The ONE Thing That Works, No Matter What Just Happened

When You've Lost Your Mojo - 8 Tips for Teens, Twenties and Beyond

Okay, aside from prayer, there is one thing you can always do to improve your life immediately no matter what is going on—and especially when something hard is going on.

You might have lost a job, lost a friend, or lost your confidence, but not matter what trauma strikes, investing in yourself is never wasted time or money. And it pays dividends forever after.

If you’re stuck and not sure what investing in yourself looks like, here are some ideas and most of them are free.

1 – Focus on your health.

More sleep, long walks, lots of water. Do this every day and you’ll be ten steps ahead of most people.  When you are sick, it really does feel as you don’t have anything because it’s not just your body being attacked but you peace of mind.

Find the right activities for you and just get moving. If you need variety, pull out a bike, find a swimming spot, or join a gym, but good health doesn’t have to cost you.

Eat healthier by downloading the Food Network app for free and search “healthy recipes” or “Meal Ideas” on the MyFitnessPal app.

2 – Acquire a new skill.

There are so many things in the world to learn! Of course you can sign up for a course at a local institution, and that’s fun to help you meet people, but there’s a lot you can do right at home to learn a new software tool, a new trade, or a new life skill.

First there are many tutorials for free on YouTube, so search your favorite “how to” topic and explore. For business, technical, design or creative skills check out online memberships to Lynda.com, Pluralsight, or for more creative courses, try Kadenze. Masterclass is another online program with famous instructors.

If you want to write then there are always online writing workshops you can sign up for that are as little as $10-$30 for the course and taught by published authors.

Other great places to learn new things for free are stores. Home Depot, Lowes, Bass Pro Shop are just some that have talks and classes on sharpening knives, using hunting bows, planting perennials, or building a gazebo.  I’ve personally become a fan of the Bass Pro Shop since I’ve been in the South. Tons of interesting classes, many with a focus toward woman.

3 – Nurture a relationship.

At the end of the day, the people in your life are what matter most, but we too easily forget that they require real dedicated time. Schedule a lunch with your friend or parent or sibling and get to know them outside your usual surroundings.

Cultivate a mentor who can give you guidance in your field and solid life advice about surviving and thriving. Even if you are in high school, a mentor who is a senior can give you the ins and outs of teachers, events, pitfalls, and the general lay of the land. You can thank them with a $10 coffee card or similar.

No matter what the relationship, be genuine and focus on listening, asking questions, and when appropriate – sharing your own life lessons. Consider doing one of the above activities together like cook a new recipe or take a class.

4 – Get in touch with your spirit through prayer, meditation, or nature.

If you have faith, reconnect with it and read more deeply to understand it. Most people think that once they are done with Sunday school they know it all, but that was just the ABCs of the spirit. It’s a lifelong journey of learning, practicing, and refining.

Meditation is another complementary experience to a busy life. Headspace is an app for doing guided meditation and makes the experience accessible to the most cynical.

Nature is a great way to reconnect with your spirit and the world around you. Being immersed and surrounded by life without concrete will heighten all your senses and make breathing a hundred times more pleasurable.

5 – Learn a language.

You can take a course locally or online, or download language apps like Babbel, Rosetta Stone, Mondly, or the ASL app. You could even learn to code.

Don’t have the time? How about you learn a new word in your own language! Open a thesaurus or a dictionary and spend a few minutes studying, then use that word in your next conversation.

6 – Read non-fiction.

It might be a biography, a how-to, a business book, a creativity book…there’s so much to be explored, and you can do it for free at your library. If they don’t have what you are looking for, they will usually order books for you.

Or download the Audible app and you get a few freebies right away. Many of the latest non-fiction titles are available on Audible.

While I love books, for the time-strapped, there are also tons of articles online that cover new technology, leadership, business, mindfulness, career, schooling, and following your dreams. Do a search and eat it up.

7 – Update your wardrobe.

It is true that when you look good you feel good. If you don’t like shopping then this is probably what you need to do.

One item you can always use is a really comfortable pair of school shoes or work shoes. If you can afford more, find some key items that when you put them on, you feel like a million bucks. It doesn’t need to cost a million bucks; the trick is the right fit.

Ask an in-store personal shopper or stylist to help you out. Most department stores have them. And occasionally, there’s a great stylist at smaller boutique shops. Don’t be shy about asking for help. Putting together an outfit is a real talent. Use an expert!

8 – Go somewhere new.

Travel is educational and inspiring, but it doesn’t have to mean a big trip or even a day trip. Rediscover where you live. Explore your local library, museum, park, etc.

Go to a new establishment in town and see if the owner is in and ask how they got started, or ask about the décor or menu. Smaller restaurants with international cuisine are a fun way to meet the locals and learn about another culture. Be curious, be open, and wander into wonder.

Invest in yourself. The ROI (Return on Investment) is always guaranteed.

Whatever you do, it will not be wasted time or money. Growing your knowledge, skills, and confidence at every stage of your life is consistently a game changer, and always a worthy investment.

And, investing in yourself is always the surprising thing that makes your life richer.

Live rich!

~Tricia

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