The new year is an imaginary line drawn between the past and the future. At the stroke of midnight, the slate can be wiped clean. The opportunities to grow and progress abound in the new year if we will only take advantage of them. There are the things I believe are important to consider when you are getting ready for the new year. Here are some of them.

1. Review your physical condition. If you are over 50 years of age, it is a good idea to get a complete physical. It’s a good idea at any age before you begin strenuous exercise. If you don’t want to get a complete physical, at least get your blood pressure checked and have a cholesterol screening. Get on the scale — no matter what your age — and see if you weigh the same as last year. If you do, assuming you were not obese last year, you can relax a little. If you have gained a few pounds, now is a good time to start taking them off before they become permanent additions. Walk a mile at a brisk pace. If you can’t carry on a conversation when you finish because you are out of breath, you are also out of shape. Start slowly to build up a regular exercise program.

2. Review your financial condition. I wish someone had made me aware of the rule of 72 when I was 30. The rule of 72 is the way that money compounds. If I take any interest rate and divide it into 72, the results will be the number of years it will take for my money to double. For example, if I have an interest rate of 10 percent and divide it into 72, the result would be that my money would double in 7.2 years. At a rate of 3 percent, it will take 24 years. Low interest rates are great for buying houses, but tough when you are saving for retirement. If I had understood the rule of 72, I probably would have started saving earlier. If you don’t understand investments, find someone who does.

3. Review your mental condition. Grudges and hatreds carried into the new year can destroy it before it gets underway. If you are mad at someone, stop and think for a minute—who are you hurting? Look for ways to improve your mental state. Listen to some positive attitude tapes, or read some of the great books by authors such as Dr. Norman Peale or Dr. Robert Schuller. If you can’t afford to purchase them, check them out from your local library. True happiness rarely comes from the outside; it comes from within.

A new year brings with it many new opportunities and challenges. Will you be in a position to take advantage of what the future holds for you? You can if you have a plan, and any plan must begin with a review of available assets. Start the review today and power up for a great new year.