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The Easy Path Project Live Stream #05
Inner Game Impact: Simple Mindset Shifts for Better Relationships and Dating Success
Welcome back to The Easy Path Project!
We’re continuing our discussion from last night about inner game and simple mindset shifts that can make life easier for you. Sometimes it feels like we’re beating ourselves to death trying to force our way through life, but it doesn’t have to be that way. You can relax and let things be good, and as you let them be good, things will be good around you.
The Dating Game Problem
A lot of young guys struggle because they have limited experience and even the smallest things get blown out of proportion. But as you get older and gain more experience, your understanding develops and things become easier. What makes it even easier is if you’re paying attention.
For instance, in a conversation that’s getting slightly contentious, you’ll develop the ability to discern whether it’s worth letting it go, dealing with it now, or dealing with it later. Most things that bother you today won’t matter in the long run.
Bonus Content: Stop Playing Games
I heard a dating coach answer this question today: “How long do I wait to get back in touch with a girl who sent me a text?”
Here’s the truth: Don’t play games. If a girl puts in the effort to get in touch with you, get back in touch with her when you have time. Don’t wait some arbitrary amount of time to seem “cool.”
When you develop strong inner game and feel confident in who you are, you don’t need to play games ever. If a girl starts playing games, call it out. Ask her directly: “What are you doing? What do you think you’re going to accomplish by waiting three hours or three days to get back in touch?”
Real-World Example
Let’s say you want to go out with a cute hairdresser. You ask her out, she plays it off for a month, but finally agrees. Then 15 minutes before the date, she texts: “Can I bring my sister along?”
Your response should be: “Actually no, but if you want to hang out with your sister today, feel free and we’ll arrange some other time. We made plans together, not with your sister.”
This isn’t being mean – it’s having boundaries and self-respect.
Question 5: Overcoming Approach Anxiety
“I get nervous about initiating conversations with women I find attractive in real life. How do I overcome approach anxiety?”
First, understand that women and men are different. Don’t try to think what a woman is thinking through the lens of how a man thinks. Frame your conversations in ways a woman would appreciate or want to discuss.
Practical Tips
- Look for indicators of interest – Is she looking your way? Is her body oriented toward you?
- Start with situations that give you natural openings – If she’s near someone you know, you can approach to say hi to your friend.
- Don’t put pressure on yourself – Start with hello, just like you would with anyone else.
- Consider what you want from the interaction – If you just want to say hi, then just say hi.
The Inner Game Connection
Once you develop inner game, your focus shifts from the outcome of the approach to the process of practicing social skills and being authentic. Instead of thinking “What am I going to say next?” focus on enjoying the conversation and being present.
Question 6: The “Nice Guy” Trap
Many guys think they have to earn a girl’s appreciation by being a “performing monkey” – doing little nice things and hoping she’ll realize how wonderful he is. This doesn’t work.
The Problem
You’re trying to flip a switch from “nice friend” to “boyfriend,” but if you’ve put yourself in the friend zone through your actions, that’s where you’ll stay.
The Better Approach
- Be clear about your intentions from the start – She should know within about 11 seconds what your intentions are
- Don’t make it a surprise – Don’t spring “Oh, by the way, I’m interested in you” on someone who thought you were just being friendly
- Just be cool – Tell her what you’re thinking, make sure conversations go smoothly, but don’t make her guess your intentions.
Question 7: Stop Overthinking Everything
Stop overthinking texts, date interactions, or wondering what she really meant when she said something. Be honest and direct.
The Radical Honesty Approach
- If you send a text, make sure it conveys what you actually mean.
- Ask questions directly: “How did you feel about this?” or “Did we have fun?”
- This gives you more to talk about and helps you actually get to know each other.
Focus on direct communication and observed behavior, not deciphering hidden meanings.
Question 8: Handling Jealousy
“How do I handle jealousy if she talks about male friends or past relationships?”
Simple answer: Don’t be jealous.
The Three-Step Approach
- First step: “Let’s not talk about that. What do you think about wave pools?”
- Second step: “You know what? Go talk with them now, and I’ll hang out by myself”
- Third step: If it’s a respect issue, be ready to walk away.
The Inner Game Perspective
When you have strong inner game, you trust yourself and the other person. You don’t need to be controlling. If you’re keeping her entertained and happy, she won’t be looking for other guys anyway.
Remember: If you have strong inner game and she’s not respecting you or the relationship, be ready to pull the plug. Girls you date should respect you and respect themselves.
The Bottom Line
Dating success starts with self-worth. How you value yourself becomes apparent to others. If you value yourself, people will respond well. If you don’t, they won’t recognize your worth because they’re naturally focused on themselves first.
Develop your inner strength, start valuing yourself, and feel better about who you are. People will notice because you’ve made it apparent. The cooler people think you are, the cooler they’ll treat you, and it builds from there.
What’s Coming Up
In future live streams, we’ll discuss “What older men know about dating that young men don’t until it’s too late.” Building your inner game will change your life in ways you cannot imagine. These simple mindset shifts and mental changes will make things start getting a lot better.
Join us for live streams every weeknight at 7:30 PM Central. Stop by, say hi, and let’s build a community of guys growing together through the struggles of relationships and life. Leave a comment and let me know if this is making sense – I’d love to start some conversations and get to know you better.