It’s January 2013–despite years of build-up with the Mayan prophecy that many indicated would mean the end of the world on December 21, we’re still here. For those trying to predict the end, perhaps it will come from climate change after all. As a writer, I find it intriguing to study the science and consider the possibilities–and there are many–now for the time to write the book!

I’m a planner. By the time January ends I should have my major commitments inked in for 2013. And I’ve looked at what I want to accomplish and set some goals.

This year, I’m taking my inspiration from snowmobiling for that goal setting. I ended up upside-down on my handlebars twice in December this year, so I’ve taken a lot of teasing about keeping my track on the snow instead of in the air. And it occurs to me that maybe there’s a metaphor in there to be applied to the rest of my year.

Both of my rollovers were caused by the same thing, which was charging ahead without sufficient knowledge of the conditions I was going to encounter. We’ve all done that before!

So, in keeping my track on the snow metaphorically speaking, I’m planning to take a little more time with my planning this year, and make sure I know what I’m getting into. Weigh all of my options. Slow down enough to see what’s really around the bend before I hit the throttle.