Lost your mojo? Good news... ~via Heidi Forbes Öste
Sharing a powerful reflection via my dear friend and colleague Heidi Forbes Öste. Mojo isn’t something we “lose forever,” it’s something that ebbs and flows, reminding us that reinvention is part of the journey. I especially connected with your point about clearing loose ends and telling that inner critic to “shut up.” We all too often get in our own way more than anything else. For me, it’s most often the lofty expectations I set for myself that get in the way, and the hesitation to try something if I’m not confident I’ll be good at it.
Heidi's willingness to embrace this as an opportunity rather than a setback is inspiring. Here’s to shaking off the water, setting a fresh tack, and reigniting a desired spark once again. #NoLetUp /Ted
My Calya journaling prompt today revealed a tough truth, I lost my mojo. Instead of being upset or sad about it, this statement made me excited. I realized that I have had mojo for much of my life. Of course, there have been highs and lows. But I had mojo, which means I have it in me to have it. Thanks to much of the work that I have done for others, now applying to myself, I know how to get it back. This may not (or rather will not) be the same for everyone. But here is the start, and a clue - no more ruminating on the past, more forward!
So first steps, tidy up loose ends, critical when sailing so we don’t trip over the lines, but even more so in life, as there is more at stake than getting wet. Cleaning up the mess, this is the physical part. Yes, that means create order where there is none, and putting things away that are not in use. This can be physical or metaphorical. Just because you intend to get to it, doesn’t mean it happens.
Get over limiting beliefs that are in the way of taking action. For anyone that knows an Enneagram 1 (perfectionist) you get what I mean. My shadow got the better of me, it took my mojo. Having set the bar so high for so long, there was no way to achieve my own expectations. You may not be a perfectionist, but you can still limit yourself by letting an inner voice tell you that you are not enough. Striving for humility, instead you let the voice take over. So it is time to tell that voice to “shut up.”
Prioritize more of what makes you feel good, clear, strong and productive. In my case this is yoga, connection with friends, learning and community. This also means, putting good things in my body and brain. On the contrary, it also means limiting the not so good. So eating healthy, avoiding over indulging, but rather appreciating the moments when you treat yourself to a delicious treat. Taking time to rest, so yes, prioritizing good sleep (reading rather than screens to relax). And for me, as an introvert, I need to learn to reach out when I need to connect.
Then get to the nitty gritty. Yes, this will be different for everyone. Some of it is still the tidying up of loose ends. These are things that need closure before moving on, but are necessary to launch into the next phase. Maybe there is a question of what is the next chapter? Well, throw some things at the wall to see what sticks (maybe not literally) by putting ideas on sticky notes and stacking them in Yes, No, Now, Never. You may find that what you have been devoting a lot of time and energy to goes in the “Never” pile.
This is the time for re-invention, the world is changing, and we must evolve with it. I am so inspired by my (grown) kids ability to seize the moment. I used to do that too, and am ready to do that again. I got tangled in the lines and got knocked overboard for a bit. Nearly drowning, I couldn’t come up for air. I got thrown a lifeline. Now, I am back on the boat, albeit a bit soggy and slightly slippery under foot. I will shake it off and accept the warm embrace. I am ready to take the next tack and set my course to find my new mojo. Are you ready?
