Burnt out

Aug 28, 2017
10
8
I feel really frustrated. Like all the time. I practice a move for weeks and weeks and make a routine for it and perform it, but I just don't have fun anymore. I used to love magic but ever since I bought revolutionary card technique, I kinda dislike it. I don't know why and I don't want to stay this way. What do you guys do when you are burnt out?
 
Jan 26, 2017
2,173
1,339
24
Virginia
Take a break! Nothing wrong with taking a break for a bit. Sooner or later, you'll want to come back!

Or move on to a different field for a bit. I'm assuming you like cards right now, why not pick up some mentalism books?

P.S. What did you find wrong in RCT? I love that book, and would be happy to help!
 
  • Like
Reactions: lseriani and ZackF

obrienmagic

Elite Member
Nov 4, 2014
1,479
1,425
Orange County, Ca
www.obrienmagic.com
Great suggestion above. Maybe focus on another hobby for a bit or just stop working on material from that book. Keep in mind Magic is it about the most difficult technique but rather the one that works best for you. So if a certain technique is taking too much time and energy to learn maybe use a different one.
 

RickEverhart

forum moderator / t11
Elite Member
Sep 14, 2008
3,637
471
47
Louisville, OH
As mentioned, you definitely need either a break from magic completely or just change the field. If you typically only do cards, then why not try a nice chop cup routine or something with rubber bands? You'll be amazed with your new energy and excitement by simply changing it up.
 

WitchDocIsIn

Elite Member
Sep 13, 2008
5,900
2,951
Read this book: https://www.amazon.com/Here-Real-Ma...1516802167&sr=8-1&keywords=here+is+real+magic

I agree with the guys above. You're reading technique-heavy books. Try a biography, or a history of magic book - or something totally unrelated. Maybe look into classic science fiction - did you know Mario Brothers is largely inspired by the Barsoom novels?

You can also take up a new hobby, unrelated, that allows you to take a break from focusing 100% on one subject. This past year I started blacksmithing (not a cheap hobby, btw)

At a lecture by Wayne Houchin (which I highly recommend) he said that he did not get really good at entertaining with magic until he stopped obsessing over magic. When he allowed other interests to develop, he was able to work that diversity into his performance and it made that performance much more relatable to the audience.

Remember - no one is forcing you to do this. If it feels like a chore, you might need to find a way to spice it up.

Oh and one other recommendation I hadn't noticed in this thread yet - Perform. Yes we need to learn and yes we need to rehearse forever - but we also need to perform. Performing reminds us why we're doing the learning and rehearsing part.

Maybe give yourself a challenge - can you do an entertaining 5-10 minutes with nothing but self working tricks? Can you put a story to a card trick you've done forever? Can you take the first trick you ever learned, and perform it now, and see how different it is just from your enhanced skills?
 
Searching...
{[{ searchResultsCount }]} Results