Mojo – (Noun).
1. Self-confidence, Self-assuredness. As in basis for belief in one’s self in a situation.  E.g. In the  context of contest or display of skill such  as going on stage or into battle.
2. Good luck fetish/charm to bolster confidence.
3. Ability to bounce back from a debilitating trauma and negative attitude.

I’ve been speaking to three one man operations in the past week and each of them for different reasons has seemingly ‘lost their mojo.’ No question of their ability or even success in times gone by, but each has been struggling to make things happen with any consistency in recent weeks and months.

These guys aren’t alone. Many of us over the last 12 months or so have had our confidence knocked by what the economic climate and circumstance has thrown at us.  Telling yourself to (or being told to) “Work harder,” “work smarter,” “pull yourself together” or that “things will get better” isn’t the solution when all seems like doom and gloom and you are running on empty. So what can you do if you find yourself in that situation?

Well, there are no easy answers or people wouldn’t be feeling like that. However, one of the first things you can do is step back and distance yourself from the situation.  That doesn’t mean run away and hide - it means take a step back and objectively and honestly review the situation. Ask yourself the following questions: (a) What results have I been getting? (b) What overall effort have I been putting in? and (c) What areas of my work have I been focussing my time on?  

This will form the basis for a more in depth analysis of the ROI (return on investment) you have been deserving to date. Be honest with yourself and recognise what you have and have not been doing. That’s step one on the road back to success.

Part Two will follow soon. In the meantime if you need any help with achieving better results through coaching or mentoring then email warren@recruitmentmatters.com