Everyone knows that to succeed in Nollywood is tough. Especially if you are a novice beginner like I was. You need connections. You need a mentor. You need to transport to auditions. You need to spend time in master classes. You need to develop yourself in private. You need to get access to paying clients so you can eat as you pursue your career. And many other things.
It feels overwhelming. And that’s why I was excited about the magic wand technique. I first heard about this idea from one of Brian Tracy’s audio tapes on Self-Discipline. Brian talked about taking responsibility for one’s life and not providing excuses for procrastinating on important tasks. And then he went on to discuss some of the obstacles many people face regarding achieving their goals. And then he mentioned the Magic Wand Technique. He also mentioned time management tips, but I will talk about that another day.
The magic wand technique is this: Assume you already have what it is you are seeking and carry on. This forces you to think of what you can do in the moment to achieve your goal. How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. The idea is to focus on individual tasks you can do now instead of focusing on the impossibility of achieving the desired goal. For example, when I wanted to work with film producers and directors, I did not know how to meet them. It seemed like an impossible goal. Then I thought, “What do filmmakers often get interested in that I can provide?” Screenplays. So, I began to take courses on how to write Screenplays and before I knew it, I met veterans and qualified experts in the industry. A goal often seems impossible until it is accomplished.
Assume you have all the money and talent and skills and good health and connections. Assume you have everything you need to succeed. What one thing do you think you cannot fail at?
And somehow this changes your perspective and you start getting all sorts of ideas. Whatever you want, you can have. If you don’t have it yet, you can get it soon. Just break your big goals into small manageable tasks. This gets you started, instead of leaving you feeling overwhelmed about achieving your desired goal. The key thing is always to get started. Immediately you begin, you begin to develop momentum. Whenever I have a lengthy script of around 80 pages to write, I tell myself that I just have to write 2 pages per hour. If I write 12 hours in a day, that gives me 24 pages. This implies that I could finish a script in 4 days if I am determined enough. Over time, this simple technique has helped me become more productive than I could ever imagine and I am sure it will do the same for you too. Whenever you have a difficult task to do: Step 1: Identify The End Goal. 2. Assume you have achieved it. 3. Then, set a schedule and break down the Goal into small bite sizes. 4. Keep at it until you achieve your desired goal. I wish you success in your personal and professional endeavors.
