First time posting to Reddit.

Although I'm 30, I am severely inexperienced in the pick up field. I really thought I'd be in a much better place by this age, but here I am. No better now than I was back in high school. No improvements what so ever and I desperately need to change that.

This weekend I went out to the big city for my college friend's birthday bash. We do this every year, hitting up some of the more high end clubs in the city, surrounded by beautiful women...and nothing happens. Not that I'm rejected, but I don't even approach once. I was hoping this year would be different, but no, same shit.

I'm too afraid to approach. I just stand there, marinating in my own insecurities and dwelling on the fact that I have nothing to say. My mind just goes completely blank and I have no words I can muster to start a conversation.

No amount of liquid courage nor bumps of Columbian candy could get me to take action. I can't even muster up the courage to get a warm up in with a less attractive girl. I just stand there thinking of things I could possibly say, but nothing ever comes to mind except for excuses to not go up to her. My mind convinces me I have no right to go up to and talk to anyone here.

I've never been able to do a cold approach in my life. Despite reading up on PUA material for over 12 years now, I've never had the courage to take action. For whoever reads this on here, what mindset do you take when approaching girls? How were you starting out and how did you gather the courage to make it happen the first time? Any solid openers I can use to get me through this barrier?