Consider the following approach: start with simple problems you know you're good enough to solve, and then send them out of the ballpark -- basically, do such a

Consider the following approach: start with simple problems you know you're good enough to solve, and then send them out of the ballpark -- basically, do such a complete, perfectionist job that you can't help but be impressed with yourself. If a subject is baffling you, consider picking a small area within it and then throwing all your energy at it and killing it dead. Confidence comes with success. Small successes can build up to bigger ones. Edit: But persevere. It's my experience that it takes at least a year of work for any significant rewiring of personality and attitudes.