You shoot, you score.

I LOVE GOAL SETTING.
So I have this theory that if you make a goal and work up to it, you'll succeed.
Background: I've swam my entire life. When I got to high school I wanted nothing more than qualify for state and do my best.
Junior year I injured my shoulder, more specifically my rotator cuff. I had to go through physical therapy RIGHT before qualifying. I told myself that I wouldn't let it get me down and that I'd still do my absolute best to at least qualify in a relay with my team. I worked with my physical therapist and we ended up going to state in the 200 meter medley relay! Only downside was I didn't qualify in my favorite event, the 100 meter breaststroke - I was an alternate.
NOTHING is worse than being an alternate. You have to show up, warm up, and sit on deck knowing you were .07 seconds to being able to be in that pool with the other girls.
I worked out all summer long to build my endurance to meet my goal. When swimming started, I practiced harder and harder every day. I knew I wasn't doing my best if I didn't reach the wall and feel sick with exhaustion. I'd stay after and get extra coaching from my coaches.
The details cut SO much time away. I was obedient and did as they told me.
The race came where I finally qualified for state!!
My qualifying time: http://www.utswimcoach.com/4A1112.htm (under woman's 100 meter breaststroke).
SERIOUSLY this was the most excited I had ever been in my life!! I've never worked so hard at something and accomplished so much!!
State time: http://www.utswimcoach.com/4ASTATE1112.htm

My coaches and I after the race. What great women.

My family there to support me! ALL OF THEM (first time we've all been together in a loooong time). Gawl I love them so much.

Anyways, now I'm training for a half marathon. I love love LOVE the feeling of accomplishing goals. I'll let y'all know how it goes. I never in a million years thought I'd be running one, but I know that if I set my mind to something, I can do it.

It sounds corny, but I'm serious. I can do this.

What I'm getting at is that goal setting is a huge part of the mission. I have high goals and expectations heading out to into the field. 

High goals = lots of work = lots of growth = lots of relying on the atonement to perfect myself.

I know that if I want to have the spirit flow throughout me, I must be obedient and prove to the Lord that I am here to serve Him! The part about setting goals that I love, is that most the time you become more confident in yourself and your goal as time goes on and you stick with it. 

DO NOT BE A QUITTER. NO ONE LIKES THEM. I feel bad for them, because there's an overwhelming feeling of accomplishment and joy when you succeed. I'm out to change the New Hampshire Manchester Mission. I'm preparing myself now so I can accomplish my goals and be a tool in the Lord's hands.

A few of my goals SO FAR:

- See someone go through a change of heart

- Watch blessings pour upon committed investigators

- Make the best of my time (which means staying focused)

- Making the best out of bad days, just like bad workouts, time keeps moving and things always get better

- KNOW the scripture stories and apply them everyday

- Love the people I serve, love my companions

- Have an optimistic outlook (the Lord doesn't put you through anything you can't handle)

- BE OBEDIENT! Almost to the point of annoyance

- Make a life long friend

- Change the lives of generations

- BALL my eyes out from utter joy

- Laugh everyday, especially the bad days

- Keep the goals I make on the mission

- Use the Atonement everyday, in everything

- Pray harder and with more sincerity

- Dance to MO TAB

The list could go on, and it probably will as I get closer to leaving. I just have a firm testimony of the power of goal setting, especially when you have Heavenly Father on your side. I can't wait to set goals everyday on my mission. I can't wait to follow through with my converts and see their lives change as my heart is touched. I feel love for the people I have yet to meet. I see their potential and can't wait to be a part of many life-changing/saving processes! Being the mouth of the Lord will be the greatest experience of my life. Accomplishing a mission with every effort I have in myself and in Christ will be the toughest, more rewarding thing I've done in my life so far. June 5th BRING IT.

- Ash