Lost Your MOJO? Want to get it back?

Time keeps moving forward, even if we don’t. We’re three months into this year and at a point where we may be wondering just where the time went. Especially if our progress isn’t clear.

When that’s the case, It’s easy to lose our motivation for all of the wonderful aspirations we had - not all that long ago. In many cases, the answer to what has happened is that we’ve lost our MOJO.

I had heard that phrase many times but lately wondered about its origins. Going back to the root of things can be fascinating. Especially words. So, what is the origin of the word MOJO?

The term first appeared in writings in the early 1920s in the southern United States and comes from the Gullah word “moco,” which means magic.

Magic! It’s described as magic, magical ability, and the POWER to get things done.

So, losing our MOJO is exactly the right phrase to describe how we might be feeling right now. We seem to have lost our POWER to get things done.

The question for us now is how we get it back. How do we recapture the magic we need to get in lockstep with our motivation again?

Sometimes, it’s just a matter of following our own instincts. Start by asking yourself what next step you can take that will bring back your magic. And follow what your inner guide is telling you.

But if nothing comes to mind, you may want some help.

Here are seven ideas to get you started. But don’t think you have to do everything on the list. It’s likely that there will be something here that connects with you more than all the others. Choose the first action that feels right for you.

1.   Work on Your Goals with Others

If you really want to feel motivated, surround yourself with positive and focused people who share a similar mindset and drive. Join an accountability group. Find a mentor. Hire a coach.

Sometimes, the whole problem is just that you’re going it alone, and you’re too close to see the forest for those pesky trees. Others can point out blind spots and provide encouragement when the going gets tough.

2.   Try Something New or Something You Routinely Reject

Your MOJO may just be stuck! Try changing things up. But don’t just try obvious solutions. Take a new look at options and solutions you may have previously rejected. Things that didn’t seem right before may work now.

If you’ve grown tired of your work, consider that perhaps it is just the mode you’ve been choosing that is wearing you down. Try a new way of doing things.

If you’re an artist, try a new medium. If you’ve been working one-on-one with clients, think about a group approach. If you’re a writer and you can’t face another blank page, try making a video. There are endless ways for us to approach how we do something.

Just changing how you do something is a key path to innovation, and it’s often reinvigorating because we hold on to our genius while letting it go into new places. Those MOJO sparks always return when we let them fly!

3.   Journal

Even if you think you don’t like journaling, this is a highly useful tool to embrace when you are on an inner journey. Articulating your thoughts on paper helps you quickly see through what isn’t true (just as it does if you talk about a topic in a group). It helps you get to the reasons behind the feelings, the feelings behind the excuses.

Journaling enables you to map your progress and allows you to look back at how far you’ve actually come. And that can be the most motivational strategy of all.

4.   Change up Your Space

Sometimes, our workspaces can add to our loss of motivation and energy. Take a good look at yours. Is it too dark? Is your chair uncomfortable? Is the lighting from that particular lamp too harsh? Is there too much clutter?

And don’t forget the power of what you’re listening to! A new soundtrack might be in order!

Once you’ve planned out what you need to do, act. Transform your workspace into one that reflects your personal and best work and lifestyle.

5.   Take a Workshop or Go to a Mastermind Class

Continuous learning is essential for all of us to remain on the cutting edge of our fields. But it also serves to remind us why we love our work. If you find yourself getting bored with your daily efforts, find a quality retreat, mastermind, or workshop and rejuvenate a deeper and renewed connection with what you do.

Opening your mind and learning new things can restore your MOJO and spirit.

6.   Look Outside Your Work

Sometimes, lack of motivation can come from an unmet need – such as when you’ve been working too much and missing out on other vital parts of your life.

Look to see what you don’t get enough of and what’s missing. And put it back in. Get self-care front and center on this one.

7.   Eat Chocolate Before You Start

This option might be my personal favorite. Lots of people reward themselves with chocolate. Almost everyone loves it. Good chocolate is easy to get, and it is reported to increase endorphins and dopamine levels, which in turn improve your mood.

But take it one step further. Instead of waiting until you finish, reward yourself when you start! Every time you begin a work session or face a challenging task, eat one perfect truffle or one amazing square of premium dark chocolate. Try it! It really does work! (Hint: If chocolate isn’t your best firestarter, just substitute it with whatever treat is perfect for you.)

Celebrate at the beginning! Start with dessert.

Above all else, don’t wait for something or someone outside of you to ‘fix’ what ails you. Buck the trends. Dare to disagree. Decide for yourself. Put yourself out there. Get rid of negative self-talk (and other peoples’ troubles and nay-saying voices).

Then get busy! Take action and bring the magic back. Your MOJO will be front and center once again! Get ready for your magic to shine!