Are you feeling listless? Rudderless? Too much time on your hands with the shut down? Unsure of what will motivate you to get back that familiar focus and drive? Congratulations, you’ve lost your mojo!

It may seem odd to congratulate you, but I do so because once you understand your former motivation, you’ll see you don’t really want it back, but will likely be better served to choose another.

WHAT?!

Let me start from the beginning . . .

If you once had a very clear driver or motivating reason that fueled our job or life, it may very well have been one that was based in an “anti” something mental construct.

“I’ll never be poor, like my parents.”
“I’ll show them!” (the people that never believed in me)
“I need to be the best—it’s the only way I feel OK with myself!” (anti-self-acceptance)
“I can’t rely on anyone but me” (anti-rejection, trust, or disappointment)

Now, as I said earlier, these drivers likely worked well for you until they didn’t. Maybe they are not working now, and you keep grasping for the chance to get those drivers to work for you again. They won’t. You’ve outgrown them. Been there, done that – proved that. Yes, you may be feeling lost because you already succeeded. THAT WAY.

To get to your next goal or your next evolution, you will have to succeed a different way. You’ll have to tap into a different motivation. One that is more driven by what you DO want versus what you don’t want or what you might be running away from.

The secret mojo that works over and over again is when your driver is about something bigger than you and your own needs. Does your industry or product pull you towards something you believe in? Is it your vision for an eventful retirement that can motivate you? Is it a movement you are (or want to be) involved in that could fuel your actions? What can you be FOR (vs. against) that will give you focus and direction?

In our work with the Now What?® program, we do a lot of exploration around finding purpose in our life and more explicitly finding our unique purpose. Being able to express more of our purpose in the world is another great motivator.

Here’s how this shows up for me: long ago, I identified that my purpose is to create positive change. It just happens. It’s not a chore. It’s just what I do. It’s who I am. All my career choices have been informed by this. Even in my two-decade coaching career, there have been times when I have hearkened back into my old profession of performing on stage. I also took on a new interest and ran for elected office twice. And though those things might seem disconnected, the reason WHY I took them on was because they reflected who I am at my core – someone who creates positive change. The outer form is not what I’m attached to. What must remain constant is that I express that ultimate internal part of my being.

So, if you’ve lost your mojo and think you just don’t rate or you’ve gotten too old or tired, it’s just not true. What’s happened is that you are using an outdated operating system. You’re using outdated decisions or motivation. Take time for yourself to reflect and get clear on fresh inspiration.

Ask yourself:

• What do I need to be a part of, and is this possible in my current role?
• What values MUST I get to express/honor in my work or workplace?
• What is my secret sauce (effect on others) that may or may not be a part of my job description?
• What activities light me up or truly bring me joy (it’s time to get that spirit or outcome back into what you do)
• What is my motivation NOW?

Your next steps won’t be hard or belabored. MOJO returns once you tap into that source motivation again.