Here in the US we are now up and over the 2020 Election hump. As we climb the steepest incline of the COVID Pandemic curve to date, I am hopeful that we will be able to make some changes which will change the trajectory of this thing and bend the curve down. It is difficult to stay positive and goal oriented in times like these. So much has been, and continues to be, totally out of our control. The one thing you and I can control is our own behavior, actions, and mindset.

Here are the top 10 tips from the Platinum Muse to spark your motivation and get yourself back on track with your weight loss and activity goals:

1 If you are struggling, focus on getting through one day at time. You can stick to your plan for the next 24 hours whatever your plan is. If you need to, focus on just getting through one hour at a time. You will succeed. Your brain needs this positive feedback.

2 Go to your happy place when counterproductive thoughts or people come by. Negative people can be like strips of sticky fly paper. It is easy to get wrapped up in them. Don’t fight them. The more you struggle the more wrapped up you become. Take a deep breath, back off to your happy place, and let the problem walk away.

3 Move your body! Even better, move your body outside!

4 Write a short “To Do” list and cross things off as you go. Again, your brain needs this positive feedback. I have a short list of 3 things on my daily calendar that I complete and cross off at the end of each day. It’s such a small thing compared to the other things I do but it drives me forward towards reaching my goals. Crossing things off a list is also very therapeutic and satisfying for me. I am definitely a list person.

5 Reflect on why you chose your goal in the first place. Write it down. Remember how you were feeling deep down inside on the day that you set your goal.

6 Write down at least 1 SMART goal for this week and set yourself up with a reward. When you achieve it reward yourself and the “happy circuits” in your brain will light up better than a sugar buzz. Once again, positive reinforcement.

7 Be present in the moment. This is huge. Stop, breath, be present. Smile. Center yourself.

8 Start each day with a few minutes of reflection before you pick up your phone. Figure out where you are headed today. Find something to be grateful for.

9 86 the nay-sayers around you. It’s OK to say “Don’t make me leave my happy place.” Go to your happy place, take a breath, play your music through your ear pods if you have to. Shut ’em down.

10 Carry an emergency plan in your back pocket for when you get on shaky ground. Pre-plan a snack, have a big glass of water, have the door propped open to your happy place for a quick escape.

You can do this! One day at a time, one step at a time, or one breath at a time move towards doing the next right thing for yourself and others. Set an example because you never know who is watching or who you can inspire. Let’s lift each other up and cheer each other’s successes this week. Cherish this moment in time.

Thank you for reading the Platinum Muse this week. I hope you find at least one good take away from this week’s blog posting. Carry it forward in to your week and rock on!