You Lost Your Mojo. Now What?

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In late 2021, I found myself in a situation I never anticipated. After years of navigating leadership transitions, shifting organizational philosophies, and board decisions that often felt misaligned with my values, I started to lose steam—and with it, my passion for the job. The pandemic only amplified these challenges. The close-knit team I had once been part of was scattered, and the leaders who had hired me and understood my skills were long gone. What remained felt like an unfamiliar landscape where my contributions seemed to go unnoticed.

The sense of disconnection weighed heavily on me, as it does on many professionals who feel their once-burning passion dimming. It’s a common experience: the excitement and drive that propelled you earlier in your career gradually fade under the weight of organizational politics, ineffective leadership, and routine frustrations.

Eventually, I faced a pivotal decision. I was fortunate to have the option to retire with full benefits and a partial pension. On the surface, it seemed like the perfect solution—a chance to start fresh. But the reality was more complicated. While the financial stability gave me flexibility, I had grown accustomed to the comfort of my long-standing role. Stepping into the unknown was both exhilarating and terrifying.

Recognizing the Signs of Lost Mojo

Losing your mojo—the passion, energy, and drive that once defined your work—can creep up on you. It might show up as a lack of enthusiasm for projects that used to excite you or a growing sense of dread as Monday morning approaches. Over time, it can lead to low energy, a jaded attitude, and a noticeable dip in performance.

When you lose your mojo, it’s easy to feel trapped. The daily grind becomes increasingly uninspiring, and opportunities for growth seem out of reach. For some, the decision to leave is voluntary, driven by a realization that staying isn’t sustainable. For others, the choice is made for them when leadership decides it’s time for a change.

No matter the circumstances, the question remains: what do you do when your mojo is gone?

Rebuilding Passion and Purpose

The first step is to acknowledge the situation. Feeling stuck, unmotivated, or even disillusioned doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It’s a signal—a clear message that something needs to change. And while the thought of starting over might seem overwhelming, there’s a world of abundance waiting for those willing to embrace it.

For me, stepping away from my role was a chance to reconnect with my values and passions. It wasn’t an easy decision, but it was necessary. Here’s what I learned about rediscovering purpose and reigniting the spark:

1. Reflect on What Matters Most
   Losing your mojo often stems from a disconnect between your work and your core values. Take time to reflect on what truly matters to you. What activities make you feel energized? What kind of impact do you want to have? Reconnecting with these answers can provide a sense of direction as you explore your next steps.

2. Embrace the Unknown
   Transitioning into something new is inherently uncertain, and that’s okay. Fear of the unknown is natural, but it’s also where growth happens. Trust that stepping out of your comfort zone will lead to opportunities you may never have considered.

3. Invest in Yourself
   After leaving my role, I focused on personal growth. Whether through professional development courses, coaching, or simply dedicating time to hobbies and passions, investing in yourself is key to rebuilding confidence and purpose.

4. Tap Into Your Network
   The relationships you’ve built over the years can be invaluable. Reach out to former colleagues, mentors, or industry peers. Conversations can spark new ideas and open doors to opportunities you hadn’t imagined.

5. Redefine Success
   Success isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept. Take this opportunity to redefine what it means to you. It might be pursuing a different career path, starting a passion project, or even finding fulfillment outside of work.

The World of Abundance

As daunting as it might feel to leave a familiar role—whether by choice or not—there’s an entire world of abundance waiting for those who approach it with creativity and energy. Opportunities exist for the bold and open-minded, and the chance to reinvent yourself is always within reach.

For me, leaving my job wasn’t just a career shift—it was a life shift. It allowed me to rediscover what I love, reconnect with my strengths, and find joy in new pursuits. The process wasn’t without challenges, but the rewards have been profound.

If you’ve lost your mojo, know that it’s not the end of the road. It’s a turning point. Whether you decide to stay and reignite your passion or take the leap into something new, trust that your next chapter can be even more fulfilling than the last.

The key is to act. Reflect, reframe, and rediscover. Your mojo isn’t gone—it’s just waiting for you to find it again.