Flopping Fabulously: Why “Dare to Suck” Leads to a
Picture this: It’s my first improv class with the incomparable Jacquie Lowell, and I’m buzzing with a mix of excitement and nerves. I had assumed improv was all about stand-up comedy—structured jokes and punchlines, which, frankly, made me anxious. I’m more of a slapstick kind of funny, not the type to nail a rehearsed punchline. Much to my surprise, improv wasn’t anything like I’d imagined. From that first class, I was hooked. And then Jacquie hit us with the game-changing mantra: "Dare to Suck."
It’s Not About Being Right, It’s About Being Bold
From the get-go, Jacquie made it clear: improv isn’t about nailing every line or stealing the scene. It’s about stepping up, giving it your all, and accepting whatever comes out—flops and all. "Dare to Suck" isn’t just a cheeky challenge; it’s a liberating philosophy that celebrates effort over perfection, process over product, and creativity over sameness.
The Freedom to Flop
Here’s the twist—when you dare to suck, you actually free yourself to excel. There’s something magical about shaking off the shackles of perfectionism. Sure, you make mistakes, but you also stumble into moments of unexpected genius. That’s where the gold is! It’s about showing up, throwing whatever you’ve got into the ring, and rolling with the punches—with a grin.
Celebrate Every Outcome: The Arugula Story
One of the most exhilarating parts of adopting the "Dare to Suck" mindset is learning to celebrate every outcome. Nailed a scene? Fantastic! Tripped over your tongue? Even better! Each misstep is a step toward becoming more fearless and creative.
Back when I was taking improv classes at the National Comedy Theatre in San Diego, we had a hilarious way of celebrating our flops. During games, whenever someone made a mistake or flopped, we’d gather in the center and all shout “Ayuga!” It was an awkward-sounding word—ugly even—but it made everyone laugh. Over time, it started to sound like arugula (yes, the leafy green).
When I started leading improv training with groups, I decided to tweak it. Now, whenever someone messes up or "fails" in one of my sessions, we gather together and shout “Arugula!” It’s our way of celebrating every mistake, every stumble, and turning them into moments of triumph. It turns out, when you’re not afraid to suck, you’re a lot more fun to watch—and to be.
Now, about that Fear…
"Dare to Suck" invites you into a safe space of experimentation—a place without judgment, beyond the fear of failure, embarrassment, or not being good enough. It’s a rallying cry for anyone willing to go beyond the limits of what's “normal” and what we see right now.
Consider this: What’s your biggest fear when trying something new? Play with this question and see where it takes you. Every time you encounter fear, ask yourself: And so what? Follow this question all the way to its conclusion—until the answer feels freeing. You might just find that the fear dissolves, and all that’s left is excitement and possibility.
Taking "Dare to Suck" Beyond the Stage
The beauty of "Dare to Suck" is that it doesn’t have to stay on stage or in the improv classroom. It’s a way of life. Starting a new project, pitching a wild idea, or venturing into unknown professional territory? Go ahead and dare to suck. The worst that can happen is you’ll learn something new about yourself—and have a great story to tell.
Why Everyone Should "Dare to Suck"
If everyone embraced the "Dare to Suck" philosophy, imagine the innovation and creativity that could flourish. We’d hesitate less, collaborate more, and learn faster. After all, if you’re not worried about falling flat, you’re more likely to jump high.
So, let’s take a page out of Jackie Lowell’s improv playbook and give ourselves permission to suck. Who knows? You might surprise yourself with how spectacularly you can fail, how brilliantly you can succeed—and where it will lead you next!
Fruit for Thought
Q: What are you willing to suck at—at first? If you knew you would eventually succeed, what would you be bold enough to try? To risk? To explore without knowing the outcome? Are you willing to look foolish to some and brave as hell to yourself?
