24 Surefire Ways to Get Your Mojo Working

“Mojo” refers to your self-confidence, self-esteem, self-efficacy, or even sex appeal. Dr. Evil–Austin Powers’ nemesis in the Austin Powers film series–defines mojo as follows:

“The libido, the life force, the essence, the right stuff, what the French call a certain, ‘I don’t know what’”.

Dr. Evil’s plan to get his mojo working involved going back in time to steal Austin Power’s mojo. In addition, the term “mojo” is of African origin, and it referred to a magic charm, usually placed in a pouch and worn around the neck. However, there’s no need to find a time machine, take someone else’s mojo, or go out in search of cat bones in order to get your mojo working.

Instead, follow the 24 surefire ways to get your mojo working listed below:

1. Stop whining. If there’s something in your life that you don’t like, either try to fix it or find a way to move away from it. While it’s fine to vent occasionally, endless rumination on the negative is a surefire way to kill your mojo.

2. Do something daring. Go on a mini-vacation by yourself, go bungee-jumping, or do something else that makes you step outside of your comfort zone.

3. Be well-groomed. Get a good haircut and a manicure (yes, men can get manicures; at least keep your nails neat, trim and clean). If you’re a man, get a good shave.

4. Wear something flattering. Looking good will help you to feel good. Also, spritz on perfume or cologne that goes well with your body’s chemistry.

5. Engage in an activity you enjoy. The positive spirit you feel toward what you’re doing will radiate to the outside.

6. Do something you’re good at. The self-assurance you feel while doing something you’re good at will translate to the next task you take on.

7. Practice positive self-talk. Whatever it is that made you lose your mojo, you’ll get over it.  There’s no sense in beating yourself up over any mistakes that you’ve made.  Just tell yourself that you’ve learned from your mistakes and you’re ready to move on.

8. Use the “yes-but” approach when you catch yourself saying something negative to yourself. This is a tip I read in a post by Scott H. Young.  For example, if you’re telling yourself that you’re not good at a task you’re performing, add a “but” clause. Here’s an illustration: “I’m not very good at this, but if I keep at it, I’ll improve.”

9. Set yourself up to have frequent, small wins. Instead of setting huge goals and telling yourself that you’ll succeed once you achieve them, break your goals down into monthly, weekly, and daily goals. Each day that you achieve the daily tasks which will move you closer to your long-term goals, give yourself a pat on the back and allow yourself to feel satisfaction for what you’ve accomplished. Recognize your small wins.

10. Even if you’ve failed miserably at something, keep your head up. To quote Elizabethtown: “So you failed. You wanna be really great? Have the courage to fail big and stick around. Make them wonder why you’re still smiling.”

11. Lissa Rankin–a gynecologist, artist, and author of two books–defines mojo as “being radically alive, being completely authentic to who you are, and letting the creative juice of your soul course through you and flow out of you.” (Source.)

Ask yourself if you’ve stopped being true to yourself. Are you doing what you really want, or are you trying to fulfill other’s expectations of you? Are you doing things in the way in which they’ve always been done, instead of listening to your own inner guidance? Paying attention to your authentic needs and listening to your inner wisdom is one of the best ways to get your mojo back.

12. Take a moment to look back at your successes. If your mojo is down because you haven’t had any successes in a while, try to reconnect with the feeling of success you’ve had in the past and bring that feeling into the present.

13. Stride purposefully, shoulders back, pelvis out. Think of the Bee Gee’s song “Stayin’ Alive” and use your walk.

14. If your mojo is down due to a failed relationship, forgive and forget. You can’t undo what happened, but you can stop dragging it around with you by refusing to think about it.

15. Marshall Goldsmith, author of “Mojo: How to Get It, How to Keep It, How to Get It Back if You Lose It”, recommends that you stop waiting for the facts to change, which is just wishful thinking. If you’ve suffered a setback, you might decide to do nothing until a more comfortable set of facts appear. Goldsmith helpfully advises the following:

“When the facts are not to your liking, ask yourself, ‘What path would I take if I knew that the situation would not get better?’ Then get ready to do that.”

16. Be curious. Learn something new. Find new interests.

17. Be grateful for what you have instead of focusing on what you lack.

18. Stay in your own life: stop comparing yourself to others and don’t stray from your path because you’re trying to copy what someone else is doing.

19. Expect success.

20. Hang any awards or certificates that you have in a place where you’ll be able to see them often. Surround yourself with your accomplishments.  You can also place photos of you having fun with your friends and family in key places so that you’re reminded of the people who care about you.

21. Watch someone who exudes lots of self-confidence and model their behavior.

22. Help someone. There’s no better way to feel good about yourself and raise your mojo than by helping someone else.

23. Go out and get some fresh air.

24. Take a cue from “Pinky and The Brain”, an animated cartoon series starring two genetically enhanced laboratory mice. Every episode featured one of Brain’s attempts at world domination. And, every episode, Brain failed. However, nothing would discourage Brain. The opening song for the cartoon is preceded by the following dialogue:

Pinky: “Gee, Brain, what do you want to do tonight?”

The Brain: “The same thing we do every night, Pinky—try to take over the world!”

Keep your mojo strong by persevering despite any temporary setbacks.  Never give up on your plans to take over the world!

(Mojo photo is courtesy of Daquella Manera.)

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