I wanted to make things. First I wanted my own web page; so I learned HTML. Then I wanted to make AIM robots, so I learned perl. First I modified the source of programs that already worked, then I read the Llama which magically filled in all the blanks (oh, that's why that keyword is repeated all over!) Then I wanted to make Facebook apps, so I learned PHP. Then I wanted to get a job, so I learned ruby, CSS and JavaScript.
I also went to ACE computer camp where I built crappy versions of Tic Tac Toe in BASIC and completed numerous factorial exercises.