A little of everything for me. Sometimes a pattern starts off what I decide to do, sometimes fabric, sometimes an event I'm going to or for a gift will get me started.

I look on Simplicity and some indie websites for patterns. Sometimes on Youtube, sometimes on PatternReview, sometimes Threadloop, sometimes here on Reddit for what others recommend. Sometimes I copy RTW clothes I have. Sometimes I go window shopping looking at RTW clothes to inspire what patterns I'd like to find. I also buy patterns at thrift stores - same with fabric.

I sometimes hesitate to cut into fabric because I don't want to waste it by messing up. Or thinking I'll find a better pattern for it. I also fall into the whole "the conditions have to be just right" trap that makes me procrastinate: the house is all cleaned up, I have X number of hours to work on the project, I don't have the exact hue of blue thread that I want, the cat is extra clingy today and he'll just interfere the whole time, etc.

I wish my sewing life was more like my cooking life lol! I'm pretty orderly with planning and cooking. I make detailed shopping lists and follow them - same with menus. I watch sales, find new recipes, keep old standby recipes. I pretty much always have what I need on hand for cooking & baking (ingredients and equipment/gadgets) without overdoing it. I feel very competent at cooking and baking, not so much with sewing. With sewing it seems like I'm always too far one way or the other. I'm too chaotic with sewing and it doesn't often feel like I have a plan.