, it sounds like your doing well and i shall be updating my progress on the my blog tomorrow for anyone who wants to follow it just click on my name!
Posted by Tam on March 10, 2010
Ok, I’ll come and see you – the least I can do for an S&S author and you are a funny bloke (in the best possible way, of course). And in six months’ time you’ll have the parenting thing down pat*. No, you will. Seriously.
*Am still telling myself this and my child is currently fourteen.
Posted by werwolf on March 10, 2010
My progress with the TYSIC is that I acutally told some one what my goal was. I haven’t been able to bring myself to say it before because it makes me feel like a jerk. I still feel like a jerk, but at least I put my ambitions out into the world.
Posted by Chris on March 10, 2010
Please don’t become Michael McIntyre. Thank you.
Posted by Beth (@Doomed1) on March 10, 2010
New TYSIC photo blog set up – Yup. Bristol Tickets bought – Yup. New thing for the week tried – Yup. Been turned down for four jobs – Yup. Wishing for your optimisim regarding jobs – Yup. Looking forward to the next ten years – definetly.
Posted by Tanya Jones on March 10, 2010
I’ve just seen your London date. Booking that far ahead blows my mind, so I shouldn’t worry at all!
Posted by @BexQuillerdrive on March 10, 2010
I do think that thinking negatively about things has a tendency to be self fulfilling prophecies.
So far my achievement to my goal is making a lot of lists, so if “planning” counts as progress, great.
http://bexrocknrollnerd.posterous.com/