there are only a few ways to fail in this path:
1) Commit suicide, because that intervenes with the plans of your true self.
2) Attempt to shun, destroy and ignore your true self.
The whole goal is to learn the ability to silence your mind of all chaotic thoughts, so that you could listen directly to your true self, who is pulling the strings of the world. That's the whole point of the path, not worshiping some altar of a black dragon.
Only way to learn this is to discipline your mind, build your willpower and your awareness. Meditation is key in this. Zen is best (though it is difficult finding a temple in Europe).
Everything else is secondary.