Reality Check - Part One

When's the last time you really took a good look at your life and appreciated how far you've come?

It's been a long time? Well then, you're ready for a Reality Check!

During the last Art of Attraction, I was sitting up in front of the room, talking away like I always do. And, in the middle of my talk, it hit me. Look how far I've come! I go out there every weekend, and I talk to groups of guys as an Authority on women. We pack a room with 40 complete strangers, all waiting to hear me talk. And, I don't even think twice. Not a twinge of fear or anxiety.

What?! Let's take a step back for a second. In fact, let's go all the way back to my first concious attempt at public speaking. Thailand. 2003. One room. Seven Thai students. One observer watching my every move. - It was my first time teaching English.

Long before I got into pickup and meeting women, I knew that I had to change my ways. I knew that I had to step up and shatter my social fears.


I was enrolled in a class to become an English teacher, and during that first class, I knew that I was in over my head. My teacher's trainer summed it up best by saying "I thought you were going to pee your pants up there."

In case you missed it. It was Seven students. Seven people who didn't even speak my language, and would never see me again in my life. Hardly the public speaking olympics.

But, I signed up and took the challenge.

My ex-girlfriend (who I'd broken up with a couple months earlier) could have easily told you. I didn't have what it takes to be an English teacher. I was afraid to even talk to her friends from college. And, now I was going to get a job? Doing what?

But, I plowed through, determined to grow and change. I taught that class, and then another and another. And, pretty soon I was teaching with ease. (Well, when the principal came and gave me my review, I'd still get the sweats).

I grew stronger and more confident. I began to feel comfortable leading a group.

But, when I returned to the US, I was once again filled with dread. I came into the Art of Attraction program with some experience and a huge drive to succeed. Yet, I was still living in fear. Every moment of the class I was afraid that Lance or William would call on me to have me say something for the group. And I took my medicine, knowing that it was good for me.

I look at the students these days, and most of them look so comfortable in the class. I really think about how much more I sucked when I was in their seat. I even wonder if I could've handled the workshop the way we teach it today.

I would not be stopped, however. I knew what I wanted. Eventually I started teaching for PickUp 101. Soon after, I started giving lectures. Still nervous and shakey, but moving every step closer to the Man I knew I could be.

If I could only count the number of times that I stood off stage, knowing that it was just moments until stagetime. The fear bubbling up inside while I courageously pushed it down.

And, now what?

Now, I actually enjoy it. I love entertaining a full house of guys. I can talk for hours about anything. And when I'm a student in a group setting, I never hesitate to interupt and ask questions. - I never would've dreamed of doing that before. In college, I sat in the backrow of every class, quietly trying to hide.

Is this the same me?

Somehow along the way, something changed. And, I'm sure fuckin' glad that it did!

Whatever it is, you can make your dreams a reality. You can change anything in your life.

But, forget about the future for a second, and take a look at your past. How far have you come? Maybe you're not there yet, but you're on your way. Take a second and get real. You are a powerful person, capable of many things. Find something to celebrate now. I mean right now.

Find something that you can currently do that you never would've dreamed of doing before.

Hell, maybe it's riding a bicycle or tying your shoes. I guarantee at some point in your life, you were confused or scared by those things too.

Celebrate your growth. Enjoy it. And give yourself a nice warm pat on the back! You rock!