I started with (& still have) a BR of around $5,000 with little hold'em experience. Bought books, read & learned what I could. Then deposited $100 @ PP & started in the $25 ($.10 - $.25) NL 6 handed ring games & full table with FR MTT. Ran that up to over $300 in about a month & moved up to $50 ($25 - $.50) game.

Got to $500 & moved up to $100 game. Did not do as well, but was building slowly gaining experience. Had a run of good cards & stepped up to $200 games & got a dose of reality. Pretty much shattered my false sense of confidence....LOL. Went broke.

Gathered myself together & did almost the exact same thing at 2 other sites. But did venture into SnG's some with modest success before going bust twice again.

3rd site. Again a $100 deposit but did not venture beyond the $50 games. Got to $250 & played more SnG's. Got it to $400 & split it to bonus whore $200 at another site. Went broke at 1 site & the other is just under $400.

Got a birthday present from 1 previous site of $10 & ran that up to $80 where it sits today.

Then I started to look for help....LOL. I need(ed) lots! Found FTR & basically starting completely over trying to re-train my brain. Emotions are not much of an issue for me, so I believe that's a big help.

Now I have a better plan. Now I have found out about BR management. Though, overall I am not that reckless as I will not (& did not) expose a great deal of the $5,000 to risk without first having the following things;
1- more knowledge & experience
2- a solid BR management plan
3- a solid game plan (starting hand selection in relation to position etc. etc. etc.)
4- a proven win rate over months
5- the skill & confidence needed

Poker is not "natural" for me, I have to learn most everything, but I am usually a quick learner & I study hard. I play during the week & study on the weekends (re-reading books, studying info from FTR & other places). Focus lately is my weaknesses & leaks.
Weaknesses & leaks;
1- inexperience, causing swings in confidence, though improvement has been made
2- pre-flop play
3- chase a bit too much in position
4- reading opponents
5- betting & raising (what to do when & where for max. gain & min. losses)
6- folding (again when & where)
7- consistency with all of the above

When I feel I am ready, if ever, then I will step up with the cash to play for monetary gain seriously. I am well aware I may not be suited to play at that level & I'm fine with that. I do not "love" poker. I do love mentally challenging games such as chess etc. I bowhunt big game & fish for giants & have a "killer" type instinct (read aggressive) I think needed for such games. I have had guns pointed at my head from 3 feet away & the triggered pulled, I have been charged by grizzly bears, so fear at the tables is not an issue. I am not motivated by "greed" or "fear". I do self analyses etc. fairly honestly & on a regular basis.

I am a newbee poker player & a wannabee. So if any of the accomplished & experienced people here have any suggestions, criticisms, advise or wise words to pass on please do!

Thanks!