Hello world,
Okay, so let's get busy. You've chosen your goal whatever it might be. It could be to go to the moon. That's a measureable one because you can step foot on the moon and say you've completed your goal exactly. But let's choose a more common goal, the infamous, "I want to lose weight." It's true that is measureable. That goal gives you something to reach, but most likely you're not going to be satisfied on the scale after a hard day finding yourself one pound lighter. So, let's say you decide you want to shed 15 pounds. That's a great goal! Now Step 2 is.... drum roll please... Count the Cost. You need to be sure you know what you're getting into before you start. That way you avoid setting yourself up for failure. So ask yourself, "What will it require?". Now I'm not talking about taking pills or slathering on cream. No, I'm talking good hard WORK! Try to think of atleast three things you're going to do in order to reach your goal. One: Exercise 5 day's a week. (If you're already doing this and haven't seen much result after a good 6 weeks. Analyze you're work. If you're doing weight lifting, which I suggest, you may be adding weight in muscle while you lose excess fat. In this case it takes time to see results on the scale, but you should be seeing a difference in the way your clothes fit. Otherwise, ask yourself, "Am I really putting in my best effort or am I slacking off sometimes?") Another reason you might not have seen much progress could be you haven't fit your diet to your energy level. So, let's make Two: Eat a balanced diet of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, some dairy, and meat in occasion. Make it 6 small meals a day rather than 3 large meals. This will keep your metabolism going more throughout the day whereas when you eat a large meal your metabolism slows a little in order to digest it. Try to avoid eating much sugary desserts, but allow atleast one day a week for you to do this. Also find alternatives to your favorite desserts. For example, instead of cake or icecream, try an oatmeal raisin cookie. Also remember to drink plenty of water!!! Three: Get atleast 7 hours of sleep every night (perferably 8 or 9). Getting enough sleep raises your metabolism so you burn calories faster! Okay, so now that you've decided all that you're going to need to do in order to reach your goal, think about all of the blessings you'll gain if you do complete your goal. A stronger self-esteem, a slimmer body, confidence, health, less worries. Now considering the sacrifices you'll have to make and the benefits receive in the end if you follow through, determine whether you're willing to make the sacrifice. You must be dedicated because if you start and quit you'll only feel worse about yourself in the end. And now with all of this said and done you can't start yet until you PUT IT IN PEN! Someone smart once said, "A goal not written is only a wish." If you want it to happen write down your goal, what you're going to do, the sacrifices, the blessings, and sign the bottom when you are sure you can accomplish it.

What I must do
One: practice an hour and a half every day of concentrated effort... no laziness!
Two: save up money for Region Clinic and get up early on Saturday to attend
Three: go to private lessons every week to get help from my teacher
Four: Trust the Lord and take time to get to know him. He will give me the strength and the knowledge I need to improve myself.
My sacrifices
time with friends after school and on the weekend, time on the computer, watching tv, or other leisure activities, Sleep!

Blessings
A HUGE confidence build in my playing ability, an opportunity to become a better musician by playing with the region orchestra, one HUGE step closer to getting my letterman jacket!!!!

Am I willing to make the sacrifice?
OOOHHHHHHH!!!! YEAH! - Shannon

Well, what are you waiting for? Get started! Good luck! :D