I'm completely new to all of this. I just started reading "The Game" a few days ago. This stuff is pretty intriguing, so naturally, the first thing I did was to test it on anyone and everyone. What I've noticed is this: when you're constantly thinking about your actions, body language, and their implications, every movement feels awkward. I'm confident, but analyzing the situation from a strategic standpoint makes you second guess yourself. Hopefully others aren't sensing my perceived awkwardness, but I'm wondering if this goes away with practice? Is there a way to treat a set like a chess game without losing focus?

Cheers,
Noah

Good job on the first step to becoming a better man. We all have been there, even if some people do not want to admit it. Yes, the awkwardness will all go away once you do it for months. It will eventually become your lifestyle and you will enjoy many benefits in all parts of your life (not just women wise). Now that I have gave you this image, keep at it and do not give up. People who are newbies start whining(I know I did a little) early in the process and give up. Allow yourself to fail to grow. Remember the things that didn't work and the things that did. Remember that you are in this for the long term. Imagine what it will be like to be the man that everyone else will want to be and look up to. Just don't get caught up into the PUA jargon and start searching for your real self.

Good luck

A lot of guys just learning pick up seem to make the mistake of overthinking and trying to ace every part of the interaction. You have to focus more on mindset rather than obsessing over PUA tactics.

You're mindset should be: I'm going to go over there and mess with that girl and make her smile

Not: I'm gonna open than transition and neg than blah blah blah

Read PUA stuff but let all the stuff you learnt come out in it's own time don't try and force it out, just go out there and shag chicks and keep PUA stuff as a little inventory in your head you access when needed.

_________________
It came to me in a drreeeaaammmm

Great advice. I'm definitely in this for the long term. That's really the perfect advice. I think I psyche myself out too much when I think about every strategy I plan on using. So far, my best success has been from going in with only the opener planned.