My Daily Mojo/Nojo Reminder: A Wonderful Life Lesson from Marshall Goldsmith!

Definition:

Mojo is that positive spirit toward what I am doing now that starts from the inside and radiates to the outside. It is the attitude and energy that I bring to my work or activities.

The opposite of mojo is Nojo, which is a negative spirit towards what I am doing now. Understanding my identity is important in cultivating and maintaining Mojo. I know that successful individuals in all occupations and levels of organizations demonstrate Mojo as they journey through life.

The attitudes associated with Mojo, as Marshall has described in his work, include:

• Taking responsibility for one's actions and decisions
• Moving forward with purpose and determination
• Going the extra mile to achieve excellence
• Loving what you do and showing enthusiasm for it
• Appreciating opportunities that come your way
• Making the best of any situation, regardless of its challenges
• Being inspirational to others through your actions and attitude
• Feeling grateful for what you have and where you are in life
• Remaining curious and open to learning and new experiences
• Caring about your work, the people around you, and the impact you make
• Having a zest for life and a positive outlook
• Being awake to the present moment and fully engaged in your activities

These attitudes contribute to a positive spirit toward what I am doing, which is the essence of Mojo.

So what is Nojo?

• Playing the victim
• Marching in place
• Being satisfied with the bare minimum
• Feeling obligated to do it
• Tolerating requirements
• Enduring it
• Being painful to be around
• Feeling resentful
• Being uninterested
• Showing indifference
• Acting zombie-like
• Being asleep, metaphorically speaking, to the opportunities and possibilities around you

These attitudes contribute to a negative spirit toward what I am doing, which is the essence of Nojo.

Reminder to self:

What remedial behaviours can I adopt to have Mojo behaviour and avoid Nojo behaviour?

To exhibit Mojo behaviour and avoid Nojo behaviour, I can adopt several remedial behaviours that align with the positive attitudes associated with Mojo:

1. Take Responsibility: Acknowledge your role in any successes and failures. Own your decisions and their outcomes.
2. Move Forward with Purpose: Set clear goals and work towards them with determination. Avoid dwelling on past mistakes and focus on what can be done now.
3. Run the Extra Mile: Go beyond what is expected. Show commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.
4. Love What You Do: Find passion in your work. If you're not passionate about what you're doing, explore ways to align your work with your interests or values.
5. Appreciate Opportunities: Recognize and be thankful for the chances you get to make a difference. This can also mean creating opportunities for others.
6. Make the Best of It: In challenging situations, look for the silver lining and focus on solutions rather than problems.
7. Be Inspirational: Lead by example and motivate others through your actions and positive attitude.
8. Be Grateful: Express gratitude for your team, the work you do, and the progress you make.
9. Stay Curious: Maintain a learning mindset. Be open to new ideas and different perspectives.
10. Care: Show genuine concern for the well-being of your colleagues and the impact of your work on others.
11. Have a Zest for Life: Bring energy and enthusiasm to your work and life. Encourage others to do the same.
12. Be Awake: Be fully present and engaged in your activities. Listen actively and communicate effectively.

By consciously practicing these behaviours, I can foster a positive spirit and create an environment where Mojo thrives. It's also important to regularly seek feedback and be willing to adjust my behaviour based on what I learn. This demonstrates humility and a commitment to personal growth, which are key components of Mojo and my positive outlook on life!