Mom, I’ve lost my mojo
It’s the tale as old as time, you’ve got shit to do but the mind is just saying “meh”. An extended vacation, a long weekend or even just a relapse in creativity has taken your mojo hostage. It demands Netflix, Trips to the Fridge, Afternoon Naps and YouTube Spirals. As a business owner, you know that “meh” doesn’t pay the bills and as the entrepreneur role dictates, the mojo supports your in your creative nature, your ooompffh and the get up that you need to be successful in whatever you do.
Getting back into the swing of things, or finding your misplaced mojo doesn’t have to be a stressful or anxiety driven process. In fact, it’s just a transition time, like many other moments in life. You know when you change the furniture round or have a new haircut - there’s a transition time. The trick is to become comfortable in the transition, surrender to the uncomfortable and find peace in the fact that things are changing, and probably for good reason to!
Here are my words of wisdom to help you with finding that pesky mojo…
Forgive Yourself
It’s ok if you aren’t feeling yourself, but the first step to be at peace with feeling off is by forgiving yourself and allow yourself the time that you need. There’s no point in beating yourself up for not feeling creative or up to date, that’s only going to block you up more! Have an adjustment day or two, where you get to do some Life Admin, or browse the internet aimlessly. Who knows, maybe your next great idea will be sparked from doing so. Allow yourself to take this time, to readjust and settle into this new normal. One of my favourite quotes goes like this:
“If you’re feeling creative, then you should write. If you’re feeling uninspired, read.”
Locky Stole my Mojo (& heart)
The third day my husband and I returned from a three week vacation, we were blessed with looking after a very poorly 3 day old lamb, Locky. He was so tiny and needed some serious love, cuddles and warmth. This meant a few sleepless nights, round the clock care and of course, plenty of attention. Locky was not part of my ‘getting back into routine’ plan - but being present, outdoors and having some cuddles certainly brought joy into my life. I was still able to get back into things, albeit a little later than I wanted, but this time a little more warm and fuzzy inside!
Write a List
I know it sounds straight forward, but sit down with your laptop and write down a list.
If your an experienced list maker then I’m sure you will have your own unique style… if not, then as someone who thrives off a good list I would recommend putting them into some categories.
Having some categories will allow you to intensely focus on one area at a time, as opposed to doing lots of different things.
For example, you may want to split things up by client, technology, administration, emails and new projects. Be strict with yourself, 45 minute bursts with no distractions and tick off each category. If you do a task that wasn’t on the list, that’s ok, but make sure you still keep to your 45 minutes!
See what I did here…
Dust off the cobwebs
If you’re struggling to get into the flow of things, it’s probably because you’re feeling little crusty. Throw the rule book out the window and start a brand new project! Take your creative license out for a spin and dust off some cobwebs. This new spark will get you into the routine of being in ‘work mode’ without feeling like it!
Space and Routine
It could be the case that your routine has been different to the normal, especially if you’ve been on vacation or the kids have been off school. It’s like the period between Christmas Day and New Years Eve, where all space and time goes out the window. Your full of nibbles, you have no idea what day it is, and time is now a foreign concept.
To get back into the time loop, it’s important to reestablish your space and routine. Set some time to clean your desk, put out some fresh flowers or candle to create a new space, where you’ll want to be! Secondly, set short bursts of focus time within your day. After loosing your mojo or being away from the flow of things, your attention span will be less than what it was before! Set up 45 minute bursts of focused time, ticking off that to-do list! Finally, get a good nights sleep and set an alarm!
