I think you can acknowledge your flaws and embrace them, and, at the same time, be committed to your improvement. They are not mutually exclusive. On the contrary, accepting and loving oneself eases the process of change for the better. Particularly regarding "not caring". As you said, you would like to have others' attention, love, and consideration. We all want and need that. OK, reciprocally, the other people expect the same from you, otherwise they will grow tired of you sooner or later. Reciprocity is part of human evolution.