Ever been mesmerized by magic? During our first family trip to Orlando's Universal Studios, it felt as though we stepped into the pages of “Harry Potter”!

Our first stop?

Olivander's to get our 8 year old son his own interactive magic wand. With wand in hand, we set off to explore the “magical places” shown on the map and wield the wand's power to make water flow, objects float, and bring a skeleton to life!

The thrill, giddiness and excitement of kids and adults alike was contagious. Everyone yearned to have a turn at practicing magic and wielding personal power through a wand.

All this got me thinking about that one magic question coaches often ask their clients: If I gave you a magic wand and you could create anything you desire without fear of failure, what would you do? Who would you be?

This coaching question is used to free the mind and allow for possibilities to surface. But there is something truly magical in the metaphor of a wand, so I did some digging to discover it's true meaning.

For thousands of years wands have represented power in politics, religion and even mythology…think of the scepter of a monarch, the mighty staff of Moses and the caduceus of Hermes.

A wand is a tool, but different from tools like a hammer or saw. Those functional tools help people to build, fix and create through the physical power of the user. A magical wand’s power comes from inner authority and strength…and the chief ingredient for “wand power” is belief.

In “Harry Potter”, a non-magical person or muggle, cannot wield a wand because they do not believe or know about magic. A wand of immense power in the hands of a muggle, becomes a simple stick.

As a coach, I’m a believer in magic and possibility, and I have the honor of regularly witnessing my clients make magic in the form of creating lives they truly desire. One of the tools I use is helping them discover how to create and use their own metaphorical magical wand.

Without faith, wands are useless. The first step then to creating the life you desire is to believe that anything is possible. Let go of limitations and be willing to dream big, even foolishly. Don your Hogwarts cape and set off to discover the magic that is within you (your imagination) and that surrounds you (Spirit).

Think about the long, pointy shape of a wand. It guides you in a specific direction so you focus your power on what you want.

To create your own magic, you have to know exactly what you want. Without knowing your desires, you wander aimlessly in search of fleeting pleasure rather than stepping into the life and legacy you were meant to create.

Ask yourself:  If I had a magic wand and knew I could do anything without fear of failure, what would I do? Who would I be? Take time to write this down, create a vision board or share it with a friend.

In The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, to see magical results from your interactive wand, you have to aim your wand, say an incantation and trace a magical symbol in the air. It’s a mind, body and spirit experience that requires directing your thoughts, emotions and intentions in focused desire.

To produce “magic” in your own life, follow steps 1 and 2 above and then take inspired action as new thoughts, feelings and synchronistic events come your way.

You know how it is when you are shopping for a new car and suddenly “as if by magic” you see that car model everywhere? Do the same thing with the desires you’ve identified in step 2, and turn on your radar for opportunities to “see” it and follow where it leads.

Wands, as a symbol of personal power, are really about alignment. When you align your whole being into fulfilling your life purpose and making a positive impact in the world, you will begin to see magic all around you.

I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below…