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How to get your mojo back

A Fox - get your mojo back

Have you lost focus? Are you just making it through each day with your mind elsewhere and little motivation for the task in hand? Do days pass you by in a blur?

Have_you_lost_your_mojo_at_work-

IT’S POSSIBLE YOU HAVE LOST YOUR MOJO!

Our mojo is what makes us unique, it’s what gives us that certain je ne sais quoi! It drives us, guides us, it’s what makes us passionate about our interests, it’s our talent; In African American culture it’s even referred to as a magical charm! So as you can imagine – it’s not something you want to lose!

What happens when we misplace our mojo?

Our mojo is like our life force so when it disappears, we can become unenthused, unmotivated, sluggish and tired. Our ‘to do’ list may start building up as we aren’t achieving as much as we used to and we may appear ‘flat’ or depleted, perhaps like we are walking through treacle. There are many things that can scare off our mojo and it doesn’t have to just be related to the workplace. Stress or a bereavement can knock you sideways enough to kick your mojo out of the park. Office politics, a dip in your workflow or a difficult relationship with a colleague are all depressing enough to send your mojo into hiding.

The trick then, is not to focus on what is bringing you down, but to concentrate on what you can do to reawaken your enthusiasm, your drive, and your energy to get that mojo back into full swing:

Focus

Having a clear focus or end goal is a great way to get back up again and start running full pelt. There are lots of ways to do this, how about trying short term and long term goals? For example, a goal you can achieve within 3 months, one within 6 months, and one within a year. This will give you regular things to work towards and focus your activities and energies on. Share your goals with a colleague or manager, somebody you know will support you and be a positive influence. Having backing from someone you respect is a great driving force. The sense of achievement that these goals have been met can do untold good for your mojo. 

 Chill

Stress can be a huge contributor to losing your mojo, especially at work. It can suck your energy away and take all your concentration and effort. Stress is heightened in the hub of an office as everything is magnified whilst you are in that work ‘world’ or ‘bubble’ so taking some time out to gain some perspective and remember there is life outside the office is a good idea! Going for a walk, reading a book, calling a friend; these are simple ways to remove yourself from stress. It’s no secret these days that meditation is hugely popular for coping with stress and it is becoming much more mainstream, offering huge benefits. 

Escape

The advancement of technology is astonishing and has become a necessity in running our lives, our businesses; everything really. However, there can sometimes be too much of a good thing and technology does have a lot to answer for. Let’s think about it:

Wherever we are and whatever doing; thanks to smartphones/iPad/laptops we are accountable, contactable and answerable to everybody in our contact list. Our colleagues and friends are even told exactly what time we have read their messages so they know exactly when to push again for a response and how soon to become annoyed we haven’t instantly replied. We are in constant demand and there is an assumption we must stop what we are doing and reply to our latest message immediately. When did this happen? It may sound like a trip back to the dark ages, but how about turning off your devices for just one evening a week and doing something that doesn’t involve staring into a screen. This will ground you and enable you to get back in touch with your interests, your passions and yes, your mojo! 

Change

Whilst you are responsible for your own happiness and maintaining your mojo, there may be external things that are a contributor to your struggles. Your job then is to take control and make the necessary changes you need to work towards getting that mojo back on track. Some common examples are your morning routine, how much sleep you have, the company you keep, the conversations you take part in, the food you eat or the habits you have. All of these can have a negative impact and could play a huge part in you mojo’s disappearing act. Tackling one at a time and noting the positive impact it has is a good starting point.