We recently connected with Rachelle Cochran and have shared our conversation below.
Rachelle, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
My journey to finding my purpose began at a remarkably young age – I was only 10 years old when I stumbled upon what would become my life’s passion. It all started with a simple realization: making people laugh brought me unparalleled joy. I was not the cutest or the smartest in my family so I carved out a path of my own that centered around spreading laughter.
As I grew older, this passion transformed into a steadfast commitment. The prospect of being able to not only bring joy to others but also potentially make a living out of it was unreal to me. I’ve dedicated years to honing my comedic skills and embracing hard work as my means to achieve my aspirations.
For me, making others laugh isn’t just a hobby – it’s a daily mission. I measure my success not by material wealth or accolades, but by the number of smiles I can elicit from those around me. It might sound corny, but I really do believe laughter has a unique power to forge connections and uplift spirits unlike anything else. People will always remember how you made them feel and I want to leave everyone better than I found them.
Whether it’s lightening the mood in a room or brightening someone’s day with a well-timed joke, I strive to leave a positive impact on everyone I encounter. To me, there’s no greater fulfillment than knowing I’ve contributed to someone’s happiness, even if just for a moment.
In essence, my purpose in life is simple: to spread joy, one laugh at a time. It’s a goal I pursue with unwavering dedication, driven by the belief that making people feel good is one of the most meaningful ways to live a fulfilling, purposeful life.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am a stand-up comedian, and it’s my absolute passion. The thrill of making an entire room burst into laughter is incomparable. It’s better than Molly. I want to spend my life perfecting this craft, aiming to become the best there ever was. Ultimately, my goal is to make a living from comedy—I plan to do stand-up until I die so hopefully, some money will come from it.
My comedy style is characterized by silliness, but beneath the humor lies a deeper intention: I want my audience to feel less alone. As a lesbian who grew up in a deeply religious environment, speaking openly about my sexuality was once unthinkable. I never thought I’d be brave enough to be me. Yet, here I am somehow, some way. Visibility and representation are crucial to me—I’m driven by the simple question, “They were able to do it. Why not me?”
In addition to my stand-up pursuits, I’m excited to share that I’ll be co-hosting Comedy in the Park with Julia Corral and Kickstand every Friday this summer. It’s an opportunity I’m incredibly stoked about! It’s about to be our best summer yet!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey, I believe three qualities have been particularly impactful: self-love, perseverance, and vision.
Self-love: Embracing and accepting myself, including my identity and aspirations, has been crucial. It’s the foundation upon which all other growth and achievements are built. My advice for those starting their journey is to prioritize self-love. Take the time to understand and appreciate yourself fully. Celebrate your strengths and acknowledge your worth, regardless of any external validation.
Perseverance: Throughout my journey, I’ve faced numerous obstacles and setbacks. However, I refused to let them deter me from my goals. Perseverance, the ability to keep pushing forward despite challenges, has been instrumental in my success. To those early in their journey, I recommend cultivating perseverance. Understand that setbacks are inevitable but temporary. Stay committed to your dreams and keep moving forward, even when the path seems difficult.
Vision: Having a clear vision of what I wanted to achieve provided direction and motivation. It allowed me to set goals and work towards them with purpose. For those just starting out, I encourage you to develop a vision for your future. Take the time to define your goals and aspirations. Visualize where you want to be and what steps you need to take to get there. Having a vision will help guide your actions and keep you focused on what truly matters.
Also, I can’t emphasize enough how important gratitude is every step of the way. Don’t forget to look around and to be grateful at how far you’ve already come. You got this.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed, I’ve found that slowing down is key. I take a moment to pause, focusing on my breath to center myself. Meditation has been incredibly helpful in calming my mind and regaining clarity. Additionally, I find it beneficial to jot down a list of tasks or priorities, breaking them down into manageable steps. By tackling one thing at a time, I prevent myself from feeling further overwhelmed. This approach allows me to address each issue systematically and regain a sense of control. Overall, incorporating these practices into my routine has been instrumental in managing overwhelm and maintaining a balanced mindset.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @itsrachellecochran
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itsrachellecochran
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachellecochran/
- Twitter: @itsrachellecoch
- Youtube: @RachelleCochran
- Other: TikTok: @itsrachellecochran
Spotify: dirty racket
Image Credits
Emily Ulsh Bjorn Ryan-Gorman
