Do you remember that amazing feeling you had at the beginning of your career? You know, that feeling that anything was possible, that you could conquer everything you set your mind to? Sometimes it can feel like that feeling has gone forever. Your career no longer excites you, you’re bored and your mojo is nowhere to be found. Alas! I can guarantee, if you look hard enough your mojo is bound to turn up somewhere. I mean, if Austin Powers can find his mojo and have a major motion picture written about it, so can you (perhaps not the major motion picture bit, but we can dream).
So before you mourn the loss of your mojo, here are some ways to get it back:
1. Surround yourself with people who are full of mojo
If you surround yourself with people who have no mojo, it’s likely that their feelings will inadvertently affect you. You should surround yourself with uplifting people who appreciate you and only want to build you up. Don’t get stuck in a negative cycle with people that drain your happiness.
2. Work & play
To have a truly balanced life, you need to have equal measures of work and play. Work hard, when you’re at work , and equally, play hard when you’re not. This will mean a boosted working life as you’ll be happier and more motivated when working, having had a fun break doing something else you enjoy.
work hard, play hard
…not sure what that actually means but I understand the first half of it 😂
— gabriel conte (@gabrielconte) April 27, 2016
3. Train your brain…
Just like a new puppy dog, you need to train your brain to do what you want it to do. When negativity strikes, recognise it and work towards pushing it out. Negative thoughts can really alter your mojo and push yours passions away. Get it back by recognising negative thoughts and removing them!
4. …and then boost your knowledge!
Learning new things about your industry (or even a different industry!) can boost mojos all around. Feeling like your brain is being stimulated and getting a good work out is good for your mental health in general, as well as being good for future prospects and job goals. Learning is fun (no, really, it is)!
5. Sell yourself your own job
Sometimes getting your mojo back can be as simple as reminding yourself why you applied for your job in the first place. Imagine you had to sell your role to someone else: what are the good things about what you do, and why do you enjoy them? Take a look back at your original job spec too, as this can often bring you back to basics with why you actually like the job you’re in.
I might have lost my tech writing mojo. Or, more accurately, I realize a significant decline in motivation regarding my chosen career.
— Brainwise (@brainwise) December 14, 2009
6. Include laughter as part of your daily routine
Did you know that apparently the average 4-year-old laughs 300 times a day, while the average 40-year-old only laughs 3 times? In my opinion, laughter really is the best medicine, and can help you get your career mojo back. Smiling (even if you don’t feel like it) releases endorphins in the brain, which ultimately make you feel happier! Just imagine what a real laugh could do!
7. Help out
If you’ve been in your industry for a while and have skills you could share with others, why not try helping those who could learn from your expertise? You could become a personal tutor, a mentor or simple offer your help to those who need it. Even if you’re not very experienced in your role, offering a helping hand is always a good thing to try. The gratitude you receive might even make you feel more grateful for what you have, too.
Image credit: Shutterstock
