David Copperfield on Turning Dreams Into Reality: How to Be Your Greatest of All Time

When you think of icons who’ve redefined possibility, David Copperfield stands apart. From making the Statue of Liberty vanish to walking through the Great Wall of China, he transformed magic into mainstream, creating moments the world will never forget.

In this Discover Possible Podcast episode, we revisit a mentorship interview with Copperfield that began with a pair of Prada shoes donated to the Get in Their Shoes campaign. What unfolded was not just an interview—it was a masterclass in creativity, resilience, and discovering what’s possible.

How David Copperfield Discovered Magic
Copperfield’s story begins humbly:

“I started when I was about eight years old. I used to go to the library and take out magic books. One game I would play is I would read the effect, but I wouldn’t read the explanation. I’d see if I could invent a solution of my own.”

By challenging himself to innovate from the start, Copperfield learned the power of creativity, persistence, and original thinking—skills that would later set him apart.

Setting Goals Beyond Magic
His idols weren’t other magicians.

“My idols were people like Orson Welles and Walt Disney. I really wanted to make magic as important as the cinema, as important as dance and music.”

Copperfield’s vision wasn’t just to entertain—it was to elevate magic into an art form that could move audiences, just like film or music.

Advice to Aspiring Performers
Copperfield’s wisdom applies far beyond magicians:

“Do a lot of shows. Perform a lot and listen to the audience. Every single time, the audience teaches me something.”

Repetition, feedback, and persistence are the building blocks of greatness—whether on stage, in business, or in life.

On Longevity and Reinvention
While others chase fame, Copperfield treasures staying power:

“It’s not that hard to be successful once. But it’s really cool to be able to do it a lot over many years.”

His career highlights the importance of adaptability. Entertainment shifted dramatically over decades, but Copperfield adapted, redefined his shows, and stayed relevant.

Overcoming Fear and Nerves
Copperfield admits he was nervous at first:

“I remember being in a talent show in elementary school and I thought I was going to go crazy. But they really liked me, and that motivated me to get over the fear quicker.”

For him, confidence came from action—getting out there, performing, and learning from the reaction.

Differentiating Yourself
How did he set himself apart? By creating with purpose:

“Magicians rarely have a point of view. My shows always had a theme—a point of view, a mission statement. That’s what differentiated me.”

From Broadway-style illusions to dream-inspired performances, Copperfield continuously reinvented his approach to reflect a deeper mission.

The Highest Honor
Despite 21 Emmy Awards, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and countless accolades, Copperfield says the real reward is simple:

“The best thing is if the audience still shows up—and they do. That means I’m doing something right.”

Be Your Greatest of All Time
David Copperfield’s story reflects the heart of Discover Possible’s mission: Be Your Greatest of All Time.

Being your GOAT isn’t about awards or recognition. It’s about:

- Pushing past fear
- Innovating beyond what’s expected
- Staying true to your mission
- Creating a legacy that lasts

At Discover Possible, we help you define your vision, overcome obstacles, and bring your own “illusions” to life—whether in business, leadership, or personal growth.

Discover What’s Possible for You
Just as Copperfield turned childhood dreams into world-renowned performances, you can transform your vision into reality.

- Schedule a FREE Discover Possible Coaching Session
- Invite us to speak at your event and inspire your team
- Join our Discover Possible Mastermind and surround yourself with leaders unlocking their GOAT potential

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How did David Copperfield get started in magic?
A: Copperfield began at age 8, borrowing books from the library. He taught himself by reading the “effects” of tricks without the explanations, challenging himself to invent his own methods.

Q: Who were David Copperfield’s role models?
A: He looked beyond magic to icons like Orson Welles and Walt Disney. He admired how they elevated their art forms and aimed to do the same for magic.

Q: What advice does David Copperfield give aspiring magicians and performers?
A: “Do a lot of shows. Perform a lot and listen to the audience. Every single time, the audience teaches me something.” His advice applies to anyone chasing mastery in their craft.

Q: What does David Copperfield consider the highest point of his career?
A: Longevity. Copperfield values being able to stay relevant, reinvent himself, and keep audiences engaged over decades.

Q: How did David Copperfield make magic mainstream?
A: By creating illusions tied to relatable cultural icons—the Statue of Liberty, the Great Wall of China—he made magic events that the whole world could connect with.

Q: What does David Copperfield believe is the greatest honor in his career?
A: Despite 21 Emmy Awards and global recognition, Copperfield says the true honor is simple: “The best thing is if the audience still shows up—and they do.”