“If there is a single secret, then it can be simply put. Think big, create, plan, rethink (even bigger) then prepare, practice and perform.”
— David Berglas, The Mind and Magic of David Berglas
Great magic doesn’t happen by accident. Every jaw-dropping illusion, every impossible feat, and every unforgettable performance starts with a single idea—an idea that grows, evolves, and takes shape through careful planning, relentless practice, and fearless execution.
David Berglas, one of the greatest mentalists of all time, understood this better than anyone. His words are more than advice for magicians; they’re a formula for achieving greatness in any field. Whether I’m preparing for a show in Upper Gwynedd, entertaining families in Warrington, or performing in Newtown, I follow this same process:
- Think Big – What’s the grandest vision for the experience?
- Create – How can I make it unique?
- Plan – What steps will bring it to life?
- Rethink (Even Bigger!) – Can I push the idea even further?
- Prepare & Practice – How do I ensure it’s flawless?
- Perform – Now it’s time to bring the magic to life!
Let’s break down this approach and see how it applies not just to magic, but to life itself.
What It Means for Magicians
A great magic trick doesn’t start with the mechanics—it starts with a vision.
When I create a new routine, I don’t just ask, How do I fool the audience? Instead, I ask, How do I make them feel like they’re experiencing something impossible? That’s a big difference.
Take, for example, a recent show in Warrington where I wanted to make an object vanish in a way that felt truly impossible. The easy route would have been a simple sleight of hand move. But by thinking bigger, I reimagined the entire presentation. Instead of just making the object disappear, I made it reappear in the audience’s hands—completely changing the experience.
Berglas’s words remind magicians to always push the boundaries. If a trick feels impressive, how can it feel miraculous? If an illusion works well, how can it feel unbelievable? That’s the mindset that separates a decent performance from an unforgettable one.
What It Means for the Audience
For the audience, this philosophy is what makes magic magical.
Anyone can learn a basic card trick. But when a magician takes the time to craft an experience—layering in surprise, storytelling, and theatricality—it turns into something special. That’s why magic isn’t just about secrets and sleight of hand. It’s about creating a moment that people will remember long after the show is over.
I saw this happen during a performance in Newtown, where I did a routine involving mind-reading. Instead of rushing through the trick, I built it up slowly, adding elements that made it more personal and meaningful. The result? Gasps, laughter, and a genuine sense of wonder.
Magic, when done right, isn’t just about tricks—it’s about creating moments of amazement that stay with people.
Everyday Magic: How to Think Bigger in Life
Berglas’s formula isn’t just for magicians. It’s a blueprint for achieving anything worth doing. Here’s how you can apply these principles to your own life:
- Think Bigger Than You Ever Have Before
- In Magic: The best tricks start with audacious ideas.
- In Life: Dream big. Whether launching a business, writing a book, or planning an event, don’t limit yourself. Ask, What’s the biggest version of this idea I can imagine?
- Create Something Unique
- In Magic: A magician’s goal is to craft a performance that feels fresh and original.
- In Life: How can you bring your own creativity into what you do? Whether it’s a project at work or a hobby, adding your own unique spin makes all the difference.
- Plan Every Step of the Journey
- In Magic: Even the most spontaneous-looking tricks are carefully rehearsed.
- In Life: Success isn’t random—it’s built on strategy. Once you’ve envisioned something big, break it down into actionable steps.
- Then Rethink It… and Go Even Bigger
- In Magic: When a trick feels complete, magicians ask, How can I make this even better?
- In Life: Just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, challenge yourself to push it further. The best ideas often come after you think you’re done.
- Prepare, Practice, and Refine
- In Magic: No magician performs a new trick in public without extensive practice.
- In Life: Whether it’s public speaking, leadership, or a personal goal, the more you prepare, the better your results.
- Step Onto the Stage and Perform
- In Magic: At some point, you have to take the stage and bring the magic to life.
- In Life: Stop waiting for the “perfect” moment. Take action. Go for it. The world is waiting.
Wrapping Up: Thinking Bigger in Upper Gwynedd, Warrington, and Newtown
David Berglas’s advice isn’t just about magic—it’s about how to make anything extraordinary. Whether I’m performing in Upper Gwynedd, Warrington, or Newtown, I use this approach to turn simple tricks into unforgettable experiences.
So, what’s something in your life that you can think bigger about? How can you create something unique, refine it, and make it even better? Let’s all keep pushing our limits and making magic—one bold idea at a time.
