I want to be less stupid, more competent?

You're quite well spoken and can compose a compelling story. I'd look for a small local paper and see if you could talk them into letting you do a weekly column. Anything to start. Even the old ladies knitting club or something. Your obvious self-awareness can work to your advantage in the journalistic field as you'd be more likely to focus on your subject as you'd prefer to divert the attention away from yourself. Turn your writing talents away from your shortcomings to a subject. I think it would work for you.