Here's a wise article about 17 Secrets of Magicians. I'll add one more: A lot of people think a trick is all about the secret of how it's done. That's true with some tricks but in most, the key thing is how well it's done. This is why magicians are often really impressed with other magicians. Frequently, you know how the trick is done but you're amazed with how well some guy does it. The real magic is not in the gimmick but in the split-second timing and the masterful manipulation that comes with years of practice. It's like in cooking. You might know the recipe but that doesn't mean you can make that item as well as someone who's been doing it for a long time.