I am a self-taught magician. I have performed a few times in front of a paying audience. I have performed many more times in front of an unwilling audience.
I can do magic tricks with playing cards, paper napkins, coins, and balls. I can also do what is popularly known as mentalism – in which you predict outcomes and influence behavior.
While learning magic, I have incidentally become better at many other aspects of my life and work. I feel like I am a better entrepreneur too.
The first thing I did to learn magic was to watch a lot of magic. In learning about the art of misdirection, I have learned to observe better. My eyes and mind are tuned to read between the lines better now. While I no longer enjoy magic shows as much (because I understand the trick), I think I am a much-improved version of myself as far as attention to detail goes.
I have also become better at having a “poker face”. As a performer, a smile at the wrong time or any expression for that matter can ruin the trick. It gives me better control in negotiations with clients as I am learning how to keep emotions in check.
Performing engaging and entertaining magic needs much more than an understanding of tricks. One needs to draw learnings from public speaking, improv, and theatre to be a great performer.
Magic is an art form unlike any other. If you look at just the tricks and secrets, you may feel it is trivial or even childish. If you look at the impact it has on the audience (when done well) it can be very profound.
For many decades, magic has been a great hobby for many people and has helped them become better people by virtue of practicing and performing. I am finding that it can be therapeutic and empowering.
Give it a shot. You don’t have to do it professionally. Just buy a deck of cards. Watch some youtube videos. Learn some basic tricks. Fool your friends. Entertain your colleagues. You will have a lot of fun too, and it’s a great stress buster.
Watch this space as I share more insights and specifics on how magic can transform your life and work.
Magically yours,
Abhilash