Let’s face it, some people have it and some people don’t. And while you can get it (and we’ll share how), some people never will. Or maybe you lost it like Austin Powers. The French call it joie de vivre. Some people say it’s living large or being in that all-desired sweet spot. But “getting your mojo on” is actually quite a bit more.
So what exactly is mojo? According to Marshall Goldsmith, who literally wrote the book on the subject, mojo is “that moment when we do something that’s purposeful, powerful and positive and the rest of the world recognizes it.” Mojo is that incredible space where we not only experience true happiness in what we are doing, but also where that happiness is fused with a sense of meaning and purpose.
Mojo is that positive spirit that radiates from the inside out. And when you have it, you know it. You feel alive. You feel amazing. The possibilities are endless and day-to-day challenges seem insignificant.
So how do you get jazzed, excited and switched-on B-A-B-Y? In our U-Factor program, we’ve identified many key elements. To start the process to getting to those elements, let’s look at three questions which will move you down the path to getting your mojo on:
- What you bring?
- What you get?
- Why you do?
What you bring? This is related to your strengths. Specifically, you need to examine not only what you are good at (skills, abilities, knowledge and experience), but what you are good at that really authentically resonates with you. In other words, what are your strengths that you get excited about using? For example, you may be great at math, but the idea of crunching numbers all day does not float your boat. On the other hand, you may get juiced up about finding creative solutions to problems and so you would want to find opportunities to do that in bigger ways (and with more frequency).
What you get? We’re not looking for something to check off the list here. We’re looking for finding happiness and reward for the activities. We’re looking for enthusiasm and engagement. We know that we thrive when we are pushing our limits and stretching ourselves. So with that in mind, is their learning and growing that is taking place? Do we find meaning and value in what we are doing? Is there a sense of gratitude in the moment that sweeps over us?
Why you do? What’s the “why” that is driving you? Is it significant? Is it meaningful? Is it making a difference? We don’t have to be fighting for world peace to make a difference, but we do have to connect to someone else or a larger community and feel like our contribution is valuable, important and appreciated. This is all tied to your bigger vision. A vision that speaks to you and deeply connects to a purpose or calling that is uniquely yours.
