I started this post just before the new year and wanted to get it up so that you could consider making your resolutions with a renaissance mindset.  I never got around to finishing it up.  Instead of saying that I missed the boat, I’m using the idea in the hopes that I can keep you motivated on your goals for 2010.  We don’t have to wait for until 2011 to make new resolutions and changes for the better.

A Brand New Year

A decade and a month has passed us by. We no longer live in 2009. We have moved into a year that is so fresh and so clean, and you’re high from the excitement that a new year brings is hopefully still there. If it’s not, you could re-establish your ideas here and now.

The way resolutions are formed can make a wold of difference in their success rate. I’m not talking about creating simple, achievable goals or resolutions.  You can still go ahead and make some insanely difficult goals.  Without them, there is no long term direction, and “thinking” big never hurt anyone. Never ever.   I’ll start off with what I feel you should not do as you plan resolutions.  These ideas do not have Renaissance Living in mind at all!

What not to do:

• Do not wipe the slate clean
• Do not come from a place of scarcity
• Do not let anyone or anything hold you back
• Do not form resolutions in a negative format like these sentences have been formed.

Resurgence

A renaissance builds on the past. It’s like rising above and knowing where it all came from.  Each year we talk about quitting something or giving up something.  I’m all for eliminating things in pursuit of a minimalist lifestyle; however, forming resolutions and personal changes in a negative format is dangerous.   Think of the next 11 months with renaissance living in mind.  Acknowledge your past and realize that you can recall that dream of being an artist or world traveller. It’s about allowing your creative self, your artistic genius to be revived and overtake the corporate (cubicle) mindset. This is the perfect time to allow your passions to rise up and do what you’ve always wanted to do in life.

Frame ideas and changes in a positive format! It’s hard at first but you’ll start to see how easy it is to turn a negative into a positive.  In my eyes, the office mindset has taken over the way we can frame issues in a positive light. It’s beaten the artist out of us because the company needs you to keep answering the phone or working the line. Suddenly our only resolutions are to quit smoking or lose weight.  How boring and sad.

Embracing life from the mindset of renaissance living and creativity will help in the art of change.  Making resolutions is an art form. I’ll look at the two resolutions that I hear every year.

Comparing Mindsets

In my opinion, people make resolutions from a negative mindset. I’ll quit smoking and it’s going to be so hard. I’ll lose 60lbs and not be fat anymore. How are you seriously going to do anything with thoughts like that.   I know, let’s blame reality television! You’ve been eliminated from the game, you’re fired, you’ve been evicted…etc.  We’re constantly bombarded with negativity.  Let me just give you an example of the 2 resolutions in a positive light:

• I am going to enjoy the fresh air more and more often. I remember how amazing the air was as I grew up and how I felt great being in natural settings associated with freshness.
• I’ll increase the amount of healthy vegetables I eat because I feel more alive when I take the time to eat properly. I remember how great it was playing soccer and other sports while growing up. I intend to play and have fun getting exercise.

These are 2 examples.  The first doesn’t even mention the act of quitting smoking, but it is the exact opposite of having a cigarette. The second idea doesn’t even mention being “fat” and needed to lose weight.  It only deals with eating better and getting exercise, but it’s relating to the past feelings of having fun.  Don’t make it feel like another chore.  We have far too many of those.   Both of these resolutions or life changes are looking into the past and reviving great feelings and interests.  Somewhere along life took a turn and we lose touch with such simple things that are so good for our lifestyle. The positive side effects are amazing.  Why would I smoke while the air is so fresh and invigorating?

If you’ve framed some of your goals or ideas in a negative way, revisit them for me and you. Re-phrase the ideas in a positive light and keep the renaissance living mindset active.  It’s seriously changing the way my brain is wired.

I’m sending out a newsletter later today.  It’s going to have the winner of the Linchpin Book Contest and an idea related to social media for you to think about and try. You can subscribe below the post.  Interested to see who wins the book! I’ll post here as well on Friday.  Thanks for all the participation! It’s hugely appreciated.