Great realization! I think most people in the world are affected by this to varying degrees. But the first step is awareness of it. Well done.
I'm beginning to think there are two broad categories to dealing with this (indeed, to PD in general): 1) Take a surface approach by changing the mind/ego patterns to something more resourseful through will-power, repetition, affirmations, NLP, hypnosis... or, 2) Take a consciousness-based approach in which you can still apply the methods above, but you'll be connecting with a greater power to help you along the way. As your awareness expands (through meditation for example), you become conscious of your unconscious emotional-response mechanisms. And they fall away naturally if they aren't in accord with your growth.
I think that almost all the methods of growth discussed on this forum are helpful. It's a matter of trying some out for yourself and finding what works best for you. And keep asking questions - you're bound to get different answers from each poster.
