Where to start

[Joeschmoe]

Hi,
I'm new to the forum.
This is really hard for me to write, because I am having lots of negative thoughts and self doubt. I am honestly having a very hard time even convincing myself to post this message, because i keep telling myself that i will fail.

It is time for me to begin on my path of personal development. I've read allot of good advice here on Steve's website and I've even bought a book on NLP(I've been to afraid to even crack it), but i don't know where to start. I've managed to talk myself out of every starting point that i've decided on so far. I manage to convince myself that it's too hard, that i don't have the motivation, and that if I fail at this I'm stuck right here forever.
I know i have lots of limiting beliefs and negative thoughts to deal with and I have seen a couple methods for changing these, but I'm having trouble finding a starting point. Do I start by trying to identify my limiting beliefs and negative thoughts? How do I do this? What if my negative thoughts are so second nature that i don't even recognize them?
I feel like some of the advice that Steve gives might be too hard for me.
Can anyone give any advice? Where do I start?

Joe

[{aspiring_to_clarity}]

Originally Posted by Joeschmoe

I manage to convince myself that it's too hard, that i don't have the motivation, and that if I fail at this I'm stuck right here forever.

Hey, Joe. Welcome to the forums. I am sure there will be tons of great advice coming your way, but for now I will tell you a few things that I hope will help some.

First, those things you manage to convince yourself of are negative thoughts and you've already recognized them. When you tell yourself it's too hard, stop yourself and tell yourself it's difficult, but worth it and you will succeed. It doesn't matter if you fully believe it right away, just start pep talking yourself. When you tell yourself you don't have the motivation, stop and tell yourself that it only takes a spark to start a fire. Soon your motivation will be like a raging wildfire. When you tell yourself that if you fail you will be stuck forever, stop and tell yourself that it's impossible to be stuck, you always have the power to make a move in the right direction.

You may not always know what direction is right, but that's okay too because you don't have to get it perfect the first time. All you have to do is make a move. If it turns out that move isn't taking you where you want to go, just abandon it and make another move...and so on until you are on the path you want to be on.

Take care of your physical body so that you will have the energy and clarity of mind to continue your journey. Feed your mind (with Steve's articles, self-help books and discourse with those further ahead on the path). Take charge of your emotions by noticing the negative thoughts whenever you can and replacing them with positive assertions.

You have everything you need inside of you. And I know you can do it!

You can post about specific areas that you are having trouble with too. There are quite a few wise people here who can point you in the right direction. For my part, I am sending you lots of love, peace and courage.

Good luck!

Book recommendations (These have been instrumental for me, maybe they will help you too): The Power of Now-Eckhart Tolle, Loving What Is-Byron Katie, When Things Fall Apart-Pema Chodron

[Zukin]

Here's the advice Steve gives on where to start:

http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/200...rsonal-growth/