I love using GPS! I have named the voice that guides me to and fro, “my lady”. She is able to find me in the most remote of locations or amongst skyscrapers and get me to my destination. I have learned what it means to veer and I have come to appreciate the times she must recalculate my route. My lady has a certain way about her that makes an “I told you so” seem like words of encouragement. She has trained me to accept her recalculations.

The start of a new year is the perfect time to figure out where we are, where we are headed and if we need to do some recalculating of our own. You need to ask yourself tough questions and you need to find someone who can be your living GPS to help you get back on course, if you have made a wrong turn.

Health: How are you feeling these days? Do people tell you that you look tired? Make a long term investment in yourself. Eat less, drink more (water), and get those tests you have been putting off.

Work: Are you a control freak? Delegating responsibilities will free you up to do other things and investing in your staff builds morale. Do you hold a grudge? Allow people to be human. Do you take short cuts? A friend of mine said, “The lazy work twice.” When you try to cut corners and do things the easy way, you tend to make mistakes that you’ll have to correct.

Family: Does the dream you have for your family measure up to the reality? You have control over how much time and attention you give to the people who matter most to you. The song “Cats In The Cradle” is a cautionary tale for us all.

My son turned ten just the other day
He said, “Thanks for the ball, Dad, come on let’s play.
Can you teach me to throw”, I said “Not today.
I got a lot to do”, he said, “That’s ok”.
And he walked away…

In this new year, don’t lose sight of your destination. Listen to the voice directing you to veer here or turn there. It may be the voice of your spouse, a friend or your boss. Recalculate.