So have folks here waited on getting into game (e.g., practicing cold approaches, etc.) and "worked on themselves" for some time beforehand?

I know I want to date and get laid. I'm emotionally over my ex. But there's still a lot of baggage of my own I've got (e.g., low self-esteem, anxiety over new circumstances).... wondering how many in similar situations hung back and worked on themselves before actually getting deep into the in-field work?