So I've lately come to realize what I think is the major thing holding me back: Being a huge coward.
This means everything from being scared of bugs, going on roller coasters, jumping into a cold pool (rather than getting in slowly), and as of getting into PU, talking up girls.
Now when I say talking up girls, I don't mean having a conversation with a buddy, class mate etc etc. I mean not being able to start an interaction with a female stranger while wishing to get her phone number.
I think some of this damaged my self esteem and social skills during my childhood and throughout school, and is now crippling my need to interact with women.
I will admit though that as of finding the forum, my inner game improved, and I've become a much more social person that has no problem interacting with a stranger, given that it's not an attractive women.
I'm sure there are many like me out there.... I know I have a few good friends who could relate, even though they won't openly admit it.
So what would you guys suggest to guys like me?

Shookie.

You said yourself you don't like jumping straight into cold water. Imagine attractive women like cold water. You need to work your way into getting used to it. So let's try something else in the mean time.

Maybe try approaching some women that you're less attracted to. Use your pick up techniques to get their number. You don't need to sleep with these women, they could even become good friends, you never know. But just get the feel of what each interaction is like, because a hot girl follows the same attraction patterns as some who is less hot, they just look different.

You could even get a wingman involved and use each other for a confidence boost.

Practice makes perfect.

facing-fears-getting-started-vt79129.ht ... ght=change

Basically, this post is on exactly what you need. To get started if you are afraid of facing your fears.

That was a great post Ezo, thanks.
Any more tips would be much appreciated.

Take it easy on the self-labeling. Being afraid of bugs or freaking out over a chat with a girl does not make one a coward. Focus less on your 'inner self' and start focusing more on actual game. Focus more on the actual exchanges that you'll want to have a with a girl. Put your energy into the things that you know you can change; it's far easier to change what you say than it is to change how you feel.

You're going to see a lot of ideas on this forum. Generally, extroverts game like extroverts. Introverts game like introverts. Douche bags game like douche bags. Intelligent people game intelligently. There's no reason to re-invent yourself and there is no reason to fight the person you are already. Just accept it and shine light to your positives.

Go out, conquer your fears, approach girls.

Fear is in your head, just put one foot in front of the other and don't think about consequences. Don't be careful, be careless.

Dude, you're 17..... relax.