When I was in 8th grade, my parents took us to Disney World

When I was in 8th grade, my parents took us to Disney World.

One of the days, it rained heavily. ?️

We had to stay at the hotel.

Bored, we browsed the hotel gift shop.

There I came across a beginner’s magic kit. ?

For the rest of the trip, I practiced every chance I got.

When we returned home, I got into it even more.

I watched David Copperfield’s TV specials. ?

I got a subscription to a magic magazine.

And I enrolled in lessons at a local magic shop.

Christian “The Magician” was born. ?

A few months later, I began performing.

There were friends and family birthdays.

A school talent show. ?

Despite all the practice, something inevitably went wrong at every show.

Maybe someone spotted the gimmick.

There were uncooperative audience members. ?

Or technical difficulties.

All of this is normal in magic.

At a family bbq, a table cloth accidentally lit on fire. ?

But I quickly put it out and forged ahead.

Some family members thought it was part of the show. ?

I had learned magicians are always ready for things to go wrong.

They always have a Plan B.

Top magicians practice these scenarios.

When it happens, they stay relaxed and confident. ?

Often, the spectators don’t even realize what happened.

As business leaders, despite our best efforts, things go wrong too. ?

Maybe it’s losing a client, a key employee, or having a legal issue.

Those that have contingency plans respond fast.

Damage is limited.

And the business carries on. ?

Although Christian “The Magician” faded when I got into high school.

This lesson shines bright with me still to this day. ?