David Copperfield is considered by many to be the greatest magician and illusionist of all time. He is certainly a legend among his peers. Copperfield’s television specials have won 21 of a total Emmys and 38 nominations. Best known for his combination of storytelling and illusion, his career has earned him 11 citations in the Guinness Book of World Records. He’s a highly disciplined craftsman with an enduring love of his art and a dedication to practice and mastery. Some of his inspiring words:

“Before there can be wonders, there must be wonder.”

“The easiest thing in the world is to come up with an excuse not to do something. I found that the most important thing in life is to stop saying, ‘I wish,’ and to start saying ‘I will.”

“Whenever I pursued my dreams, I discovered something astonishing — I discovered myself. My secret has been to consider nothing impossible. Then to treat possibilities as probabilities.”

I learned that there were two ways I could live my life: following my dreams or doming something else. Dreams aren’t a matter of chance, but a matter of choice. When I dream, I believe I am rehearsing my future.”

“When people say you can’t do it — that it’ impossible — never lose hope. Just because they couldn’t do it doesn’t mean you can’t.”

“Magic is my paint.”

“The audience likes to be taken on new journeys.”

“In magic, it takes two or three years for me to create a 5-minute illusion – for me to get to the level I want.”

“I try to help people realize their dreams by using magic to tell stories that educate, move, and inspire.”

“I used to fly around the stage without strings or camera tricks. That took seven years to create.”

“Passion is everything.”

What a model of mastery! Emboldened and encouraged, let’s all write on!