self-esteem and confidence. Once you have enough small victories under your belt you will have the courage.
The courage to make that leap of faith and try out one of your long term goals. For instance you could go sky diving, parasailing, take a trip solo, or move to a place where you know no one.
These goals are big, and can be a little nerve-racking, but once you get your courage back there will be no stopping you.
The new you does not have to be about physical fitness, but it can be. If you want to create a new you, make it all about what you want. Society has no say in how you self improve.
"I am the master of my fate,
I am the captain of my soul." –"Invictus" William Ernest Henly