Have you ever said, “I’m just playing the hand I was dealt?” That usually means you are dealing with a negative situation and are not making an effort to do things differently. It could be a job in which you never meet expectations, a sports team on which you are not valued or a stale marriage.

In magic, there’s an effect called “Two Card Monte.” The spectator is given two Queens and with the wave of the magician’s hand, the Queens magically transform into Aces.

In life, when you receive two Queens, you cannot magically transform them into Aces, but you can play a different game with them. Play the game in which the Queens are the most valuable cards. Changing the game means using your abilities, strengths, talents and gifts where they are most useful – where you can make the most difference. If you weigh 120 pounds, are fragile and slow on your feet, you probably aren’t fit for a career in professional football, so why bother aspiring to become a pro football player? If you never meet expectations in your job despite giving it your all, it’s time to look for another job. If your marriage is stale – no, don’t look for another spouse; change the activities of your daily married life. Find a baby sitter once a month and have date night, or try going away for a weekend for no reason at all – you don’t have to wait for a special occasion to be romantic.

To live your magic life, you must play the game in which the cards you have been dealt are the most valuable. Every card can be an Ace. You just have to play the right game.

Click here for the entire Magic Formula.