By tricking us so thoroughly, magicians have taught us to think about neuroscience in new ways. Here are some of the lessons we have learned from them that you can use in your own life. We will post more of these on our Web site http://sleightsofmind.com as we continue to gain insights, so please check back often for updates.
1. Magicians know that multitasking is myth and so they use a “divide and conquer” approach with attention. They split your attention so you cannot concentrate fully on any part of the stage at a given time. When you have a long list of things to do, you may feel tempted to do two or more tasks simultaneously, such as answering e-mails while attending a staff meeting. Chances are you will do neither task well. For your best performance, do one thing at a time.
2. Magicians know that memory is fallible and that the more time that has elapsed between the acquisition and the recovery of that memory, the less accurate it is. Know this about yourself and keep records of important information and conversations immediately after they happen.
3. Even though magicians make mistakes all the time, they set them aside and keep moving forward, and the audience hardly ever notices. You should do the same.
4. Some salespeople and psychics will “read your mind” by telling you exactly what you want to hear. Next time you go buy an expensive item and suspect the seller is taking you down the garden path, try changing your story along the way. For example, tell the salesperson that you are most interested in the contrast and brightness of your next TV. Once a model has been shown to you, inform the salesperson that actually you are most interested in the longevity of the device. If the best selling points of the current model change according to your request, then the salesperson is not being honest about the product, and is telling you what you want to hear.
5. Magicians use humor and empathy to lower your guard. If you sympathize with a magician, you will enjoy yourself more and be less vigilant about catching the secrets behind his magic. When negotiating interpersonal, professional, or business relationships, do as a magician and disarm with charm.
6. Each spectator is a “telepath.” If you have something to hide from your business partner or spouse or a law enforcement agent, you will do best not to think about it while in their presence, lest your voice, gaze, or posture give you away.
7. Magicians know that attention enhances one small part of the world, while suppressing everything else. When making a difficult decision such as hiring somebody or taking a job offer, make a list of all the tidbits of information you have, no matter how unimportant they may seem. Then sequentially focus your full attention on each item and consider them each individually and fully. Carefully consider the ramifications of each fact and each feeling or intuition you may have. In turn, your attentional processes will enhance each particular issue, while suppressing all other information. Once you reach the end of the list, you will have a full picture based on both the hardcore facts and your gut feelings. You will be ready to decide.