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The Mojo Dojo

Over the summer we let you in on the greatest success secret ever - the THRIVE! Step Plan. Here at THRIVE! HQ we use it all the time as a tool to develop our goals, generate an enthusiastic team to support us and to keep us moving to the finish line. We think it’s really great, and judging from the feedback we’ve had, so do you (thanks, Mom).

The fourth step of the plan, “Own Your Mojo”, is all about taking your dream and making it happen. This is the hard part. Of course, if you’ve followed the first three steps you’re now ready to “Git-R-Done” in the parlance of Daniel Lawrence Whitney (that’s Larry the Cable Guy to you).

But maybe we need to take it back a step or two.

It dawns on me that, although we can be awfully clever with the catch phrases, we should talk about the Team THRIVE! definition of Mojo. I’d bet you’ve all heard the word, maybe even used it. Webster’s says it’s a magic charm or talisman. Pop culture declares it’s the secret to Austin Powers’s charisma (Double-O behave!). I have another definition for you.

Mojo: passion directed towards a goal

Why passion? Passion drives us. Passion gives us the will to keep on when all seems lost. It allows us to work 60+ hour weeks, commute for hours and still enjoy our jobs. It makes us commit to life changing dreams. Passion sounds pretty good to me.

Talk About the Passion

We now have a pretty good working definition of Mojo (if I do say so myself), but it hinges on recognizing and developing our passions. So how do we do that? Simple, really, and maybe a little difficult too. We need to take stock of the people, events, jobs and things that have made positive differences in our lives. If you want, take a couple of minutes to make that list (I’ll wait here).

(Anyone else have the Jeopardy theme in their head right now?)

OK, everyone back? How’d your list turn out? I had some pleasant surprises in mine, as I reflected on the people and events (sometimes irrevocably tied together) that have influenced me. It has inspired me to reach out and send thank you emails and letters.

Did you notice any trends? My list showed me that I am passionate about creativity, thoughtful leadership and service. Teachers, friends and family have made the most impact. Very few jobs have made much of a difference, and almost no things. Well, there is one item that has acted as an important object lesson, but that’s a story for another day (ooh, cryptic).

Enter the Dragon

One more definition might be in order here. The Dojo referred to in the title of this newsletter is a room to practice martial arts. Its origin is Japanese and combines two words “Do”, the way or pursuit with “Jo”, a place (and you thought it was just a lame rhyme scheme). Wherever we are when we connect our passion to our goals we enter into the Mojo Dojo (shoes off, please). Following the THRIVE! Step Plan is a great way to get in the Mojo Dojo and start shaping your life to be the one you want to live (not just the one you happen to be living).

For me that means committing to the creative projects I’ve planned, being more involved in my community and spreading the THRIVE!. Better still, maybe I’ll find a way to tie them together. Anyone up for a musical about a group of triathletes raising money to fight cancer, or is that just me?

You want to change your life for the better? Have an understanding of your passions and a plan to feature them in your career, relationships and recreation. Don’t expect dramatic changes overnight or perfect outcomes but do enjoy your progress.

THRIVE! Happens.

Quote of the Week

I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it.
Pablo Picasso

Coaching Quickie: The Mojo Dojo

Check back next week for results!

Last Week's Results

Coaching Quickie: Inchworm
How do you approach an important goal in your life?

(00%) All or nothing - I need to do things in one sitting.
(23%) Big honkin' chunks - I commit major blocks of time to pursue my goal.
(77%) Bit by bit - I chip away at things until I reach the finish line.
(00%) Wait until the time is right - I put off starting until I know I can finish.

If you missed it, you can read last week's newsletter online here.