You lost another client last week, but what’s new? That kind of thing has been happening for two years. Prices keep going up while sales go down, everybody seems to know “what’s good for business,” and clients keep canceling. You
You lost another client last week, but what’s new? That kind of thing has been happening for two years.
Prices keep going up while sales go down, everybody seems to know “what’s good for business,” and clients keep canceling. You know you’re not alone, but that doesn’t mean you’re enjoying this New Reality. It’s all so discouraging.
Sounds like you need a pile of inspiration. You’ll get it with “Mojo: How to Get It, How to Keep It, How to Get It Back If You Lose It,” the new audiobook by Marshall Goldsmith (with Mark Reiter).
Remember the days when you had the world on a chain and life was good? Goldsmith says that’s mojo, defined as “that positive spirit toward what (you) are doing now that starts on the inside and radiates to the outside.”
In order to understand mojo and achieve it again, you have to “master” its four major components: identity (how you see yourself and who you think you are); achievement (what you’ve done in business and in life); reputation (who other people think you are); and acceptance (knowing what you can change and what you can control).
But this isn’t going to be easy. In fact, Goldsmith says, it’s going to require a different mindset than what you have now, and follow-up is crucial. Getting and keeping mojo is an ongoing process in which you’ll have to constantly re-assess yourself.
Who are you, and who do others see you as? Do these impressions jibe? Are you living the right identity? What is your reputation?
Why do you strive for achievement? Is it to impress others, or do you do it for yourself? Would you rather be seen as a smart person or an effective person? The answers to these questions impact your personal mojo.
Always be careful that you don’t have “nojo.” Avoid overcommittment and learn to say “no.” Don’t waste your time wishful thinking or boss-bashing, and never participate in pointless arguing. Establish personal criteria that matters to you. If you’re overworked (and who isn’t?) eliminate one thing, and re-build brick by brick.
In other words, take things steady. When there’s a problem, change YOU or IT. And forget about having a job like your parents had, because that world simply does not exist any longer.
Looking for some much-needed encouragement to get you going? Aside from a waaaay over-long (and ultimately annoying) mojo vs. nojo segment that was probably better in print, listening to “Mojo” is a good way to get back to business in your business.
Author Goldsmith gives listeners dozens of tools, website extras (www.MojoTheBook.com) and food for thought in this audiobook, and his upbeat, eager narration is contagious.
Because times are tough, I appreciated Goldsmith’s no-nonsense attitude — mostly because he softens his words just enough to lend a small amount of sympathy but not so much that it allows listeners to wallow in self-pity.
If you’re in desperate need of a boost, this up-and-at-’em audiobook can only help. Grab “Mojo” and go-jo.
• The Bookworm is Terri Schlichenmeyer. Terri has been reading since she was 3 and she never goes anywhere without a book.
