In Honor of Worldwide Mentoring Day, a Personal Thank You to My Mentors

Today (January 17) is International Mentoring Day. In the past week, I have posted two blog articles related to mentoring. The first provides five reasons why you should find a mentor. The second lists five reasons why you should be a mentor. Having been both a mentor and a mentee – and facilitating corporate training sessions on how to become a mentor, I know first-hand the power of having a mentor. 

In 2017, at the age of 54, I took up magic as a hobby. That hobby has since grown and now I’m considered a semi-professional. Getting to this level would not have been possible without some very important mentors. I’d like to publicly share my experiences with them in the hopes of inspiring you to find a mentor and establish your own professional relationships, no matter your industry or field.

Jeff McBride

 

Put together a list of top 10 magicians in the world and my current mentor, Jeff McBride, would surely be on it. Jeff has performed magic his entire life. So dedicated and committed is he to helping others learn their craft, he opened a school in Las Vegas that teaches magicians how to become better technicians and performers. He provides insights and guidance tailor-made for my specific goals and aspirations, and he has really accelerated my learning curve. Without his letting me learn through his experience and seeing magic through his eyes, I would not be at the level I am today, regularly performing at various magic venues and in theatres on the East Coast.

 

I know I am not Jeff’s only student, but when we meet each month, he sure makes me feel like I am. Jeff regularly offers me feedback and constructive criticism and helps me identify areas for improvement with both my technical performance of each magic effect and the showmanship required to dazzle an audience with that effect. His unwavering support and encouragement have only served to boost my self-confidence and belief in my abilities.

 

Jeff likes to say that a goal not written down is merely a wish. And so, each January, he has me write down my goals for the coming year and we review them together. Then, through the course of that year, he helps me achieve them! He has helped me map out a clear path towards my own aspirations while breaking some of those larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps. He also holds me accountable by assigning “homework” and having me apply what I have learned in my next performance, even reviewing and discussing videos of my performances – all to make me better a better performer.

 

Jeff has helped me to build my network by introducing me (usually through e-mail or text message) to magicians in his network who he believes can help me in my learning. Then, when he and I come back together the following month, we talk about what I have learned.

 

But it’s not just about the practical stuff. Jeff is also a source of inspiration and motivation. Knowing that he believes in my potential and is invested in my success helps me through those times when I feel like giving up. He has been teacher, coach, director, and listener. He provides a safe space for me to discuss my ideas, brainstorm ways to make an effect stronger, while fostering my personal growth. Jeff has been my mentor since 2020. Without him, I would not have achieved so much in such little time.

Scott Alexander

 

I would be remiss if I did not take a moment to honor the memory of my first mentor in magic, Scott Alexander. Watching Scott perform on a cruise ship a decade ago ignited a spark within me that would start me on this wild and crazy journey. Eventually, I met Scott, and he became my mentor, collaborator, and friend. We appeared on stage together several times in 2021 and 2022, and we would sit around in the local diner after each show where he would provide insights and offer suggestions that would help me become a better performer. His methods may have been unusual at times, but the lessons from those methods sure stuck! 

During the pandemic, Scott and I collaborated on a magic “trick” which we created together and marketed to other magicians. Through that process, I was amazed by Scott’s precision for detail, his pursuit of excellence, and his determination for magicians to always perform good magic. That is what he wanted. I have the privilege of having performed with – and being friends with several other magicians whom he has guided along the way. 

Sadly, we lost Scott at the young age of 52 nearly one year ago. Who knows what contributions he would have made to the profession of magic? Sadly, we will never know. Rest in peace, my friend!

The Magic of Thinking Outside the Box: Unleashing Creativity and Innovation

In today's fast-paced and competitive world, the ability to think outside the box has become increasingly valuable. It allows individuals and organizations to break free from conventional thinking patterns and explore new possibilities. In this blog article, we will explore the parallels between the concept of magic and thinking outside the box, highlighting how both can ignite creativity and drive innovation.

Embracing the Unknown

Magic and thinking outside the box share a common trait - they both thrive on embracing the unknown. Magicians often surprise and captivate their audience by performing effects that defy logic and challenge our perception of reality. Similarly, thinking outside the box involves venturing into uncharted territories, embracing uncertainty, and exploring unconventional ideas that may lead to groundbreaking solutions.

Breaking Limitations

Magic effects often involve breaking the limitations of what we believe to be possible. Magicians push the boundaries of what our minds perceive as reality, leaving us with a sense of awe and wonder. Similarly, thinking outside the box requires breaking free from self-imposed limitations and societal norms. It encourages us to challenge assumptions, question established norms, and explore alternative perspectives to unlock innovative ideas.

Creativity and Innovation

Both magic and thinking outside the box are fueled by creativity and innovation. Magicians use their imaginations to create illusions that seem impossible, and which leave us amazed and entertained. Similarly, thinking outside the box taps into our creative potential, allowing us to generate fresh ideas and find unique solutions to complex problems. It encourages us to connect seemingly unrelated concepts, leading to innovate breakthroughs.

Engaging the Audience

Magic performances are designed to engage and captivate an audience. Magicians create an immersive experience that keeps us on the edge of our seats, eagerly anticipating the next 'a-ha' moment. Similarly, thinking outside the box involves engaging others in collaborative conversations and brainstorming sessions. By encouraging diverse perspectives and active participation, it fosters a dynamic environment that sparks creativity and generates innovative ideas.

Practice and Mastery

Both magic and thinking outside the box require practice and mastery. Magicians spend countless hours honing their skills, perfecting their craft, and polishing their performances. Similarly, thinking outside the box is a skill that can be developed with practice and deliberate effort. By consistently challenging our thinking patterns and seeking new perspectives, we can enhance our ability to generate creative ideas and find unconventional solutions.

To conclude then, the magic of thinking outside the box lies in its ability to unleash creativity and drive innovation. Embracing the unknown, breaking limitations, fostering creativity, engaging others, and practicing the art of thinking differently opens us to a world of possibilities. Let us embrace the magic of thinking outside the box and embark on a journey of endless innovation and growth.

This blog post is 100% human-created content.

Chuck Jones is an award-winning speaker, trainer, and e-learning developer as well as a professional magician. He has more than 30 years in the corporate training and development arena and has spoken at numerous conferences including the E-Learning Guild, the Association for Talent Development, and Training Magazine. As a magician, he has performed in numerous close-up, parlor and stage venues throughout the US, including Washington Magic, Elkton Magic, and he can be found most weekends performing at Poe's Magic Theatre in Baltimore, Maryland. Visit him online (as his stage persona, Chuck Thomas) at www.chuckthomasmagic.com.

Changing Perceptions as Magician & Corporate Trainer

What do a magician and a corporate trainer have in common? As a magician, I try to captivate and engage my audience, though in different ways. Magicians seek to mystify and entertain through challenging their audiences' perceptions, keeping them in awe and suspense. As a trainer in the corporate arena, I also try to captivate my audience of adult learners. But I do it by delivering training content in an engaging and memorable manner, to help with "knowledge transfer," giving them the tools to apply the knowledge. As a magician, I create moments of wonder. As a trainer, I create moments of enlightenment. In both roles, I try to leave a lasting impression on audience's minds and change perceptions by creating that 'a-ha' moment, the moment when they 'get it.'

In a recent performance at Poe's Magic Theatre in Baltimore, I was able to do just that: change perceptions through creating moments of wonder. Watch this audience member tell how he came to the show not believing in magic, but how his perception changed as the show progressed.

This blog post is 100% human-created content.

Chuck Jones is an award-winning speaker, trainer, and e-learning developer as well as a professional magician. He has more than 30 years in the corporate training and development arena and has spoken at numerous conferences including the E-Learning Guild, the Association for Talent Development, and Training Magazine. As a magician, he has performed in numerous close-up, parlor and stage venues throughout the US, including Washington Magic, Elkton Magic, and he can be found most weekends performing at Poe's Magic Theatre in Baltimore, Maryland. Visit him online (as his stage persona, Chuck Thomas) at www.chuckthomasmagic.com.

Unleashing Your Inner Magic: Harnessing Personal Power for Positive Change

Do you sometimes feel as though your life is mundane and unpredictable, and that each day is nothing more than going through the motions? Do you feel as though there’s no difference between days – that each day is just like the one that came before it, and that it will most likely be nearly the same as the day after it?

Look beneath those feelings and you may just find something extraordinary: the realm of magic. But magic is not limited to wizards like Harry Potter or Merlin, or to magicians like Harry Houdini or Penn and Teller. Each of us is our own magician because we possess the ability to unlock our inner strengths, and the power within to create positive change and achieve personal growth.

Embracing the Magic Within.

Each of us has our own unique abilities and strengths. As a magician, I recognize and embrace the tools I have and the skills I learned to practice my craft. Those are my passions and talents.  Your passions, your talents, and your experiences are what make you truly extraordinary. Maybe you’re a good listener. Maybe you have exceptional problem-solving skills. Whatever it is about you, these qualities are the key to unlocking your personal power.

Recognizing Limiting Beliefs.

The most common type of magic is transformation. A square of cloth is changed from white to red. A one-dollar bill transforms into a twenty. In the same way, we each want to transform ourselves. Perhaps we want to lose weight. Maybe we want to get a promotion. Or realize a dream. If we want to reach our full potential, we must identify any negative beliefs that are holding us back and deal with them. Where doubt and self-limiting beliefs exist, there can be no magic!

Setting Intentions and Visualization.

As a magician, I think of the outcome I want and then I find a way to make it happen. I want to create an effect where spectator cuts the deck of cards four times, each time to an Ace. I imagine that happening, and then develop a method and story to help me achieve that. In other words, I’ve defined a clear goal and visualized the steps needed to achieve it. What is it that you aspire to? Draw a detailed mental image of yourself embodying those qualities and achieving those outcomes. Use that image to align your thoughts, your emotions and your actions so that they are all focused on helping you achieve the growth you desire.

Use Everyday Rituals.

To improve as a magician, I’ve adopted a ritual of spending 30 minutes a day reading about magic. Not about magic tricks mind you, but rather about showmanship, performance, or theory. I also spend 30 minutes a day on rehearsal – even more if I have an upcoming show. Developing everyday rituals remind us of our own personal power and intentions. Maybe your ritual is meditating each morning or writing in your journal before bedtime. Whatever routine you choose, create that sacred space where you can connect with your inner magic and check on your personal path to progress.

Embracing Resilience and Adaptability.

Magic is the art of making the impossible seem possible. But to do this means being adaptable and resilient when adversity does come along. To truly be that magician with the power to transform ourselves means we embrace challenges and setbacks as opportunities for growth and transformation. Learn from them, make needed adjustments, and then continue your path, bound and determined to achieve your goal. Remember, the magic is not just in the success itself, but also in the journey that gets you there.

Wrapping It Up.

By applying the magic principle of power, you can find your inner strengths and resolve to achieve personal growth and create the change you desire. Find and embrace your inner magician. Conquer your self-limiting beliefs. Determine your goal. Set those daily rituals to help you achieve it. Be resilient when faced with a challenge. Embrace the magic within you and transform your life and unleash your true potential.

You don’t need a black hat or a rabbit to harness the power within to realize the change you desire. Embrace your magic and become your best self!