No, it’s not on the Lance Burton stage in Las Vegas. Well, not this kind of magic. This magic is what some call flow, or epiphany, or a breakthrough. It’s some moment of stellar performance or spectacular accomplishment. I suppose it could be some magical solution to a problem.
It crosses into all areas of life: sports, education, business, science, technology, family, relationships, personal development and any other area of human endeavor.
Most often the answer I get is, “Somewhere beyond your comfort zone!”
The assumption is that as long as you’re pushing the boundaries of where you’re comfortable, then you’re making progress. And if you’re not pushing that boundary, then you’ll never find magic. Is that true?
I’m uncomfortable at heights. Being on the ground feels safe, secure and comfortable. Confidence eludes me at heights. My hands get sweaty. Anxiety soars. Unless magic is defined as being so nervous you pee your pants, then heights aren’t where magic happens for me.
Alex Honnold experiences magic at heights. Hailed as the world’s greatest free climber (that means he’s crazy), Alex enjoys climbing the sheerest sides of rock with nothing more than his hands and feet. No tethers. Oh, and he’s insanely fast about it.
Which one of us is right about where magic happens?
Alex is comfortable at heights. What’s he afraid of? I don’t know, but we’re all afraid of something.
Should he discard his love of free climbing and pursue something else? Or does the fact that he’s world-class at what he does change things?
Consider a few things:
• Magic isn’t always associated with a comfort zone – either being in it or out of it.
• Magic most often occurs when people are pursuing their natural abilities.
• Circumstances and opportunities impact magic, but a person may be able to alter both.
• Magic has no formula because magic has no quantifiable definition.
• Magic for one may be failure for another.
• Magic isn’t permanent, any more than failure.
• Magic is more likely to find those who actively seek it most. Emphasis on “actively.”
• Magic occurs in every endeavor and every pursuit. For somebody. Sometimes.
• Magic is elusive.
• Magic is tough to hold on to.
• Complacency is the enemy of magic.
• Another enemy is the assumption you can maintain it.
What once produced magic may not produce it again.
• Magic respects no one.
Where does magic happen?
I only know where it begins.
In your mind.
Unfortunately, that’s also where delusion begins.
