Ask yourself this each week.
     Are you ready to do a show?  Have you written and practiced your set.  Is it, and are you, ready for the stage?  
     Are you willing to do a set?  Do you have issues with the venue or another comic on the roster?  Are you willing to work alongside them?
     Are you able to do a set?  Do you have a life situation, family occasion, or work issue that takes priority?
     BE HONEST before accepting a booking! 

"Entertainment is emotion without consequence."  - Tony Vicich

       I've developed an appreciation for well-staged head shots.  Nothing eases the creation of marketing materials--flyers, posters, and electronic media--like a high-resolution shot on a solid background.  The best head shot I've recently worked with minimized face shadows and skin glare.  The comic's outfit suited their personality, was clean and well-coordinated, and was worn correctly (not bunched up, twisted awkwardly, or wrinkled).  The photographer used a plain but colorful background that complemented the comic's skin tone and outfit.  The photographer also staged the shot so there was plenty of room to include club and show information.  The photographer also captured the spark of life and humor in the subject's eyes. 
     If you can't afford professional head shots, put some thought into your own staging.  As a minimum, have a friend take your photo.  Selfies are often taken at an awkward angle.  Put some effort into your appearance.  Pay attention to your background and the lighting.  Avoid cluttered surroundings, and use the highest camera resolution possible.

     "The professional respects his craft.  He does not consider himself superior to it.  He recognizes the contributions of those who have gone before him.  He apprentices himself to them.
     The professional dedicates himself to mastering technique not because he believes technique is a substitute for inspiration but because he wants to be in possession of the full arsenal of skills when inspiration does come."
                                                     - Steven Pressfield
                                                        The War of Art

"Life's about choices, and choices have consequences--both positive and negative." 

Life and comedy entail evaluating risk and deciding whether or not to accept it based on circumstances.  Example:  Perform out vs. zoom mic vs. stay in and write vs. stay in and do nothing, etc.

Each has benefits.  Each has risks.  What's your move?

There are no safe spaces in comedy, and that includes in our sets.  We've all got comfortable topics---things we reach back to when a set isn't going well.  It normal and human, but it isn't the right answer.  Our occupation requires we broaden our sets beyond our comfort zones.  Learning to do so may be awkward and uncomfortable but it won't kill or maim you.  When reaching beyond your comfort zone, commit to doing the material.  Don't give yourself an excuse not to do it.  If it doesn't work well, modify it and try it again.  You'll learn to trust the topics and sharpen your comic sense. 

There will be days you don't feel like writing.  There will be days you'll struggle to write.  There will be days where you'll erase more than you've written.  This is where self-discipline is a must.  It's human to struggle, but don't quit.  If you're serious about comedy, learning to work through writer's block is part of your professional tool kit.  It's lousy learning the skill (ask me how I know) but you'll be glad when you learn it.  

Peace on Earth, Seasons Greetings, and Happy Holidays! 

The good news about holidays is that they are predictable, which means you can set yourself up for comedy success.  Will you be performing in and around holiday events?  Probably!  Which means you can work on your material NOW and have it ready to go for the year--Valentine's Day, the 4th of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and even (with compliments to Carl) Arbor Day. 

Happy celebrating!