OK, I’ll admit, I have always enjoyed a good magic show but have never been a fan of the word “magic.” Magician’s create illusions – they make us see something different than really what has taken place through crafting their art.
The reason I don’t care for the word magic is because to some, it represents some type of special power to make things disappear or transform from one thing to another. In reality, magic is the perfection of one of the oldest professions on the planet. Slight of hand, misdirection and so on. Few talents impress me more than a magician who has mastered their craft.
I now have a new appreciation for the word. I recently read “Real Magic – Breaking Through the Illusion of Success” by Nana Danso. Danso, as a magician and motivational speaker, spins a whole new perspective on magic, and this magic has nothing to do with tricks or illusions. This magic is real.
The keys to Danso’s Magic Formula are simple and if followed, will help you to break through the Illusion of Success. Here are the five keys to living a MAGIC life.
MOTIVATION
We all perform better when we are motivated but motivation is a short term condition. There has to be a driving force behind that motivation, something that drives you, something simply described as your “why.” As Les Brown says; “You’ve got to be hungry!” Your why will provide the motivation to continue to achieve over the long run. Your why connects you to your purpose and your purpose is what you have been created to fulfill.
ASPIRATIONS
Can you answer the questions; What do you want? or What do you aspire to do or be? What are your goals? As a coach, it amazes me how many people lack clarity on what they really want. I think this is the reason that so many people feel “stuck.” Danso provides a great question in this chapter. Do you know what the richest place in the world is? Answer – the graveyard. Why? Because this is where are the unfulfilled goals, dream and songs that never happened have been laid to rest.
GIFTS
Danso makes a great observation here. He suggests that if three people tell you that you are good at something, that you have a gift. It is an indication that there is really something there. I can totally relate to this. I never pictured myself as a writer, but when several people took notice of the message in my words, I realized that just maybe there was something there. Now, several thousands words leave my keyboard each week.
INSPIRATION
I could not agree with the author more when he makes the following statement; “The most rewarding part of life is helping others achieve their goals. This begins with believing in people.” Danso is right. When you believe is someone and let them know that you do, not only do you inspire them, but you empower them to do and be more.
CONFIDENCE
Danso points out that when we expect a positive outcome then the outcome will be positive. This only comes when we have the self-confidence to move out of our comfort zone and go places we have not been before. It is really that simple – confidence is the catalyst to achievement. When we believe in ourselves, we can accomplish whatever we set our intentions on accomplishing.
Danso sums it up well with this statement; “Creating magic requires deliberate practice, effort, and dedication, but most importantly, it requires that you believe in yourself.”
A couple of questions for you today: Is your life full of tricks and illusions? Do other people see something that is not real when they look at you? If you want to put some magic back in your life, check out Real Magic and find out how to break through the illusions holding you back.
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Barry Smith 10/31/13 photo courtesy of Amazon © Building What Matters 2013
