Start with God's grace
Getting right with God can sound like a long climb, as though you need to fix every part of your life before he will listen. But the Bible begins somewhere else. It says all people have fallen short of God's glory, so none of us comes to him with a perfect record (Romans 3:23).
God's answer is not to ask broken people to save themselves. While people were still sinners, Christ died for them (Romans 5:8). Jesus took sin seriously, and he also opened the way for forgiveness. Through him, God makes people who trust him right in his sight (2 Corinthians 5:21).
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Trust Jesus, not your own effort
The heart of becoming right with God is faith in Jesus. Faith is more than agreeing that Jesus existed. It is relying on him, trusting that his death and resurrection are enough to rescue you. John says that those who receive Christ and believe in his name are given the right to become God's children (John 1:12).
Good actions matter, but they are not the price of acceptance with God. Paul tells the Ephesian Christians that salvation is God's gift, received by grace through faith, not something anyone can boast about earning (Ephesians 2:8-9). You don't have to clean yourself up first. Come to Jesus honestly.
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Turn to God honestly
The Bible calls for repentance. This means a real change of mind and direction, turning away from sin and turning towards God. Peter urged people to repent and be converted so that their sins could be blotted out (Acts 3:19). It is not pretending you have never done wrong. It is bringing the truth into the light and choosing God's way.
You can speak to God plainly. Tell him you need his mercy, confess what you know is wrong, and ask him to help you trust and follow Jesus. Romans says that whoever calls on the Lord will be saved (Romans 10:13). There is no magic formula, only a sincere response to the God who has already reached out.
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Take the next step
Following Jesus is the beginning of a new relationship, not the end of all struggle. Jesus calls his followers to learn from him and walk in his ways (Matthew 11:28-30). You will still need grace, and God does not abandon his children when they stumble.
Read one of the Gospels, such as John, and ask God to show you who Jesus is. Talk with a mature Christian or a local church community where you can ask questions and grow. Baptism is a meaningful public step of faith that Christians have practised from the earliest days, though churches differ on its timing and practice (Acts 2:38). For now, the central thing is clear: come to Christ and trust him.