I don't mince my words. I think you probably are all aware by now. 

So, the question stands.  How does one right one's own ship to the extent that one need not seek someone else to do it.  I guess, for me, it seems there is only one starting place.  You've got to root out all of the bullshit that has been incurred.  You know me by, now, PG, I'd go into lengthy discussions if you were interested but privately might be best.  

For me, ripping out those paradigms that clutter the landscape has always been second nature.  In fact, most of the less insistent nonsense and rituals that mankind takes part it never even gained a foothold.  It's like I just didn't even notice them and they slipped right by.  I'll note a couple of simple examples that a good friend of mine once pointed out.  Something as simple as lighting a lighter seems to be a ritual that most everyone learns from someone else.  And, the way they learn it is to drop the thumb on the same side and the fingers/hand.  This never made any sense to me, I can't even say I noticed it.  So, I've always dropped the thumb on the opposing side.  I wear my watch on my dominant hand facing inwards.  This also makes all the sense in the world.  It is much easier to glance at the watch when it is on the inside of your wrist.  You don't need to make a big production out of it.  And, of course, also, if someone throws a beer can at you, you will normally block it with the outside of your wrist, which will protect the face of the watch!

Even with this natural inclination to shed paradigms like a duck sheds water, it's not been easy to keep complete confidence in myself.  I think it partly comes from a nature that can make others uncomfortable as I'm willing to suggest some seemingly seriously crazy ideas.  This tends to put others off.  You certainly follow this characteristic, I think, PG.  The thing is, once you've really proven yourself right enough times (which means all nonsense has to be put aside) it, once again, becomes easier to gain that confidence back.  Being a strategist and a synergist didn't help either, since I tend to think in terms of years, decades and centuries for fruition (keeps things interesting).  But, I have made enough concrete successes, in the short term, to convince myself.  I've repaired my bones, my teeth, my weight, and my very health, as well as teaching myself to play piano very well without ever having looked at the keyboard, by finally ignoring the common nonsense and concentrating on finding real solutions.  And, those are just a few examples of the short term proofs.  Real, concrete proofs that have nothing to do with knowing how to 'play the game' or ruthlessness to become successful, which many use as proof of their value.  And, then, I've convinced myself, through, deep study and analysis and stubborn refutation of anything that could not prove itself thoroughly, that mankind can be magnificent.

Anyways, I'm not going any further for public consumption. Hehehe.  TMI as it is....