In this New Year's episode, Rob Nelson and Eric Thompson unpack one of the most powerful, and deceptively simple, Ninja coaching tools: "If you could wave your magic wand…" What sounds playful on the surface is actually a strategic question that fosters psychological safety, removes invisible limits, and enables people to access what they truly want without fear, risk, or "yeah-but" thinking.
Rob and Eric explain how the magic wand question puts people into a pretend state where there's no ceiling and no consequences, allowing clarity, emotion, and authentic motivation to surface. They explore how the tool applies to business planning for 2026, coaching oneself through challenging moments, and guiding clients to make better decisions in emotionally charged transactions.
The episode also delves into how the magic wand works in real estate, uncovering genuine priorities for buyers and sellers, anchoring clients back to their original "why" during negotiations, and helping agents build trust by asking questions that go beyond must-haves and logistics. Eric shares his personal magic wand goal—buying a home in the Colorado mountains—and connects it to Ninja's broader framework of designing life first, then setting goals to fund it. They close by tying the concept to the Ninja "Word of the Year" as an anchor for focus and growth in 2026.
Key Takeaways
- The Magic Wand Creates Possibility: It removes ceilings and risk, quiets defensive thinking, and unlocks clearer, more creative truth.
- Pretend State = Psychological Safety: Clients (and you) feel safe to share what they want, not just what seems practical or "reasonable."
- Clarity Beats Logic Lists: With buyers, the magic wand gets you beyond "must-haves" into how they want to live—which reveals what matters most.
- Meaning Fuels Motivation: Goals aren't about transactions or income—they're about the emotion and life those outcomes create.
- Anchor Back During Conflict: In inspection drama or negotiation gridlock, the magic wand helps clients reconnect to the bigger purpose and regain perspective.
- Coach Yourself the Same Way: When you feel bogged down, return to your magic wand vision, ask "Has anything changed?", then recommit with clarity.
- Use "Tell Me More About That": This follow-up deepens meaning and uncovers the real "why" beneath the goal.
- Works Beyond Real Estate: It's a powerful conversation starter with spouses, kids, friends, and teams, helping people dream out loud.
- Word of the Year as an Anchor: A single word can reconnect you to your magic wand vision and align your mindset, skillset, and actions.
Memorable Quotes
- "It's cute, but it is really powerful."
- "In a pretend state, there's no ceiling and there's no risk."
- "It diffuses the little voice that says, 'Yeah, but…' and 'What if…'"
- "It's not about the property. It's about what it means."
- "What's on the other side isn't a number; it's an emotion."
- "Begin with the end in mind."
- "Tell me more about that."
- "Buying or selling a home is emotional, even if people insist that it's not."
- "Your word of the year can be the ultimate anchor."
- "My word of the year is Elevate."
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