Patricia Ryan Madson

Great advice for life. The core points were reminiscent of my Vipassana training but with a bigger focus on games/fun — great because sometimes people writing about mindfulness (DISCIPLINE CONCENTRATION DEDICATION) need to lighten up a little. ;)
I read this just before a 36 hour hackathon, which was the perfect testing ground for the maxims in this book.

Life Wisdom
Review of the original Harmony hardcover edition (2005)

I heard about Patricia Ryan Madson's Improv Wisdom thanks to my being on writer Steven Pressfield's mailing list where a regular feature is "Books I Love". It linked to his original blog post about the book from back in 2009.

Although the book is ostensibly about Madson's career long learned experience from teaching theatrical improvisation, the simple rules or phrases that make up her 13-point maxims list are applicable to show more just about any other activity, whether it is for work or play or just about life itself.

1. Say Yes = be open to new experiences
2. Don’t Prepare = don't be too rigid about how to proceed
3. Just Show Up = be present in the moment
4. Start Anywhere = don't fret about how to start
5. Be Average = don't worry about being fantastic
6. Pay attention = be aware
7. Face the Facts = accept truths
8. Stay on Course = don't be distracted
9. Wake up to the gifts = appreciate everything given
10. Make Mistakes, Please = don't be afraid to fail
11. Act Now = don't wait to start
12. Take Care of Each Other = help others and you will help yourself
13. Enjoy the Ride = enjoy the present moment

A lot of this may seem like common sense, but it is just wonderful to have it reinforced in such a straight forward manner filled with anecdotes of Madson's life experiences and teaching moments. show less

A good, non-intimidating intro to the principles of Improv. In a very applicable wisdom, the author breaks it into entertaining and consumable chunks. This definitely lays foundation for me to tackle the works of Keith Johnstone and others.

In an irresistible invitation to lighten up, look around, and live an unscripted life, a master of the art of improvisation explains how to adopt the attitudes and techniques used by generations of musicians and actors.