Given the era we're slogging through, it's not surprising that a good number of people are feeling less than successful these days. Put more bluntly, many capable, accomplished, highly-resourceful people are feeling at this very moment as if they are failing. Or, possibly, that they have failed. Hard times have that debilitating effect. Not only does our savings account take a hit during bad economic times, our psyche often gets crushed too.
It's hard not to personalize a layoff, repeated rejections, and the inability to find a good job. It's hard not to think it's something you said, something you didn't say, something you should have done. It's hard not to think you're simply not capable. That you're not good enough. That you'll never be good enough.
But, and we have it on very good authority, it is not you. It's the economy. It's corporations unwilling to hire (despite having gobs of cash in the bank). It's far too few jobs for far to many applicants.
It is not you.
That said, there may be something you are doing to contribute to the situation. Something you could do to increase your chances of overcoming any odds you face in regaining the success you enjoyed before all of this started. Something that will separate you from everyone else.
Mojo.
That bounce in the step, sparkle in the eye, confidence in the voice that motivates, strengthens and emboldens us to act with determination, with the belief that one will be successful. That magic charm that raises valleys, lowers mountain tops, that makes even the most audacious goals seem somehow possible, attainable. That energy that quells doubts, calms nerves, that inspires us to dream of what can be. The can-do spirit. The power of hope.
Yes, that mojo.
Where has it gone?
It has gone nowhere. We're just not using it.
Why we're not using it is easy to explain. The magic we refer to is dampened by uncertainty and fear. The uncertainty that accompanies a poor economy. The fear that is the product of depressed corporate earnings, little or no revenue growth, on-going reorganizations, job eliminations, high unemployment. Budget crises in cities and states. Lowered giving to non-profits. The talk that the economy may yet turn south again. The prognostications that growth may continue at a snail's pace. That we'll be in this for years.
Indeed, it's hard to be up-beat, enthusiastic, optimistic in the face of the doom and gloom that we've been hammered with the last few years. How not to be affected by the months of negativity? How not to be slowed by memories of struggle and failure? How not to lose one's verve, one's determination, one's passion? How not to lose confidence after experiencing repeated disappointment?
Too bad we remember so much. Too bad we remember only the negative.
So, it's easy to explain the loss of mojo. The question now is: How to regain it?
We strongly recommend the following:
1. Believe! The magic exists! Your magic lives. Feel it, touch it, smell it (to steal a good line from The Producers). It's right where you left it, ready for use.
2. Start small. Let yourself feel a bit of optimism about something, anything. That this week will be better than the last. That a good thing will happen. That today will be better than yesterday. That there's reason to hope. That you've been far more successful over the course of your life than you give yourself credit for.
3. Build. Small gains beget larger gains. Allow the simple act of feeling optimistic warm your soul. Look carefully about you and you'll see that there is reason to be positive, to be confident. A child's smile might do it. A good laugh. A favorite song. The belief that life can be good again. Knowledge that you are capable, resourceful, smart.
4. Expand. As your confidence returns and the magic again flows, find a cause, a purpose. (What, you thought this was only about you? You're not alone in this. The magic is wasted unless you use it for a greater good.) Have a favorite charity, an organization that needs help? Cool. Get more involved. Find one before the week is out, make the call, and seek a specific way to help. (We've got a list of dozens of wonderful organizations that would love your involvement.)
5. Share. Magic is more powerful when it can be shared. Amazing but true, our magic produces more when we help others feel it. There's nothing quite like bolstering a sense of optimism in someone. Try it this week. There's no reason to wait.
6. Maintain. Magic takes work. You've got to fight for it. Once you have it back, you've got to use it -- or lose it. Using it daily is easier than losing it and starting over again. Find reasons to be optimistic and use that magic to invigorate others. Together, we can recharge the souls -- the mojo -- of thousands.
It's one thing to talk about it, another completely to do it. Some may need support. If you are one who could use a bit of help, or know someone who does, don't be shy about getting in touch with two brilliant coaches. Juls Snowden and Steve Lundeen have been guiding the effective come-backs of people for years. Contact them. You won't be sorry. They'll help you find the magic.
Rekindle optimism. Find your mojo. Help yourself by helping others.
Start today.
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