I can t decide what to do. Next month the

county soccer league is having team tryouts.

I ve always enjoyed playing soccer, and my

dad likes to come watch me play. My problem

is that I want to try out for the school band

too. My music teacher s been encouraging

me, and my best friend s in the band. I can t

play soccer and be in the band because

practices are held at the same time.

I decided to ask my older cousin William

for his opinion. To me, he s always seemed to

know what he wanted and how to get it. He

was a star of the track team and got good

grades. Last month he got a great job.

When I asked him, he said he wasn t

always sure what to do when faced with a

problem like mine. He suggested that I do

what he s learned to do when making

important choices. He thinks about what is

most important to him. Once he figures that

out, he makes a plan for achieving his goal.

I must have had a puzzled look on my face,

because he said he d be glad to help me make

a plan. I feel better already.