Hey Tornado! Welcome to DV (again).

There are a lot of threads here on the site about self-training and self-improvement. They use varying keywords so you might have to experiment. Often confidence is built by experiences, so my advice is that when you achieve lucidity, which you will, just go for it. There's nothing holding you back, remember that. As for teaching yourself strength and intelligence, it would really depend on how you went about it. There have been some discussions around about studying in dreams or practicing (sports, instruments, etc.) in dreams. Just experiment.

Make measurable goals for yourself if you'd like. Then, upon attaining one goal reward yourself with something. *end obvious advice* If you have any other questions let us know.

-Amé