5 Magician's Secrets That Will Really Pummel Your Work Routine

What I learned from a magician about working smarter, not harder

Selda Seyfi

Dec 16, 2024

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Magic isn't just about tricks—it's a masterclass in efficiency, strategic thinking, and maximum impact.

Just as a magician transforms the impossible into reality, we can revolutionize our approach to work by applying their most powerful principles.

After my recent date night with Mr S. to a magic show in London, I came home with five lessons that I could apply to my own life.

Lesson 1: Be Strategic

In magic, it's not about doing everything—it's about making the right things look effortless. Similarly, working smarter means:

Identifying your most high-value activities
Developing techniques that make complex work seem simple
Focusing on impact over mere effort
Cultivating a strategic approach that maximizes your productivity

I’ve met many executives who are masters at giving their work 110%, but not every task deserves your full energy.

Try it: Look at your week - what tasks will you be working on this week that are going to move the needle to help you achieve your longer term goals?

Lesson 2: Be Prepared

Magicians make extraordinary feats look easy through relentless, behind-the-scenes preparation. Working smarter isn't about working more—it's about:

Developing systems that reduce cognitive load
Creating repeatable processes for complex tasks
Investing time in preparation to save exponential time later

I always make space in my week just to prepare for tasks. This means developing templates for recurring tasks, creating decision-making frameworks and building personal systems that automate routine thinking.

Try it: Pick any meeting you have this week. What preparation could you do to make that meeting more effective? E.g. templates that can be typed straight into? Articles that you can summarize for participants beforehand?

Lesson 3: Be Adaptable

When a magic trick goes wrong, the best performers seamlessly pivot. In the workplace, this translates to:

Developing mental flexibility
Creating backup plans for critical projects
Viewing unexpected challenges as opportunities
Maintaining composure under pressure

Much of this strategy is a mindset. With a growth mindset you can develop multiple approaches to key challenges and build a toolkit of alternative problem-solving methods.

Try it: Identify one unexpected challenge this week, and consciously reframe it as an opportunity to learn or improve a skill.

Lesson 4: Be Indistractable

Magicians understand that attention is the most valuable currency. Working smarter in this sense means:

Controlling your attention deliberately
Minimizing productivity-killing distractions
Creating environments that support deep work
Understanding the psychology of focus

Some of you will be familiar with my meditation obsession. It’s my number one focus tool. But in addition to this I like to use time-blocking and always distinguish between urgent and important tasks.

Try it: If you’re finding it hard to concentrate, change something. It can be where you’re working, or what’s surrounding your desk, even the amount of light you’re getting into your workspace. How does it make you feel?

Lesson 5: Be Self-Refreshing

Magicians constantly reinvent themselves to maintain audience wonder. Professional growth requires:

Continuous learning
Staying curious about your craft
Finding joy in skill development
Maintaining beginner's mindset

If you are feeling stuck, there are several strategies you can use to unstick yourself. My favourites are investing in cross-disciplinary learning and seeking perspectives outside my immediate field.

Try it: Set aside 30 minutes this week to explore a topic outside your field that sparks your curiosity, and look for connections to your current work.

Transforming Work from Mundane to Extraordinary

Working smarter isn't about working less—it's about working with intention, strategy, and continuous improvement.

Like a magician who transforms the impossible into reality, you can redesign your professional approach to create maximum impact with minimal wasted effort.

You do this by:

Being strategic
Being prepared
Being adaptable
Being indistractable
Being self-refreshing

I’d love to know which one strategy will you commit to this week to work more like a master magician?