27 Sep How to Get Your Mojo Back When You Haven’t Been on Stage for Two Years

After two years of restricting social interactions and carrying out the majority of our work at either home or online, it’s normal to feel that you’ve lost your mojo when you think about your next speaking gig after not being on stage for two years.

While virtual and online events have been invaluable throughout the pandemic in creating new opportunities and allowing many in the events industry to continue their work, it’s safe to say that speaking gigs where you’re dressed smartly on top with sweatpants underneath is the pinnacle of comfort, but not quite the same as being face to face with your audience.

In fact, in 2020, the number of organizations planning a virtual event doubled, which meant live events took a backseat, for understandable reasons.

It’s also totally understandable that, after such a break, it’s hard to know where to start once you decide you’re ready to get back out there. James Clear, author of the iconic book Atomic Habits, put it perfectly when he said: “Many people think they lack motivation when what they really lack is clarity. It is not always obvious when and where to take action.”

There is every reason to be optimistic about the future of live events, and for your career as a speaker. If you’re looking for some ways you can get your mojo back after a long hibernation, keep reading.

Here are four ways to get your mojo back before your first speaking gig.

1. Try power poses — Keep your mind open for this one, but a change in posture or position can make such a difference to how we feel about ourselves. For example, ‘The Salutation,’ where you stand with your arms outstretched and face towards the sun, will certainly make you feel more self-assured than being curled up on your couch planning your next speech.
2. Cover the basics — This might sound self-explanatory but, without proper hydration, sleep, exercise and eating a healthy diet, you’re not guaranteed to feel your best. If you need convincing about the benefits of sleep, read Mat Walker’s book Why We Sleep because it really is crazy just how much running on less than 8 hours of sleep a night affects you.
3. Watch speaking gigs — Both live or online, watching some of your favorite speakers or ones you haven’t watched before, is a sure-fire way to get inspired and remember exactly why you enjoy speaking directly to your audience so much. If you’re looking for new material, check out Jen on a Jet Plane as she talks about solo female travel, featuring exciting destinations, budget travel tips and inspiration for your next adventure.
4. Reflect on why you started this part of your journey — When we’re in the thick of struggles or have lost our mojo, it’s easy to see challenges rather than opportunities. If this sounds familiar, why not journal and reflect on what made you fall in love with this as a career? Try these journal prompts if you’re looking for a place to start.

Journal Prompts

• What advice would I give to a friend or loved one who had lost their confidence?
• How would the version of myself from five years ago feel about where I am now?
• In an ideal world, how would I spend my days in order to feel confident and secure in myself?

It’s important to remember that mojo comes and goes, but there are things that can be done in the meantime to help you find yours again. After two years of working and living differently, we should cut ourselves some slack and be kind to ourselves as we navigate the new normal.