“Regardless of how you feel inside, always try to look like a winner. Even if you are behind, a sustained look of control and confidence can give you a mental edge that results in victory.”
— Diane Arbus
Greetings magical friends,
I learned years ago that sometimes I had to create the ILLUSION of confidence in order to generate it within myself. I had to develop sort of a “fake it till you make it” mindset. I can tell you this…it worked for me, and might for you!
Never let the competition see you sweat. By projecting an air of confidence you can often trick yourself into really feeling it!
Perhaps that is why I started working with masks years ago. Like many performers I had stage fright. I did not have a coach or magic teacher back then so came up with a “coping” device…the mask. Underneath the mask I was often shivering with fear, but I was also building courage… a confident persona that was projected on the surface of the mask.
It took me many years before I could take that mask off and “be me” on stage. The mask was like a cocoon for me. The masks protected me until I grew strong enough to shed them. When we begin a new venture we need help. Help often comes in the form of a teacher; someone who can help us on the road to achieving our dreams.
One of the most important guides on my path is Eugene Burger.
Eugene is often heard to say, “The goal of the teacher is to create students that transcend the teacher.”
And so today we are delighted to feature some of our students… two of the hottest rising stars in the world of magic. The Faculty at the Magic and Mystery School is proud to be a small part of their success.
Student Winners
Micke Askernas came to our Master Class, and then he attended the Master Class for Mentalists…twice!
Micke was facing a career challenge. He was switching over for “normal magic” to the world of mentalism. In two short years he achieved his dream…take a look at what Micke is creating in Sweden!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DSVVUo7JQk
Paul Brown came to our classes in the UK a few years back. He paid his dues by working at a magic shop for many years perfecting his skills…that hard work is paying off now. Watch Paul win the Magic Circle ORIGINALITY AWARD! (photo of Paul by Arto Airaksinen)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbWrciNO4gU
What does it take to be a winner?
Listen to what some of the hottest new acts in the business have to say about success and winning!
http://www.magicalwisdom.com/winners
Robert Schuller once said, “What great thing would you attempt if you knew you could not fail?”
One of my answers to this question was “to have my own show in Las Vegas.” I have had the good fortune to do that many times. Now I help many of our magic students get a “shot in Vegas.”
Take a look at some of our magical friends and magic students on stage this week. You can watch from the comfort of your own home! Just hop on your computer and watch:
Jeff McBride’s WONDERGROUND Live in Las Vegas!
We go live @ 9pm (PST)Â http://www.streetofcards.tv, this Thursday, direct from The Olive. You can even participate via live chat.
You can watch an ALL NEW show this Thursday at WONDERGROUND. Go towww.vegaswonderground.com to see this week’s line up of great talent. What other Las Vegas shows lets you have a complimentary front row seat? And if you’re in Vegas this week, be sure and drop by to The Olive to say hello and join in the fun!
See you in Las Vegas!
Jeff