Last year I was attending a National Speakers Association conference at The Marriott World Hotel in Orlando, FL. On Sunday Evening a group of us were sitting in the lobby area telling stories, laughing and having fun. Then someone said, “Hey Steve, why did you quit stand-up-comedy? I always thought you were one of the best and I was a big fan.”
Everyone was staring and waiting for my response. I paused for a few moments, thanked him for the compliment and then I answered his question. “I never quit stand-up-comedy. I simply changed directions. I guess you could say I had a calling to do something else.”
That wasn’t the first time I was asked that question. I know it won’t be the last. There have been times when I wondered where I would be today had I continued to pursue my comedy career. But one thing is certain; I have no regrets. I made the right decision.
Yes, I did walk away from a promising career as stand-up-comedian. No, it wasn’t easy. In fact it was very difficult. One thing I learned throughout this entire process is that just because you’re very good at something, doesn’t mean it’s what you’re supposed to do.
I now offer a unique and insightful perspective on the journey that brought me to where I stand today. My quest to remove the boundaries that were keeping me from the life I truly desired has brought my work full circle. I now understand that all of my past experiences were necessary to prepare me for my true calling. To help people learn how to be happy and successful, no matter what their circumstances are.
I have spent much of my life learning how to pursue and achieve my own definition of success. That definition has evolved to include showing others my blueprint for realizing their dreams; achieving personal and professional excellence, regardless of the labels they are currently wearing. Yes I’m still funny, but if they laugh while they learn, then that’s just an added bonus.
Steve Rizzo is more than a Funny Motivational Speaker. Don’t let the laughter fool you! What Steve brings to the table is his captivating ability to engage the attendees with laughter as he challenges them to SHIFT their focus and way of thinking to discover greater enthusiasm, increased productivity and new levels of success. Recognizing difficult situations don’t cause us to fail or be unhappy, but rather our negative thoughts and beliefs about the situations, Steve has been Adjusting Attitudes in organizations throughout the world such as AT&T, Prudential, State Farm, LaQuinta, and even the CIA (yes, he even had them laughing!) since 1994.
