Magic tricks too hard? 3 Ways to Get out of a Magic Rut

Magic tricks can be hard work. The process of studying, practicing and performing magic tricks can be a lot to take on. More often than not it can result in hitting a brick wall and losing the motivation to carry one and persist.

There are a few reasons why you may feel like this and we can identify these reasons and what to do to overcome them so that you can once again happily go about performing your magic tricks to your family and friends.

Sean writes:

‘I’ve been doing magic tricks since I was 7, but I feel as if I’m not going anywhere. I have put too much money and devotion into learning my magic tricks and I was wondering if you could recommend anything to help me get better?’

It may feel  as if  you have hit a bit of a rut with your magic tricks, we have a few suggestions to help get yourself out of that rut and keep it fresh:

1) REMEMBER
Firstly, try to remember what made you begin learning magic tricks in the first place. Remind yourself of the feeling of amazement and excitement when you first saw a magic trick that seemed impossible. Hold onto this feeling and use it as motivation, it is a positive feeling that can help re-vitalise your hunger for this art form. Maybe dig out some old DVDs or video clips of some magic tricks that once inspired you and re-watch them, try to capture that spark that was once ignited. Change your emotions when you think of magic tricks to that of excitement and ambition, as opposed to frustration and helplessness. This is stage one – reclaiming your passion.

2) FEEL
Next you may find that the magic tricks you are performing don’t feel right or suit your style. This can result in nervous and uncomfortable performances. This is a common issue but it is important that once you have identified you  are experiencing this issue that you address it. Ask yourself honestly what magic tricks you would like to perform then you can focus your attentions on that area of study. However it is also important to be realistic with your goals and to make sure your goals are achievable. There is no point trying to attempt advanced gambling sleights if you have not learned the basics first. If you are focused and patient, then results will come. Look at your own strengths and weaknesses, what makes you comfortable and what makes you uncomfortable. When you are honest with yourself about this, you will be able to make positive changes and improvements to technique and confidence will come. This is stage two – being honest with yourself in order to set achievable goals.

3) PLAY
Once you have re-invigorated your passion for your magic tricks and identified what magic tricks you want to study it is time to put this into practice. You should feel sparky, willing to persist and have a more positive overall mind set towards your magic tricks so now is the time to look at your practice regime. If you have a practice routine that is fun and enjoyable for your magic tricks,  it can make a world of difference.

If you find that you are struggling with a certain magic trick or sleight then it is important to return to the book or DVD where you originally learned it. Re-watch the tutorial to see if there are any obvious mistakes you are perpetuating, sometimes all it takes is a finger tip to be in the wrong place and this  can make a certain move or magic trick impossible.

If you are sure you are performing the sleights correctly then it is just a matter of practice. Your practice sessions do not have to be long and laboured, in fact, they should be the opposite, quick bursts of a few minutes practice regularly. Do 2 – 5 minutes of practice in the morning and a couple of times throughout the evening rather than extended periods of practice. If you have a deck of cards by your bed, near the TV, in the kitchen, wherever you may find yourself regularly so whenever you have a moment of downtime you can pick up the deck and do a quick 2 minute practice run. This will help to keep your practice sessions vibrant and will ultimately be better for learning and remembering the motor skills involved in performing your magic tricks. This is stage three – keeping your practice sessions fresh.

If you follow these three steps, then you should be well on your way out of the rut you are experiencing! All that is left to do is to find a willing spectator and perform! Also remember, spending loads of money on magic will not automatically make you a good magician. It is great to have knowledge, but the great magician inside of you needs focus and drive to flourish. Being focused and driven is easy when you have fun and enjoy what you are doing.