What does "mojo" mean to you? For some, it's that elusive feeling that things are going well, a sense of synergy and momentum, that feeling that things are really clicking. Author Marshall Goldsmith, in his book Mojo: How To Get It, How To Keep It, and How To Get It Back When You Need It, defines it this way "Mojo is that positive spirit toward what we are doing now that starts from the inside and radiates to the outside". That definition got me thinking about fundraising and how we can develop mojo when we need it. After all, in order to successfully raise funds for our organization, we have to feel the love, right? So how can we develop - and keep - a positive spirit that will radiate to the outside, especially in trying times? Here are 5 steps to get you there:

Step One: Tap Into the Power of Volunteers

Engaging and leading volunteers is truly a privilege and an area of fundraising that can be highly energizing, given a thoughtful strategy is in place that will support a positive experience for both parties. The collaborative element of working with volunteers toward your fundraising goals should be emphasized, for both the sake of the volunteer and the organization. If approached the same way you would proceed with any meaningful relationship, you, as the fundraising professional, stand to gain a real boost to your mojo. Get creative and work with your volunteer program manager to attract the best people and then be sure to allow them to make a meaningful contribution to the organization's work. Volunteers are especially important to fundraising efforts, opening doors to new contacts and lending credibility to your mission simply by demonstrating their own commitment of time, and often, their treasure as well.

Step Two: Spend Time With Your Donors

As fundraisers, spending time with donors is an important part of our job. It can also be key to increasing our mojo. Almost every time I leave a donor visit, whether it be a solicitation or cultivation, I am reminded of why I do this work. It simply feels good to connect a philanthropic person with a meaningful mission, and to be the vehicle by which that connection is made. I know that I am helping the organization I am representing, and I know I am presenting an opportunity for a person to have a life changing experience through philanthropy. It's a great mojo booster.

Step Three: Keep Your Mission Front and Center

By staying mission-focused, we keep our energy high, and therefore our mojo. It takes quite a bit of effort to continuously make phone calls, attend meetings write proposals and make presentations, all the while receiving a variety of responses. Do what you can to schedule time on the front lines where your organization's services are delivered. Not only will the experience serve to remind you of why you're here, it will give you authentic, first- hand experience and stories to tell donors about how their gifts are making a difference.

Step Four: Measure Your Impact

Understanding, and being able to articulate, the positive impact your organization has on society and your community builds confidence, and confidence, in your organization, in your donors, and in your own abilities as a fundraiser, is a key ingredient to enjoying and succeeding in your job...in other words, in finding your mojo. Measuring your own impact, on your organization, and throughout your career, is also a confidence builder. Take stock of your body of work, continue to educate yourself about your organization and about fundraising in general. This exercise can help breathe new life into your personal mission.

Step Five: Coach a Colleague

There is a need right now, to continue developing new fundraising talent.  Serving as a mentor to an up-and-coming fundraiser will help them, help the profession, and give you a great boost.  In a career where burnout can be high, it's important to connect with colleagues to discuss best practices, and continually learn something new.   Whether you are new to the profession, or a seasoned veteran, you have something to share. This goes a long way toward increasing your mojo, and that of someone else.

When it comes down to it, loving what you do creates mojo. Find those areas of your work where you know you're in the zone, and do more of that. Developing your mojo will raise your level of enthusiasm for life, and isn't that a worthwhile pursuit?