It’s think-out-loud time. Balance, effectively, the right-now and the big pictures. Ignore neither, and do justice to both.

Smoking: You said you’d quit. You abstained for a week, then smoked here and there by bumming from others. Haven’t bought a pack in a month. It’s not perfect, but it’s a good start. Eliminate this growing self-doubt, though, by extending the cold turkey- two weeks, starting today. (On hindsight- sigh.)

Fitness: You sustained the 3rd-day routine for over a month, 2 months, even! You’re definitely fitter than you have ever been in your life, and that is certainly cause for celebration. Listen to your body. Keep evaluating yourself constantly. Eat more. Start eating breakfast and dinner/supper at home. Sleep well– that is perhaps most vital.

Finances: You made a mistake with gambling on Germany. You are to learn as much as possible from that negative experience and always look at such risks with clarity and an honest idea of how much you can afford to lose. The library books were a great investment and I strongly support your decision to purchase them despite being fiscally crippled. (On hindsight, they were!) The benefits definitely outweigh the costs. Okay, you quit smoking. That’s good. Eat out less, and for less, too. maximize the value for money of any indulgences. Seriously do something about bus concession. handphone bill. Dapao breakfast?

Music: Keep things simple, pleasant and straightforward. Consider using music as a reward, as motivation for other accomplishments. Acoustic guitars, bass. Worry about petty details only after debt is cleared, or when there is substantial free time. Blogging should come first.

Blog: This is the next and most immediate step. It is investing in your personal brand, building your value and worth. You say you want to be a writer. Prove it. Write every day. Cut down on Facebook status updates. Nobody cares. Developing this will be the most immediate and powerfulway of earning the credens you so badly desire. Establish routine. Powerful, insightful entries every 3 days, fun stuff in between. (On hindsight: This still sounds like a good plan.)

Art: This is still in its infancy but will someday be of immense value. Keep that in mind. Don’t give up on it. Expand to include it when level is sufficient. It is sort of a minigame or sidequest for now.