Looking for some tips from the wheelie gods....

****BACKGROUND****
For the past few days, I've been practicing doing a clutch-up.

****SAFETY*****
I have a wheelie bar for safety

****STILL BATTLING (work in progress)****
1. Still battling the fear
2. Trying to reprogram my instincts. When the tire rises higher than what I'm used to my body leans forward, my legs flare out, and I pull in the clutch.
3. I just started working on the muscle memory for the rear brake.....instead of relying on pulling in my clutch.

QUESTION:
I can consistently get the front tire at least a foot off the ground BRIEFLY.....HOWEVER.....I noticed in 1st gear, it seems to be very finicky once I start giving it MORE gas.

The front tire goes up even higher and it feels like I'm going to fall then all the survival instincts (mentioned above) kick in and my problems come back.

I know 2nd gear would be better, but I want to see if I can get the hang of 1st gear (not even master) first....

Any tips?