When I want some whine with my rant I prefer red so I can see the world through rose' colored glasses.

Everything is baby steps. Little, teeny tiny, baby steps. Build confidence with the stuff you can attain, then move forward. I was so beaten down after one tour that my goals for the day were merely to get out of bed, shower, brush my teeth, and comb my hair. Anything after that was "gravy".

The trick is to set realistic goals.

Think of a baby learning to walk: standing up has been figured out and the sofa cushion is easy to hold on to. Baby doesn't have plans to go wake-boarding or ice skating, Baby's whole focus is to get from the edge of the sofa to the coffee table where there are fascinating bright shiny things to touch and taste. So Baby keeps trying and after many attempts, Baby finally takes the three steps and catches on to the table. Then somebody yells "Hey! Look!" There isn't always instant affirmation for your accomplishments but that shouldn't stop what you do, the Mighty Oak was once a nut like you. Sorry. That just sort of came out on it's own. The point being, we are all Bozos on this short bus and feel the same things and recognize our own strivings in others. When we see others succeed it gives us encouragement to attempt things on our own. Then we in turn encourage others with our successes.

There is a saying: "Choose your fight" The sentiment applies here as well- "Choose your successes". Professionals start building a wall at the bottom. Build on your successes. (Please, no Pink Floyd references.)