Five Quick Points to Remember

This post will be short and sweet as I'm trying to prepare for a conference coming up this week. My friend and fellow magician, Paul Draper, recently gave me some profound advice I'd like to pass on to you.

Here are five things to remember for success:

1. The best place to start is right now with what you have. Don't wait for more or think you need that one bit of knowledge you don't have to progress. You won't finish the journey the same as when you began, but you don't have to start in a finished state.

2. The best way to have a lucky opportunity is to put yourself and your work out there for people to see. If you are just waiting for that obvious moment to step into the spotlight, you'll miss all the hidden moments that matter more.

3. The best way to know the right people is to take opportunities to meet a lot of people. You never know when a friendship you develop today could open a door for you in the future. Don't try to manipulate your way into a circle of friends that won't allow you to be you; just be yourself and let it happen naturally with the people around you. The person you wouldn't usually notice could be instrumental in your growth.

4. The best way to be in the right place at the right time is to be in the right places more of the time. Don't shut yourself off from the world or opportunities that might require a little more time. If you want to succeed, figure out what that looks like to you and put forth that extra effort for an opportunity you might not normally try.

5. The best way to be selected is to be ready to say yes when the opportunity surprises you. It's tempting to say no because it might mean leaving your comfort zone, but what you ignore because it might push you could be the very thing that propels you forward.

Ok, I'm headed back to presentation preparation. We are almost a quarter of the way through the year. I hope you've had a spectacular few months of growth so far, and if not, it's time to start today! Remember: You weren't born to be average!

I hope to see you at an event in the future!