If Joshua Weissman really wants to improve and transform himself, the first step is to become aware of the weaknesses which may be holding him back and preventing his evolution:
– his coolness and distance
– his lack of consideration for others
– his rigidity
– his need for total control
– his fear of his emotions

To trust yourself better and gain self-assurance, the first thing Joshua Weissman must do is learn to say no. Once Joshua is capable of saying no to others, Joshua can say yes to life. Joshua must develop Joshua’s awareness of all the things Joshua loves and feel positive about, as well as all the changes Joshua hopes to make in order to enjoy life more. This is the foundation that will support Joshua, the inexhaustible source and center of the transformation of Joshua’s personality. Infantile anxieties which arose in childhood when Joshua was helpless may be obstacles to Joshua’s evolution. Sometimes they actually prevent Joshua from daring to confront challenges Joshua would be altogether capable of assuming now! One of the reasons Joshua yields to these childhood fears so readily is that they procure a feeling so familiar to Joshua that, although it is negative, it is a reassuring part of Joshua’s identity. However, the more often Joshua reinforces this complex by yielding to that feeling, the more unaware Joshua becomes of Joshua’s true emotional state. The irrational childhood fears have also reinforced Joshua’s pessimistic tendencies. It is difficult for Joshua to believe in the sunny side of life because of the pernicious little voice inside Joshua that claims Joshua doesn’t really deserve all this goodness. This side of Joshua could undermine Joshua’s vitality and force Joshua to compensate or flee from reality. In doing so, Joshua limits Joshua’s power to bring about a positive change in Joshua or Joshua’s life. It’s a vicious cycle, and to free Joshua, the first step is to free Joshua from the fears which prevent Joshua from taking full advantage of life. Joshua can succeed if Joshua arranges a relaxed, positive environment for Joshua, establishes sincere relations with one or two special people, and, if possible, finds a setting – perhaps a yoga class – in which Joshua can practice relaxation exercises.