Feedback Welcomed Here

 

Let’s talk about something close-up, stage and mentalists magicians don’t love, but absolutely need.

Feedback.

If you like most performers, you enjoy hearing,

• “That was amazing.”
• “You are absolute unbelievable.”

You enjoy the applause. The compliments. The validation.

WOW! Of course you do, we all do. We live for it.

But the moment someone says, “Hey, can I offer a thought?” .…everything in you tightens up just a little.

That’s normal. We have all heard that before and some still do.

But here’s the problem, if you only accept applause and resist feedback, you quietly stunt your growth.

 

Why Feedback Feels So Personal

Magic isn’t just something you do.  It’s something you live, breath and built.

Your material, your timing, your persona, that’s hours, years, sometimes decades of work. So, when someone critiques it, it doesn’t feel like they’re talking about a trick.

It feels like they’re talking about you.

And your brain reacts accordingly. Its job is to protect you.
Not to improve your second phase of an ambitious card routine… protect you.

So,  when feedback feels uncomfortable, your instinct is to push back, justify, or dismiss it.

That’s not a flaw.

That’s your wiring.

The Hidden Trap for Good Magicians

Over the years, I’ve observed an interesting pattern among magicians, especially during my time coaching at Magic Island.

 As magicians achieve greater success and develop more confidence in their abilities, it becomes increasingly difficult for them to accept honest feedback.

This challenge arises because, once you know you’re good and fully embrace that identity, you begin to filter out input that doesn’t align with your self-image.

Feedback is often dismissed or seen merely as someone’s opinion, rather than as a genuine opportunity for improvement.

When feedback is interpreted this way, growth quietly stalls.

The Shift: From Protecting to Progressing

If you want to move forward in this business, not just perform, but evolve, you have to change how you experience feedback.

Not emotionally……. but strategically.

Let me share with you two simple ways to do that.

1. Come Back to Your Goal

Before you ever ask for feedback, get clear on why you’re asking.

Are you trying to:

• Get more corporate bookings?
• Strengthen your stage presence?
• Tighten your material?
• Become more memorable?

Whatever it is, lock that in.

Because the moment feedback stings (and it will), your goals become your anchor.

Instead of thinking,
“I don’t like hearing this…” you’re thinking immediately shifts to, “Does this help me get where I want to go?”

That one shift changes everything.

2. Get Curious, Not Defensive

When feedback hits wrong, most magicians either shut down or argue. Neither one helps.

Instead, do something different:

Get curious.

Ask:

• “Can you show me or tell me what you mean?”
• “Where specifically did that lose you?”
• “Can you tell me how that will work?”
• “What would you have expected to see instead?”

Now you’re turning feedback into something usable. You’re taking it out of the emotional space…… and putting it into a practical one.

And here’s the key, once you understand it…

Do something about it.

Even if you don’t agree with all of it, there’s usually something there you can test, refine, or improve.

The Magic Edge Takeaway:

While coaching at Magic Island, I quickly discovered something surprising: magicians who advanced the fastest weren’t necessarily the most naturally gifted or talented. Instead, they were the most coachable.

Coachability is about being open to feedback, even when that feedback is uncomfortable. These magicians didn’t feel compelled to defend themselves or argue their perspective.

They listened carefully. They took the time to process what was said. And, most importantly, they adjusted based on what they learned.

Listening Is an opportunity

Over time, this willingness to listen, reflect, and adapt led to remarkable progress. The effects compound, building into something powerful and wonderful.

The next time someone offers you feedback, don’t dread it, if it applies use it. Feedback is an opportunity, not a threat.

If this message resonates with you, start simple: ask a trusted person for honest feedback this week and really listen to it. This is just one piece of a much bigger conversation.

If you’re committed to improving your magic skills and want to understand the business side of magic, I encourage you to stay connected with The Magic Edge by subscribing to the blog. 

Below I have included a worksheet that you may want to use. I recommend print the page for your personal use.

 

 

 

Stop Dreading Feedback Worksheet

Use these worksheets to reflect on feedback you receive and turn it into constructive action. Keep your answers briefly and honest.

1. Your Current Goal

What change or improvement are you actively working toward right now?

 

2. The Feedback You Received

Summarize the feedback as clearly and objectively as possible.

 

3. Your Initial Reaction

What thoughts or feelings came up when you heard this feedback?

 

 

 

4. Clarifying the Message

What questions could you ask to better understand this feedback?

 

 

5. Turning Feedback Into Action

What is one specific action you can take based on this feedback?

 

 

6. Commitment Check

When will you take this action?

Date:__________________________________