Part 11/15:
Central to Gaffigan’s philosophy is that comedy—and other pursuits like martial arts or hunting—share a core challenge: they are inherently difficult. The difficulty in balancing stand-up, acting, and personal life exemplifies this. He described comedy as a craft that demands discipline, diligence, and continual self-improvement.
He recounted how constant effort, whether in writing, performing, or studying material, enhances skill and understanding. For instance, he advocates for listening to recordings of his sets, writing notes, and practicing relentlessly—methods he believes accelerate growth and mastery.
For him, comedy is a lifelong pursuit—a series of small improvements that culminate in genuine craft.