Hello! It’s lovely to reconnect.

If you’ve been in the Wow-world for a bit, you know I pick a theme for each year. (Last year was decreed a “one-touch” year and it made me far more efficient. I’m going to continue that habit.)

This year, I want you to ask and listen for—and offer if that’s your role—direction rather than directionS.

What does that mean?

On a recent Hidden Brain podcast, I heard Adam Grant, the author of “How to Believe in Yourself” say:

“I think that so many people, when they look to an expert guide or a mentor, think they’re going to get a set of directions, but you can’t follow somebody else’s map because no one is starting from the same place that you are.

None of the experts or mentors that you look to for guidance began their journey at the same starting point that you did.

They have different skills, different strengths, different challenges, and that means their map is not going to be tailored for you.

So, I think what we are looking for is a compass, not to give you directions but to give you direction.”

This notion made me happy. (So happy I took a moment to do “Compass Pose”—above.)

First, because it helps me know what to listen for when I turn to others for guidance. Anyone who is too specific may be sending me off with the wrong directions.

Second, as a yoga therapist, it reminds me that my job is to help clients tune in to their internal compass; they know their true north.

So, whether you are looking for a trusted source—or working to trust yourself—I hope this notion of listening for direction, rather than directions, helps point you where you need to go.

For more on the value of knowing the direction—rather than the destination—take a look at “Sometimes There’s No Map—and That’s OK”